If you or a family member suffer from mesothelioma as a result of negligent exposure to asbestos then you may be able to bring a successful claim to recover compensation.
Though we understand no amount of money could rectify the damage done to your health, the compensation can offer financial security for your family going forward.
Our highly skilled local team of trusted mesothelioma solicitors has an outstanding track record and will guide you in making a claim step by step. We make the process as stress-free and easy as possible, meeting you at your home or hospital if required.
We are experts in all areas of asbestos-related disease claims, meaning we have contacts with other experts (medical, engineering, and specialist barristers) at the forefront of this field of work, thus ensuring supportive evidence is obtained in support of your claim.
We pride ourselves in providing a bespoke service and will always offer home visits wherever possible. We appreciate the difficulties you may face following your diagnosis and as such we look at your needs as a whole, signposting you to other non-legal services as necessary.
We operate on a 'no win, no fee' basis. If your case is unsuccessful, you will not have to pay our legal fees. If your case is successful we will seek to recover the legal costs from the defendant.
We receive lots of questions about mesothelioma.
Here are some commonly asked questions about the claims process and what to expect.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos. It affects the mesothelium which is a thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the chest wall (pleura) and the abdomen (peritoneum).
Mesothelioma symptoms often include chest pain, shortness of breath, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, a persistent cough and night sweats.
More than 2,600 people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. Since it has a protracted latency period (i.e. it takes a long time for symptoms to develop after exposure), the majority of people who are diagnosed with the condition are aged 50+.
Men are more commonly affected than women, because they are more likely to have worked in industries where asbestos was historically used, such as construction, plumbers, decorators, carpenters, carpenters, factory workers, and shipbuilders.
To make a mesothelioma claim, contact our mesothelioma solicitors who can provide no-obligation legal advice about your situation and how we can help. If there is a claim to be made, we will start the process by collecting as much information and evidence as possible about when, where, and how you were exposed to asbestos.
Our mesothelioma solicitors will then track down the insurers of those responsible for your asbestos exposure, and any witnesses to build a strong case and secure you the maximum amount of compensation.
You usually have three years from the time you were diagnosed with mesothelioma to make an asbestos claim, although our specialists will advise you if a different time limit applies in your particular circumstances.
If a claim is ongoing at the time of death, loved ones usually have a period of three years from that point to continue with the case. It’s also possible for family members to start a claim on behalf of a loved one who has died, and again there is usually a three-year window after death where this is possible. Please speak to our specialist solicitors for case-specific advice in respect of time limits.
Asbestos-related illnesses can take decades to develop, so it doesn’t matter how long ago the asbestos exposure took place.
If your former employer did not have insurance in place at the time you were negligently exposed to asbestos, then you may be able to bring a claim through the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
This scheme is designed to compensate people with Diffuse Mesothelioma who, either negligently or in breach of a statutory duty, were exposed to asbestos by their employers, and who are unable to bring a claim for compensation against that employer or that employer's Employers' Liability insurer.
Should a sufferer of mesothelioma pass away, the scheme can also make payments to their eligible dependents.
How much compensation you receive for your mesothelioma claim will depend on a number of different factors, including how long you have the illness for and the type of treatment you have undergone. Your personal circumstances will be taken into account so each patient will receive an amount dependent on their particular situation.
If your spouse, long-term partner or parent dies from mesothelioma, you may be able to claim as a ‘dependent’ to account for their loss of income.
You may be entitled to state benefits following a diagnosis of mesothelioma. Our mesothelioma solicitors will be able to provide guidance on entitlement.
Many personal injury solicitors will say they are able to deal with mesothelioma claims, however due to the illness’ aggressive nature mesothelioma claims differ from other personal injury claims in a number of ways.
It is therefore vital you choose an experienced specialist in this area of law.
In order to expedite mesothelioma claims there are specific court rules which apply only to mesothelioma claimants. It is therefore important that your solicitor is familiar with these practice directions, so they are able to deal with your case effectively.
A statutory bereavement award is provided in the event of an unlawful death, and this currently stands in England at £15,120. In the event you die, your family might be entitled to a statutory bereavement award as well as any compensation that’s awarded in a legal claim.
We’re always there for you. Why not call us today for an informal chat about your situation?