“Washington in Sunderland, is a Mesothelioma Blackspot,” Warn Asons Solicitors

Bolton, United Kingdom (PRWEB UK) 31 October 2013

Disturbing new figures reveal that the death rate from Mesothelioma in Sunderland is twice the national average. Wearside sufferers, and their carers, are demanding that more is done to support the high number of people who are in desperate need of support and compensation. (1)

Across Sunderland, 105 people died from the condition between 2008 and 2012. (1)

This year, the Government announced a Mesothelioma Bill, which aims to help those who are finding it difficult to claim compensation from their former employers, or insurers. (1)

However with such an alarming high number of sufferers located in Wearside, demands for more help have been made. (1)

John Birkett, 66, was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in December 2011, and underwent chemotherapy last year. Mr Birkett was formerly employed as a shipyard worker and was exposed to the deadly asbestos fibres during his years working in the industry, having began his employment as a 15-year-old apprentice. (1)

Mr Birkett, from Washington, said: “More needs to be done to make sure it is the sufferers who are looked after rather than the insurance companies. (1)

“This is a condition which lies dormant in the body for years, for me it was 45 years. So we will hear about more and more people contracting it.” (1)

Chemotherapy has helped shrink the tumour close to John’s spine, but he knows he faces more treatment in the future. (1)

Thomas Fairclough, Executive at Asons Solicitors Stated that:

“An Asbestos related illness like Mesothelioma can lead to a slow, painful death, taking up to 40 years for symptoms to present themselves. It is unfortunate that something hadn’t been done sooner, safeguarding the health of those employed in Sunderland.”

The average number of Mesothelioma deaths per 100,000 people, for 2008-2012 in England, is 2.6. Sunderland’s mortality rate is 5.2, more than twice the national average. (1)

Locoted in Sunderland, Washington, is believed to have the highest concentration of sufferers, after employees at the former asbestos manufacturer ‘Turner and Newall’ were exposed to the deadly fibres. (1)

It is estimated that 300 people a year receive no civil compensation, despite their diagnosis, because their former employer’s insurers cannot be traced. (1)

According to the HSE, Men who worked in industry when asbestos was used extensively are now among those most at risk of Mesothelioma. Predictions have been made, that in the worst case, annual deaths for men with asbestos related illnesses will increase to a peak of about 2100, around the year 2016. (2)

Asons Solicitors suggest that if someone would like to learn more about asbestos related illnesses, or if they would like to better understand Mesothelioma claims process, that information is available at http://www.asons.co.uk, or via an expert helpline on 01204 521 133

(1)    Concern as Sunderland is named Mesothelioma Blackpot - http://www.sunderlandecho.com/news/health/concern-as-sunderland-named-mesothelioma-blackspot-1-6158994 - Sunderland Echo 2013
(2)    Mesothelioma Statistics - http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/causdis/mesothelioma/ - Health and Safety Executive

Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

For further information contact:
Email: info(at)asons(dot)co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk

Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/10/prweb11265055.htm