Being diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease can be a shock for you and your family. If you've developed an asbestos-related condition, our specialist asbestos lawyers will be able to advise you in relation to whether you may be entitled to make an asbestos compensation claim.
Our legal experts, including asbestosis solicitors, have a wealth of experience and expertise handling asbestos claims and are considered leaders in the field.
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it can have a significant impact on you, and those close to you. For most people, their exposure to asbestos will have been many years ago but this doesn’t prevent you from pursuing a claim now.
Exposure to asbestos dust occurs when a material or product containing asbestos is disturbed and asbestos fibres are released into the air. These fibres are then inhaled, causing damage internally.
Our team’s experience of working with industrial disease and asbestos compensation spans well over 100 years collectively. Our specialist asbestos solicitors are multi-award winning and are ranked by independent industry guides including Chambers and Partners, and the Legal 500 guides. They're also recognised by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) as experts in the field of asbestos litigation.
Drawing on all our experience, our experts will support you from the moment you reach out to us, from fighting to secure the compensation you deserve, to helping connect you with dedicated asbestos support groups.
What illnesses can you get from asbestos exposure?
The term ‘asbestos’ refers to a group of naturally occurring fibres and minerals that was widely used in construction materials, insulation, and manufacturing across the UK prior to the ban of its use in 1999.
When disturbed or handled without proper protective gear, airborne fibres can be inhaled, which can lead to a variety of severe respiratory illnesses. This includes:
In most cases, it can be years or even decades before the first symptoms of an asbestos-related disease appear. If you have developed one of these conditions, you could be entitled to asbestos compensation. We offer home visits to all asbestos clients and will be pleased to arrange to meet with you face-to-face as soon as possible after you contact us.
Our asbestos solicitors appreciate just how difficult it can be to be told that you have developed an asbestos-related illness. In the wake of being diagnosed, the thought of claiming compensation can be daunting. For this and other reasons, it is important that you are supported by a genuinely specialist asbestos lawyer with a proven track record of success in asbestos litigation who will be able to guide you through the process.
Speak to our industry-leading asbestos solicitors to start your claim; call us on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online for a no-obligation discussion with our experts today
We’ll discuss your work history to determine where your exposure to asbestos is likely to have occurred. Even if your employer is no longer in business, you could still make a claim.
We will also evaluate the needs of you and your family, how your illness has affected your life and arrange for a medical expert to conduct an independent medical assessment
Assessing the evidence of your case, we’ll determine how much compensation you could be entitled to, as well as securing access to any rehabilitation or treatment you may need
Your asbestos solicitor will keep you informed at every step, working hard to secure the maximum possible compensation for you and your family
I contacted S&G after my lung mesothelioma industrial disease was diagnosed. All dealings were professional with a client focus.
Client testimonial
At a time when my emotions were high and my future seemed uncertain I contacted Jordan Bell at Slater & Gordon regarding my claim against a previous employer for health problems due to asbestos exposure. The future looked bleak. However Jordan handled my claim with the utmost professionalism.
Client testimonial for Jordan Bell
I highly recommend Jordan Bell and his team. They dealt with our claim for mesothelioma compensation with expertise and care.
Client testimonial for Jordan Bell
What do you have to prove to win an asbestos claim?
To succeed in an asbestos claim, you need to show that your illness was caused by asbestos exposure that should have been prevented. This involves explaining where you worked, the conditions you worked in and why asbestos was present. The key requirement is demonstrating that your employer failed to protect you from asbestos dust when they should have known the risks.
You do not need to prove precisely how many fibres you breathed in or the exact moment the exposure took place. Courts recognise that asbestos illnesses develop decades later, so the law focuses on whether your employer allowed you to be exposed when safer working practices should have been provided.
What evidence do you need to make an asbestos claim?
We know that it can sometimes seem daunting to pursue legal action, particularly when the negligence occurred years ago, leaving you unsure of how to collect evidence that supports your claim. It’s crucial to remember that you are not alone – our experienced asbestos solicitors are here to help.
We’ll work with you to identify any relevant evidence that could support your claim. This may include employment records, witness statements from former colleagues, occupational health records, or documents showing asbestos was present at a particular site. Medical evidence confirming the diagnosis is essential, and your legal team will arrange an expert report that explains your condition and its link to asbestos exposure.
Even if you have little documented evidence from the time, you can still make a claim. Our leading team of asbestos lawyers are experienced in tracking down old company records, industry documents and historical evidence showing where asbestos was commonly used.
For more information, or to discuss your claim with our experts, get in touch with our team on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
I don’t know how I was exposed to asbestos. What should I do?
It is common for people be unsure of exactly when or where they were exposed to asbestos, but it should not stop you from making a claim for the compensation you and your family deserve.
