Asbestos in Rented Homes: Can You Make a Claim?

Asbestos is a building material that has been used in commercial and residential buildings for the better part of the 20^th century. Although today, asbestos is no longer used, the structures that still maintain asbestos can be hazardous to your health. It is estimated that over 200,000 deaths have been related to asbestos exposure. Although many believe exposure to asbestos can only happen if you work directly with the material, it is not true. Many asbestos exposure claims come directly from exposure in residences. If you are among the many who have had asbestos exposure due to disrepair in your residence, listen up, this is what you need to know.

Document Possible Exposure

The first thing you will want to do if you suspect you have been wrongfully exposed to asbestos is find out where the exposure may be coming from. When you live in a home that is in disrepair, it is up to the landlord to maintain the structure of the home. Asbestos can reside in the walls, floors, ceiling, and various materials throughout your residence. There is no real way to discover if asbestos is a factor until you have the home properly tested. Asbestos exposure experts will come to your home to test for any possible exposure issues.

Should an exposure be determined, make sure those who are inspecting the home take pictures of all possible exposure areas. Do not remain in a home that has a known asbestos exposure. Your health can be at risk.

Have Yourself and Your Family Members Tested for Exposure

Litigation can take you far and get you the compensation deserved for residential asbestos exposure, but actual evidence of exposure is essential. It is not enough to have evidence of asbestos within the home. The strongest cases show actual exposure with medical professionals to back up the claim. Doctors can perform a series of tests to determine if exposure is a factor and to what extent the exposure has adversely effected your health.

Medical Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure

There are a variety of medical risks associated with asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma is among the most common and accounts for roughly 70% of all exposure claims. However, Mesothelioma is not the only one. Other health-related issues that have been linked to asbestos exposure include lung cancer and asbestosis.

Asbestosis is the most rare of these conditions and is only found in 20,000 cases per year, but it is something that can be life-threatening, so it is something you should be aware of. Asbestosis is a lung disease that is caused by breathing in airborne asbestos fibers.

Proper Representation

As with most litigation claims, going it alone is not the way to go. Asbestos exposure can pose serious health concerns for people of all ages but is most prevalent in young children and the elderly. Should you believe asbestos exposure has caused you medical problems due to an unsuitable home situation, your landlord needs to be made to pay.

Simply showing them pictures and evidence you have maintained about the exposure is not enough. In order to have a leg to stand on in the courtroom, proper representation is essential

Lawyers who specialise in representing asbestos exposure victims understand the ins and outs of the laws and can get you the most compensation for your claim. At the very least, proving the evidence and having proper representation may cause the landlord to begin the process of repairing the damage, but do not allow simply a repair to suffice.

Conditions associated with exposure to asbestos can lie dormant in the body for up to a decade, and by that time, your health could be in serious decline. The landlord should always maintain a safe environment for tenants, and those who do not should be made to pay medical expenses and possible ongoing care to victims.

Do Not Return to Your Home Until Completely Clear

Although it can be stressful to have to leave your residence due to possible asbestos exposure, it is simply unsafe to stay. Returning to a home that is not completely cleared of exposure is unwise. Returning can also adversely affect your claim against the property owner. It is always best to stay away until litigation and proper repairs are completed on the space.

How a Housing Disrepair Solicitor can Help

If you require guidance after being in an accident, a personal injury solicitor can help you build your case and claim compensation. We can also help you with information regarding the out-of-pocket expenses that could potentially be involved in your personal injury case or accidents.

At SilverOak Solicitors, our team of experienced personal injury solicitors will evaluate your claim and offer insight into the most effective course of action. Contact us to speak with one of our personal injury experts about your case today.