Asbestos compensation

Asbestos compensation

For getting your life back on track

Asbestos-related illnesses carry serious implications for your health and wellbeing. These conditions can significantly affect your quality of life, work, everyday activities and capacity to enjoy your free time. Beyond the physical effects, asbestos-related diseases can also lead to emotional distress, causing concerns about your future health, financial stability, and prospects. The most frustrating thing is that you should never be in a situation where you’re exposed to asbestos without the necessary protective equipment.

If you’re exposed to asbestos due to the negligence of your employer or another party, you may be entitled to claim asbestos compensation. Navigating a claim for an asbestos-related disease can seem daunting. At Switalskis, our dedicated team of solicitors is here to guide you every step of the way, offering compassionate and expert legal advice. By doing so, we can make the process simple and efficient while taking the necessary steps to secure the compensation you’re owed.

We recognise the gravity of what you're facing. Our personal injury team specialises in asbestos-related claims, and we’re prepared to provide you with compassionate and clear guidance throughout the compensation process. We understand the sensitivity needed when handling such claims and are committed to keeping you informed at every stage. We have vast experience with these types of claims and are ready to offer you the empathetic care and advice you need.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, please don't hesitate to contact us. Your health, rights and peace of mind are our top priorities. You can reach us at 0800 138 0458 or contact us through our website .

To get started, give us a call today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch with us through our website to find out more about how we can help.

How Switalskis can help

If your asbestos-related illness resulted from the negligence or actions of another party or organisation, you may be entitled to claim compensation to address both your physical suffering and any financial setbacks you've experienced. Our team is dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

When you work with Switalskis, you don’t just get legal representation. We understand that making a claim is about more than just the legal process; it's about seeking support for the challenges you're facing. Our team is deeply committed to fighting for your rights and wellbeing at every stage of the process.

Our solicitors are specialists in personal injury law, including asbestos-related cases. We have a deep understanding of the intricacies involved in these claims. We’ll guide you through the entire process of making a claim and make it as simple as possible for you.

Read what our clients had to say about the help they received from Switalskis

How can negligence lead to asbestos-related illnesses?

Injuries often result from negligence on the part of people who are responsible for health and safety, such as employers, or organisations. In many sectors, businesses and employers have specific responsibilities to minimise the risk of asbestos exposure and the illnesses that it can cause. When they fail, they may be liable for any consequences that arise. There are several ways that negligence can lead to asbestos-related illnesses, including:

  • Workplace negligence: many asbestos exposure cases happen in the workplace. Employers have a legal duty to protect their employees from asbestos exposure. Negligence in the workplace can include: inadequate training, lack of protective gear, poor maintenance and a failure to conduct risk assessments.
  • Unsafe environments: asbestos can be present in public buildings, schools and homes. When it is detected, it must be removed. Examples of negligence that can lead to illness include a failure to remove the asbestos or display clear warning signs, or to provide adequate ventilation in places where asbestos has been detected.
  • Asbestos product negligence: companies that have manufactured products containing asbestos in the past have been considered negligent for failing to warn consumers about the dangers associated with their products. Due to the associated health risks, asbestos should not be used in any consumer products, and if you’re exposed in this way you could pursue a claim for compensation.

Understanding how negligence contributes to asbestos-related conditions is vital for those seeking compensation. If you or a loved one have been affected by asbestos exposure due to negligence, the experienced team at Switalskis is here to provide compassionate guidance towards claiming compensation.

What injuries and conditions can come from asbestos exposure and negligence?

Asbestos exposure can result in various serious injuries and life-threatening conditions, including various types of cancer. Understanding the potential health consequences is vital when pursuing asbestos-related personal injury claims for compensation. Here are some of the illnesses and conditions that can arise from asbestos exposure:

Mesothelioma

This is a rare and aggressive form of cancer primarily caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. It has been shown to affect the lining of the lungs, abdomen, heart and testicles. Mesothelioma has a long latency period, and its symptoms may not appear until decades after exposure.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that develops due to the scarring of lung tissue from prolonged asbestos exposure. It can lead to breathing difficulties, coughing and chest pain.

Lung cancer

Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, particularly in smokers. This form of cancer can have devastating consequences.

Pleural plaques

Pleural plaques are areas of thickening on the pleura, the membrane that lines the lungs. Although they might not cause symptoms of their own, they indicate asbestos exposure and increase your risk of more serious asbestos-related diseases.