Our experienced asbestos lawyers will work with you to piece together your work history, understand your roles and identify possible exposure points. Many industries used asbestos extensively, including construction, engineering, shipbuilding, power stations and manufacturing. Even office workers have been exposed where buildings contained damaged or disturbed asbestos.
Our legal team can investigate historical records, industry practices and known asbestos‑contaminated sites to help identify the source of exposure.
What does asbestos compensation include?
Asbestos compensation is designed to cover the full impact of the illness on your life. This can include the pain and distress caused by the condition, lost earnings, medical costs, care needs, adaptations to your home and financial support for your family.
Every claim is assessed individually, with your asbestos solicitor ensuring that all financial losses—current and future—are included. These are referred to as ‘general’ and ‘special’ damages:
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the extent of the injury caused, and by how quickly you are likely to recover, according to a medical expert.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any physiotherapy or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs (if, for instance, you’ve been unable to drive).
How much compensation could I get for an asbestos claim?
To advise you definitively on the possible level of asbestos compensation that may be recovered on your behalf, we will need to investigate the circumstances on your claim and obtain evidence on your behalf. This is because the level of compensation awarded is dependent upon a range of different factors, including your specific financial losses, mobility equipment needed, and the level of care required to support you in connection with your diagnosis.
To find out more about how much compensation you could be awarded, speak to our specialist asbestos solicitors; they’ll ask a few questions, and will be able to tell you if they think you have a case and what the next steps will be to better understand and provide detailed advice the value of your case.
Why choose Slater and Gordon as your asbestos law firm?
Slater and Gordon’s asbestos lawyers have years of knowledge when it comes to getting you the asbestos compensation that you deserve. We’ve been at the forefront of the fight for asbestos justice for decades, and our solicitors have secured important law changes in the UK.
Pauline Chandler, a Principal Lawyer, has been involved in landmark cases relating to securing justice for asbestos claimants, as well as securing key judgments including the seminal “Welders Lung” litigation, which was a triumph for workers who developed respiratory illness due to exposure to fumes at work.
Edmund Young, another Principal Lawyer, was the conducting solicitor in a case that challenged the then-method for calculating future loses in fatal mesothelioma cases. His method has since been adopted by the United Kingdom’s Supreme Court.
We're proud to partner with numerous asbestos charities, organisations and support groups across the United Kingdom who've vetted and approved us as genuine asbestos claim experts. We are proud to work with the national charity Mesothelioma UK, as well as local charities covering most of England and Wales. No matter where a client is based within the United Kingdom, support is available.
Slater and Gordon’s history of representing asbestos claimants in cases spanning over four decades, means that we have a substantial archive of information to support current clients. This information enables us to identify potential witnesses to support your asbestos compensation claim and progress the case as quickly and efficiently as possible.
With Slater and Gordon’s history of winning asbestos-related cases, combined with the care and support from its lawyers and partner charities, anyone looking to start their asbestos claim can rest assured that they are in safe and capable hands.
What help is available if you've been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness?
Being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease can be extremely distressing, for the person diagnosed and their family. However, there is help available:
Charities and support organisations - When first diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, it's often difficult to know what to do. There are a number of helpful support groups and charitable organisations who offer a range of advice and assistance to those who have been diagnosed. Click the link for detailed information.
Benefits and one-off payments - When diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, you can often worry about how it will affect your finances. There are a number of benefits and one-off payments which are available for those suffering with an asbestos related condition. Click the link for detailed information.
Compensation - It's only right that if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness that is down to someone else's negligence, you're compensated for your pain and suffering. It also allows you to feel a sense of justice and gives you peace of mind that your family will not suffer any financial hardship. Our asbestos solicitors have many years' experience dealing with asbestos related illnesses and are on hand to provide you with the best available legal representation. For your right to compensation, contact us now.
Turner Newall - This is a specific scheme that allows you to claim if you were exposed to asbestos as a result of Turner Newall, a large manufacturing company formerly based in Manchester. There may be other schemes that cover other companies, so do not hesitate to get in touch with questions.
Is there a time limit for making an asbestos claim?
Generally speaking, you have three years from the date you were diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness to make an asbestos claim. This applies even if you were exposed to asbestos decades ago. You should contact us to discuss your claim as soon as possible after your diagnosis to give us the best chance to secure the information and evidence we will need to be able to progress your claim as a priority.
How do I know if I’ve been exposed to asbestos?
Asbestos, although now banned, can still be found in buildings today, which means exposure to asbestos dust is unfortunately still all too common. High risk occupations include construction workers, plumbers and heating engineers, electricians, ship builders, joiners and carpenters, as well as family members of those working in these industries.
