Our dedicated asbestos compensation claim solicitors are independently recognised as some of the best in the UK. We have a great deal of experience in successfully obtaining asbestos-related compensation and bringing mesothelioma claims for our clients, including those whose employers are no longer in business.
You can be certain that your asbestos compensation claim will be handled in a professional yet sympathetic way.
Asbestos
Although asbestos is no longer used in buildings, its use was widespread from the 1930s to the 1970s, and millions of people have been exposed to asbestos at work. Only a few will develop mesothelioma as a result of their exposure, but those who do are entitled to make an asbestos compensation claim. This is because many employers knew about the dangers of exposure to asbestos but did not adequately protect their employees from being exposed to fibres.
It is also possible to bring a mesothelioma claim if you were exposed to asbestos in circumstances other than work, for example from exposure to the fibres on the work clothes of a family member, or if you lived near a factory where the use of asbestos was commonplace.
Asbestos compensation claims: recent news
Asbestos compensation claims differ greatly from other types of personal injury claim. In most personal injury cases the injured party suffers physical injury, after which either a good recovery is made or the residual symptoms are only moderately restrictive in relation to their daily activities.
Simon Allen discusses asbestos compensation claims – read the full story here.
Oxford Mesothelioma Lawyer Peter Lodge on Landmark decision for Asbestos Compensation Claims – 4 April 2012
Peter Lodge, industrial disease specialist with Slater & Gordon Lawyers, is fully aware of the importance of the decision, and commented:
‘This is a monumental day for sufferers and the families of mesothelioma patients, as for too long insurance companies have tried to avoid their responsibilities for compensating victims. Clearly this judgment means that is no longer possible. As well as those people directly affected by this judgment, it will also mean that those in the future who are unfortunate enough to develop the same condition should be able to get access to justice and financial security more easily.’
Mr Lodge has been pursuing asbestos compensation claims in the Oxford area for the past 15 years. ‘I am seeing more and more asbestos clients every year and sadly I can only see this rise in the Oxfordshire area in the next few years, because of its industrial history, particularly from the Cowley car works, which used to employ some 20,000 people in the 1970s.’
New ruling from the UK Supreme Court, 2 April 2012
Tracey Graham, who specialises in occupational disease, has welcomed a new ruling from the UK Supreme Court safeguarding millions of pounds in compensation that would be handled by the city’s legal community.
Tracey, who is the head of personal injury in our Manchester office and a principal lawyer (partner), believes that the success rate of asbestos-related claims – valued at up to £500,000 – is more secure following confirmation that liability lies with the insurers that covered companies at the time employees were first exposed, rather than when the symptoms of asbestos exposure first manifested themselves.
Asbestos compensation claims: new ruling from the UK Supreme Court - read the full story here.
Bringing an asbestos compensation claim if your employer is no longer in business
Don’t worry if your employer is no longer operating, as it is still possible to obtain damages, through its insurer, by restoring the company, or by bringing a mesothelioma claim under the government’s scheme via the Pneumoconiosis (Workman’s Compensation) Act 1979.
Our approach to asbestos compensation claims
Our mesothelioma solicitors are independently recognised as some of the best in the UK. We have a great deal of experience in bringing mesothelioma claims, so you can be certain that your case will be handled in a professional yet compassionate way.
Our occupational disease group will support you through your mesothelioma claim. Not only will we provide you with a free initial consultation, but also we are very happy to visit you at home, and will meet you frequently throughout your claim if that is what you wish.
Making an asbestos compensation claim
You have to bring an asbestos compensation claim within three years of first being told that you have the disease mesothelioma. You can also bring a claim if your injuries are relatively minor, as it is possible to reserve the opportunity to get more damages if you develop one of the more serious conditions in later years.
There are four main hurdles to clear in order to win compensation in a mesothelioma claim:
• A medical report by an expert in respiratory disease will be needed, to prove that you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease
• Establishing that the disease was caused by exposure to asbestos from a particular source, namely your employer. This can be done by producing evidence to show that you suffered from asbestos exposure, and the years when it occurred
• Many employers have known of the dangers of exposure to asbestos for more than 50 years. You will need to show that your employer could have foreseen that at the time of the exposure you could suffer an asbestos-related disease
• Establishing that your exposure to asbestos was caused by your employers’ negligence. Many employers did nothing to warn their employees or protect them from the dangers
Our asbestos compensation claim solicitors will talk you through each of these requirements in more detail, and assist you every step of the way.
Many people have been exposed to asbestos fibres through working for more than one employer. Equally, the courts have held that it may be impossible to identify which exposure and therefore which employer has caused a victim’s illness. However, if we can prove that exposure to asbestos increased the risk of developing an asbestos-related disease, a claim can be pursued against that employer.
Recent asbestos compensation claim publicity
• Our client receives £70,000 in asbestos compensation after being exposed to asbestos
• Our client who is suffering from Asbestos related Cancer makes appeal to former employees
Keith Hawkins urges local contractors to come forward
Keith Hawkins, a retired joiner formerly employed by Sheffield City Council, is appealing for other employees that undertook work on Myers Grove School, the Gleadless Valley estate or the Park Hill estate during the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s to contact his legal team. Keith is being represented by Simon Allen, National Practice Group Leader at Slater & Gordon Lawyers' Sheffield.
Keith was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in 2010, and is now seeking asbestos compensation.
Mr Hawkins came into contact with asbestos fibres and dust on several occasions between 1954 and 1993 while repairing airing cupboards and guttering and during the initial construction of Myers Grove School.
Contact us today to talk about your asbestos compensation claim
Please call 0800 916 9046, email enquiries@slatergordon.co.uk or use the short mesothelioma online enquiry form. Our mesothelioma solicitors operate from London, Manchester, Birmingham, Sheffield, Cardiff and Edinburgh, and can offer immediate and accessible representation anywhere in the UK.
93%of our clients would recommend our service
Already know your expert?
Find their contact details here:
