Asbestos Claims after Death
Get the support you need for you and your family in the event of a passing that was caused by an asbestos-related illness.
Asbestos Compensation Claims
If you’re dealing with an asbestos-related illness, whether you were diagnosed yourself or are enquiring on behalf of someone you know, you’re in good hands. We can help you get the compensation you deserve.
Types of asbestos and mesothelioma claims
Whether facing a diagnosis of mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer, or seeking a claim after death, we navigate all legal routes and exposure situations to secure your compensation.Why is asbestos compensation important?
Asbestos compensation plays a vital role in protecting and supporting individuals and families affected by asbestos‑related diseases. Some of the ways in which compensation claims make an impact include:
1. Comprehensive care
Asbestos‑related illnesses, especially mesothelioma, often require urgent, medical attention. Compensation can help pay for private medical treatment, ensuring that patients have the opportunity to access the best available care.
2. Financial stability
Diseases caused by asbestos exposure frequently prevent people from working. Compensation helps you and your family stay financially secure by covering the loss of earnings.
3. Legal accountability
Under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, employers have a legal duty of care to protect you from harm while at work. Compensation is a way of holding negligent employers legally responsible, while promoting better health and safety standards in the future.
4. Long-term security
The effects of asbestos exposure can develop slowly over time, meaning future care needs can grow significantly. Compensation helps people plan for long‑term support and medical care.
5. Time limits
It is important that you seek legal support quickly, due to the three‑year time limit to begin most asbestos compensation claims. If you have any questions around whether you can claim, please contact us.
6. Raising awareness
Asbestos compensation claims can be an important tool for calling attention to the dangers of asbestos exposure. Despite efforts to remove asbestos and raise awareness, asbestos related illnesses are an ongoing issue that we campaign against. Our research found that more than 4500 public buildings across 20 of the largest UK local authorities still contain asbestos.
Follow the link below to read our article about asbestos in public buildings.
Who is at risk from asbestos exposure?
People who have worked in industries where asbestos was heavily used are more at risk from asbestos exposure. These industries include construction, plumbing and shipbuilding, but claims can also be made by people who have been exposed because of working in a building with asbestos, or due to secondary or environmental exposure.
Key high-risk groups
- Workers in historical asbestos-heavy industries (e.g. construction, plumbing, shipbuilding trades)
- Occupants/workers in older buildings containing asbestos (e.g. schools, hospitals)
- Household members of asbestos workers (due to secondary exposure)
- Residents living in close proximity to former asbestos factories or processing sites.
Key risk factors (types of exposure)
- Direct occupational exposure: working hands-on with asbestos-containing materials
- Building-related exposure: being present in environments where asbestos materials are disturbed
- Secondary/household exposure: contact with asbestos fibers carried home on clothing or equipment
- Environmental exposure: inhalation of fibers from nearby industrial sources or disturbed natural deposits.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell to claim for an illness caused by asbestos?
Your case for compensation for asbestos exposure will be in safe hands with the largest team of specialist occupational disease solicitors in the UK. Our expert team has over 40 years’ experience and has been the legal force behind some of the country’s landmark victories and resultant changes to the law since 1995.
Is there a time limit for making an asbestos claim for compensation?
You usually have three years from the time you were diagnosed to make an asbestos claim. If a loved one has died from an asbestos-related disease, you have three years from when you found out that asbestos was the cause.
Don’t worry, it doesn’t matter how long ago the asbestos exposure took place—we can help you even if:
- Your former employer has since ceased trading
- You are not sure when you were exposed
- You didn’t work for the company you believe is responsible
- Your asbestos exposure took many years to have a detrimental effect on your health
Our solicitors have extensive experience in investigating these claims and recovering compensation from those responsible.
Meet a specialist from our team
Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.
Adrian Budgen
National Head of Asbestos and Occupational Disease
Hear from the people we’ve helped
It can help to know you’re not alone. Hear from people who were once in the same situation as you and turned to Irwin Mitchell for guidance.
“Everything just went so smoothly, I couldn’t believe how well it went at the time. When I picked Irwin Mitchell, I knew I’d picked the best for me.’’
Ron
Mesothelioma client
Ron was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018, after coming into contact with asbestos when he worked as a shipbuilding apprentice. We helped Ron bring a claim against the shipbuilders, and supported him to get specialist treatment, including surgery and chemotherapy. Ron’s now joined a walking group, is back running and is training for his 42nd Great North Run.
More than just compensation
Choose Irwin Mitchell and you’ll get access to vast expertise that covers all aspects of your claim, from existing and ongoing treatment costs to holding those responsible to account, as well as dedicated charity support from our close ties with Mesothelioma UK, Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis and the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.
Whenever you’re ready, you can find an experienced asbestos solicitor with us to help you put things right for you and your family.
Frequently asked questions
If you need answers about asbestos exposure or mesothelioma diagnosis, you have come to the right place. Here are some of the most common questions we get asked by people like you.Speak to a Specialist
We are here to help you understand your rights and the support you need. Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
0800 0232 233
Where you can find Irwin Mitchell
Our 256 partners are based in 21 local offices across England, Scotland and Wales.
Our commitment to you
Our experts always start by listening, so we understand what matters most from day one.- 01Clear legal guidance
You will always get straightforward, honest advice, with regular updates to keep you clear on the way forward.
- 02Specialist knowledge
A wide-ranging team of trusted specialists who understand what it takes to protect your future, your family or your business.
- 03Your needs first
Whether you’re navigating complex personal situations or business decisions, we take the time to understand your world and what’s at stake.
Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.
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