Can I still claim asbestos compensation if the company I worked for no longer exists?
Yes, you can still claim for asbestos compensation even if the company where you were exposed to asbestos isn’t trading anymore. We’ll take a look at all the evidence available and, where it is felt there is a case for compensation, we will instead pursue the company’s previous insurers.
Can I make an asbestos compensation claim if a loved one has died?
Yes, it is possible to put forward an asbestos claim on behalf of a loved one who has unfortunately died due to asbestos exposure. In most cases, you will need to make your claim within three years from the date of your loved one’s death.
We understand that it can be difficult to discuss what has happened. When you are ready to speak to someone, you can contact our experts on 0330 041 5869 for an informal discussion or request a call back at a time that suits you using our online form. You should speak to one of our specialist lawyers as soon as you possibly can to ensure that all required and key evidence is safeguarded to maximise the prospects of your claim being successful.
Which family members can claim in the event of an asbestos‑related death?
Under UK law, claims for an asbestos-related death can usually be made by spouses, civil partners, dependent children and, in some circumstances, other relatives who were financially dependent on the person who has died.
Families can claim for the pain and suffering experienced by their loved one, financial losses to the household, and in some cases, a statutory bereavement award.
We offer dedicated support to families during this sensitive and challenging time and are here to help you through every step of the claims process, providing compassionate support and unrivalled legal expertise.
How long does it take to settle an asbestos claim?
Slater and Gordon’s asbestos solicitors understand the importance of working on your asbestos claim swiftly. We will aim to establish the facts and collect all the required evidence as quickly as possible and often secure interim compensation payments to help support any immediate needs. Each case varies, but our asbestos lawyers will always secure your compensation as quickly as possible.
Who pays for asbestos claims?
In most cases, asbestos compensation is paid by the employer responsible for your exposure to asbestos, though they will often be represented by their insurer. This is because under UK law, your employer has a legal obligation to protect you from the risks associated with asbestos exposure.
If your former employer is no longer operating, you can still bring a claim. In these cases, the insurer who covered the company at the time of exposure will usually still be held responsible for any compensation owed. If no insurer can be traced, alternative government schemes may be available, including the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme, designed to support people who cannot claim through the usual route.
If I’m a self‑employed contractor, can I still make a claim?
Yes, you can. Many people exposed to asbestos were self‑employed contractors working on industrial sites, construction projects or shipyards. Even if you were not an employee, the company or organisation controlling the site still had a legal duty to make the environment safe. If they failed to follow asbestos safety laws, you may still be entitled to asbestos compensation.
Can I still make a claim if I no longer work for the company?
You can make a claim even if you left the company decades ago. Asbestos illnesses often take 20–50 years to develop, and UK law recognises this. What matters is whether you were exposed during your employment, not whether you still work for the same organisation today. Our experienced asbestos solicitors regularly pursue claims against companies that closed their doors long ago, tracing their insurers where necessary.
What is the statute of limitations for asbestos claims?
In England and Wales, you usually have three years from the date of diagnosis to bring an asbestos claim. This is known as the limitation period under the Limitation Act 1980. For families, the three‑year period generally runs from the date of death. Courts do have discretion to allow cases beyond the three‑year limit in certain circumstances, especially with illnesses like mesothelioma that develop long after exposure.
Because time limits can be complicated, it is important to seek advice from an asbestos solicitor as soon as possible.
What is secondary asbestos exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure happens when someone is exposed indirectly to asbestos fibres. This often involves family members who inhale asbestos dust brought home on a worker’s clothes, hair or tools.
In the UK, it is possible to bring a claim for secondary asbestos exposure, so compensation may be available for individuals diagnosed with illnesses such as mesothelioma due to this form of exposure.
If you or a loved one has been made ill due to asbestos exposure, speak to our legal experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online to start your claim.
Do I have to pay anything upfront for my claim?
No, in most cases, you won’t need to pay anything upfront to start an asbestos claim. This is because the asbestos compensation claims we pursue are done so on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you won’t need to pay anything to start a claim, and you won’t face any financial risk if the claim is unsuccessful.
I contacted S&G after my lung mesothelioma industrial disease was diagnosed. All dealings were professional with a client focus. Client testimonial
At a time when my emotions were high and my future seemed uncertain I contacted Jordan Bell at Slater & Gordon regarding my claim against a previous employer for health problems due to asbestos exposure. The future looked bleak. However Jordan handled my claim with the utmost professionalism. Client testimonial for Jordan Bell
I highly recommend Jordan Bell and his team. They dealt with our claim for mesothelioma compensation with expertise and care. Client testimonial for Jordan Bell