Pleural effusion

This condition involves the build-up of fluid in the pleural space around the lungs. It can cause breathing difficulties and discomfort.

Pleuritis

Pleuritis is the inflammation of the pleura, leading to chest pain and breathing difficulties.

Gastrointestinal cancers

Asbestos exposure has been linked to cancers of the oesophagus, stomach, colon and rectum.

Laryngeal cancer

Asbestos exposure is also associated with an increased risk of cancer affecting the larynx or voice box.

Ovarian cancer

There is some evidence linking asbestos exposure to ovarian cancer.

It is important to note that the above conditions often present symptoms that affect people differently or that may not become apparent immediately. In fact, symptoms may not present at all. If you have been exposed to asbestos, you should seek advice from a medical professional as soon as possible. After doing so, consider making a claim for compensation.

Making an asbestos compensation claim

Navigating a compensation claim for asbestos-related illnesses can be complex and emotionally challenging. Asbestos-related conditions can weigh heavy on your life and mental health over time, adding an additional layer of difficulty to these situations. Our dedicated team of solicitors is here to guide you through every step of the process, making sure you’re well-informed and receive the support you need during what can be a very difficult time.

Here's a breakdown of how the asbestos compensation claims process typically works:

Step 1: Initial consultation

The first step in making a claim is to reach out to our team. We’ll hold an initial consultation, during which we’ll discuss the specifics of your asbestos exposure and provide you with a clear understanding of what you can expect from a compensation claim.

Step 2: Establishing your claim

We’ll start gathering evidence to support your argument. This evidence may include medical records, incident reports, testimonies from witnesses and any relevant communications with the parties or organisations responsible for your asbestos exposure. If you’ve spent or lost money as a result of your illness, we can also use evidence that demonstrates your spending and costs to claim these back as part of your compensation settlement.

Step 3: Notifying the defendant

Once we have compiled a strong case on your behalf, we’ll contact the responsible party or their insurance provider to notify them of your claim.

Step 4: Negotiation

In many personal injury cases, the defendant accepts responsibility and compensation negotiations begin, without the need for a trial. Our team will work to secure a fair and just settlement on your behalf. However, if the defendant disputes your claim, we may need to escalate the matter to court.

Step 5: Court proceedings (where necessary)

While most asbestos compensation claims are resolved through negotiations, some need court intervention if defendants do not accept liability. In these cases, you can trust our expertise to present your evidence effectively, represent you in court and advocate for your rights throughout the legal proceedings.

Step 6: Settlement and compensation

Upon the successful resolution of your claim, we’ll make sure that the responsible party fulfils their obligation by compensating you for the pain, suffering and losses you’ve endured due to asbestos exposure and negligence.

With Switalskis by your side, you can focus on what truly matters - your health and wellbeing.

Are there time limits for making asbestos-related personal injury claims?

Typically, personal injury claims must be initiated within a three-year period from the date of the accident or incident that resulted in the injury. However, asbestos-related claims often bring unique circumstances that can affect your ability to do this, due to how long the symptoms can take to manifest. In such cases, the time limit may begin from the date you become aware of these symptoms and their connection to your asbestos exposure.

There are also some exceptions to this time limit:

  • Children: for incidents involving children, the three-year time limit does not start until the child's 18th birthday. Following this, they have until their 21st birthday to bring their own claim.
  • Mental capacity: if you’re acting on behalf of someone who lacks the mental capacity to initiate a claim for themselves, the standard time constraints may not apply.
  • Fatal cases: if you’re claiming on behalf of a family member who passed away due to an asbestos-related disease, the claim must be made within three years of the date of death, or from the point at which a post-mortem revealed asbestos exposure as a cause of death.

Starting your claim as soon as possible will help to make sure you don’t miss any deadlines that apply. As soon as you become aware of your asbestos-related condition or illness, contact us so we can begin working on your behalf to pursue the compensation you rightfully deserve.

What will asbestos compensation cover? How much compensation can I claim?

The exact amount of compensation you can claim will depend on various factors, including the specific asbestos-related condition you have, its stage and the impact it has had on your life. We’ll look at the impact of the illness on your life, together with any loss of income and care costs required. If a loved one unfortunately passed away as a result of exposure to asbestos, you may be able to make a dependency claim.

Funding your asbestos-related personal injury claim

We understand that the idea of pursuing a personal injury claim can leave you with concerns about legal fees and costs. At Switalskis, we’re committed to providing accessible legal assistance to anyone looking to make a personal injury claim, so we operate on a no win, no fee basis for the majority of such claims. This means you don’t need to pay any legal fees upfront, and we’ll only charge you if we successfully secure compensation for your claim.

In the event that your claim is successful, our legal costs will be taken as a pre-agreed percentage of the final compensation award. We’ll discuss this with you at the beginning of the claims process before you decide to proceed, so there will be no surprises later down the line.

In some cases, you may be eligible for additional financial assistance or benefits related to your condition, such as Legal Aid. Our team will work with you to explore all available avenues of financial support to help alleviate any financial challenges you might otherwise face and make sure you’re able to make a claim if you have the right to do so.

What to remember when making an asbestos exposure compensation claim

Seeking compensation for asbestos-related conditions is a vital step towards obtaining the support you deserve. Here are some key steps to remember before doing so:

  • Prioritise your health: your wellbeing should always be your top priority. If you believe you may have been exposed to asbestos or are experiencing symptoms indicating an asbestos-related condition, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Not only can this improve your prognosis, but medical reports and diagnoses are vital pieces of evidence in your compensation claim. They provide a professional assessment of your condition, serving as compelling evidence of the link between your illness and asbestos exposure.
  • Report the exposure: if your asbestos exposure happened in the workplace or a public area, report the incident to the relevant authorities or management. This creates an official record of the exposure and could help to prevent similar incidents from happening to others in the future. Reporting makes sure there is documentation of the circumstances surrounding your exposure, which can be essential in supporting your claim.
  • Document the evidence: to strengthen your compensation claim, consider gathering any evidence related to your exposure. If possible, take clear photographs of the areas where the exposure happened, or the materials that caused it - but do not risk further exposure to do this at any cost.

Seeking legal advice is about more than pursuing financial recompense. It’s a critical step towards securing the support and resources you need for your recovery. It also helps to make sure that those responsible for your suffering are held accountable. We’re here to guide you through what can be a complex process. We approach asbestos compensation claims with compassion and expertise, to make sure your rights and wellbeing are protected at every stage.

Contact us today and let's start your journey towards recovery together. Call us today on 0800 1380 458, or get in touch via our form.

Our asbestos compensation specialists

Photo of Diane Parker
Diane ParkerDirector and Solicitor
photo of Gillian Ward
Gillian WardSenior Associate Legal Executive
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Why Switalskis?

If you or a loved one are considering pursuing an asbestos-related compensation claim, selecting the right legal representation is essential. At Switalskis, we understand the unique complexities and sensitivities involved in these types of injury claims. Here's why you can trust us to guide you through this challenging process:

Clarity in complexity

We believe in making the claims process as straightforward as possible for our clients. Legal language can be complex, but our commitment to clarity means we’ll break everything down to make sure you fully understand every aspect of your claim. We’ll translate any difficult legal terms into plain language so it’s easier for you to make informed decisions.

Empathy at every step

We approach every case with empathy and a deep understanding of the challenges you and your family may be facing in the wake of an asbestos-related illness. We’ll listen to your concerns and provide tailored advice that resonates with your specific circumstances. Your wellbeing and peace of mind are our priorities.

Expertise you can trust

Our solicitors are recognised experts in asbestos-related personal injury claims. We have an extensive track record of successfully representing clients who have suffered due to asbestos exposure. When you choose Switalskis, you're partnering with a team that possesses in-depth knowledge of the laws and regulations governing asbestos exposure in the UK.

Championing your rights

We’re committed to upholding your rights and making sure that your voice is heard throughout the claims process. We’ll stand by your side at every phase, providing the support and guidance you need to make informed decisions. With Switalskis, you’re not alone; we're here to transform a challenging ordeal into a pathway towards compensation and recovery.

Choosing the right legal representation for your asbestos compensation claim will affect how your claim progresses and its likelihood of success, so it's important to make sure you have an ally you can trust. We’re confident that you can rely on our expertise and dedication to help you secure the compensation and support you deserve.

What are the types of personal injury claims?

Personal injury claims come in various shapes and sizes, each with its own set of rules, challenges and considerations. At Switalskis, we've got the expertise to handle a wide range of personal injury claims. Here's a quick rundown of the various types of personal injury claims we can help you with:

Find out how Switalskis can help you

If you have any questions about whether you’re eligible to make an asbestos compensation claim or what the process involves simply call our team today on 0800 1380 458 or get in touch with us through our website.

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