It is believed that as many as 1 in every 100 men over the age of 40 in the UK will develop a malignant asbestos related illness whilst many women are also thought to be at risk from diseases such as benign pleural disease, lung cancer, mesothelioma and asbestosis. If you fall into this category, you may be entitled to make an asbestos compensation claim.
Irwin Mitchell has a dedicated team of experts who specialise in handling asbestos compensation claims, representing clients who have suffered from a range of asbestos related diseases. As a result, Irwin Mitchell the nationally renowned name for asbestos compensation claims.
In a landmark case, we represented the late June Hancock and won the first ever environmental asbestos compensation case in a UK court of law. We also obtained the highest damages award for a mesothelioma compensation claim in UK history (£4.37 million) as well as the highest asbestosis compensation settlement.
How harmful is asbestos?
All forms of asbestos are considered to be harmful to people who have been exposed to the material for prolonged periods of time. Most asbestos compensation claimants have a history of working with the material or have been exposed indirectly in the course of their work or through contamination by family members, such as clothing etc.
Frequent exposure and inhalation of asbestos fibres can lead to a number of diseases, with mesothelioma and asbestosis being some of the most common illnesses for which asbestos claims are made.
Asbestos is now banned in all new buildings under health and safety regulations although the material still exists in many premises around the UK.
Who can make an asbestos compensation claim?
Anyone who suffers from an illness which may be linked to contact with asbestos, or suspects that they may be at risk from an asbestos related illness, should contact Irwin Mitchell′s asbestos claims team.
Most people who suffer from asbestos related illnesses and make an asbestos claim have come into contact with the material in the workplace, although many people don′t realise they have come into contact with it. Asbestos particles can be inhaled from seemingly innocuous circumstances such as washing dirty clothing or even just living nearby to a place where asbestos is in use. Diseases such as mesothelioma and asbestosis can take many years to develop so it can be difficult to pinpoint the actual cause of the problem. Despite this however, you may still be able to make an asbestos compensation claim.
Can I make an asbestos compensation claim even if I can′t remember having any contact with asbestos?
If you believe that you may be suffering from a disease as a result of asbestos contamination, you may be able to make an asbestos compensation claim even if you cannot remember having any contact with the material.
Many of the diseases associated with asbestos exposure can take years to develop and understandably, this makes it difficult to remember the source of any possible asbestos inhalation. If this is the case, Irwin Mitchell′s asbestos compensation claims team can advise you on the best route to take.
For instance, you not have to make a claim against previous employers. Instead, the Government can award 'no fault' compensation payments for your asbestos compensation claim, even if the employer is no longer in existence.
How do I make an asbestos compensation claim?
Irwin Mitchell has a dedicated team of specialists who deal with asbestos compensation claims. From your initial free consultation, they will attempt to make the process as simple and understandable as possible whilst keeping you informed throughout.
To see if you can make an asbestos compensation claim, contact Irwin Mitchell or complete a claim form.