Asbestosis can be severely debilitating and is caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. It can take many years to develop, and the damage caused is irreversible and in many cases is progressive. If you or a loved one has suffered, speak to our specialist asbestosis lawyers today.
Asbestosis is a serious lung condition caused by prolonged or heavy exposure to asbestos fibres. When fibres are inhaled, the asbestos damages the lungs, leading to scarring known as fibrosis. This scarring causes the lungs to shrink and harden, which makes it difficult for the lungs to work effectively.
On average, it can take approximately 20 to 30 years for the first symptoms of asbestosis to appear, though it can take longer. Unfortunately, once scarring has developed, there is no cure, and the effects are irreversible and often progressive.
Suffering from asbestosis can be severely debilitating, making life difficult for the diagnosed person and their family. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos fibres and have subsequently been diagnosed with asbestosis, you could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Although it usually takes many years after your exposure to asbestos for you to develop symptoms, when they do develop, they typically include:
Shortness of breath
Tiredness
A persistent cough
Wheezing
Pain in your chest or shoulders
Swollen fingertips (in more serious cases)
If you experience any of these symptoms and have previously been in contact with asbestos fibres, you should speak to your GP as soon as possible to investigate your diagnosis. If it is confirmed that asbestos has caused your condition, you should also speak to a specialist asbestos solicitor about making an asbestosis compensation claim.
Who is at risk of developing asbestosis?
Those at greatest risk of developing asbestosis are those who worked in occupations where heavy and prolonged exposure to asbestos was commonplace, such as:
Laggers or thermal insulation engineers
Construction workers
Power station workers
Electricians
Plumbers and heating engineers
Boilermakers
Shipbuilders
Carpenters and joiners
Regardless of where or how you were exposed to asbestos, it is important that you can access the right support if you are suffering from asbestosis. At Slater and Gordon, we can help you not only gain the compensation you deserve, but we also work closely with several different asbestos charities committed to supporting those suffering.
Am I eligible to make an asbestosis compensation claim?
If you’ve been diagnosed with asbestosis, you may be able to make a claim for asbestosis compensation. To start a claim, call our team on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back using our online form. We’ll ask you a few questions and will be able to tell you if you have a claim that we are able to investigate on your behalf. We’ll explain the claims process in detail, so you will know what is happening and what is required at each stage and will work with you to start collecting all of the evidence relevant to your case.
Throughout your claim, your asbestosis solicitor will be on hand to answer any questions and provide compassionate support – from expertly handing the legal process, to helping you access any rehabilitation or treatment you may require for your condition.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s asbestosis lawyers
Slater and Gordon has a team of expert asbestosis solicitors who have specialised in asbestos-related illness for many years and understand the complexities which can be faced. We have a strong reputation when it comes finding insurers of companies which have been out of business for many years and securing the best possible outcome in your case.
Pauline Chandler, a Principal Lawyer at Slater and Gordon, has spearheaded several Court of Appeal cases that have favourably changed the law for asbestos victims and are frequently relied on, and referred to, as precedents in other disease claim judgements.
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 case experts. We are proud to work with the national charity Mesothelioma UK, as well as local charities covering most of England and Wales, so no matter where a client is based within the United Kingdom, support is available.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of asbestos claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our industrial disease experts today
Are there any benefits available to support people diagnosed with asbestosis?
Yes. There are several benefits available to people who have asbestosis, including a one-off lump sum payment you may be entitled to under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979.
For more information about the benefits and payments you may be entitled to, read our Benefits and Payments guide.
As well as benefits and payments from the Government, you may be entitled to compensation for your pain and suffering, as well as in connection with your financial and other losses.
Is there a time limit for making an asbestosis compensation claim?
Under UK law, you have three years from the date you were first diagnosed with asbestosis, or from the date you suspected that you may have developed asbestosis, to make a claim for compensation.
We understand that it can be difficult to talk about your diagnosis. Our compassionate solicitors are here to support you and will take each step at a pace you’re comfortable with. When you are ready, we’ll be here to listen, but we recommend that you contact one of our asbestos claims experts as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
How much could I receive in asbestosis compensation?
To advise you definitively on the possible level of 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.
How much does it cost to make an asbestosis compensation claim?
We offer No Win No Fee agreements to all clients who have been diagnosed with asbestosis and will not charge any additional fees payable out of your compensation, meaning you'll get to keep 100% of the amount we recover on your behalf.
A diagnosis of asbestosis will usually be made by a chest consultant following investigations which normally include breathing tests, x-rays and a CT scan.
Some conditions look similar on an x-ray and in CT scans to asbestosis and therefore the consultant should take a history of your asbestos exposure before diagnosing you with asbestosis. It is possible to develop lung scarring which is not related to asbestos exposure.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson