Have you been affected by an Asbestos related illness or disease?
Are you wondering if you’re entitled to compensation and unsure of what to do next?
Are you looking for someone who can give you answers?
We can help.
Simpson Millar LLP are proud sponsors of the British Lung Foundation.
Asbestos compensation claims
We understand that being diagnosed with an asbestos related industrial disease can leave you feeling angry, upset and worried for your future. One of our specially trained asbestos illness staff will discuss your compensation claim with you in a confidential and sensitive manner and provide free, no obligation help and advice. Call the Asbestos compensation team now on 0800 011 1166.
Can I claim compensation?
If you or a family member have been contracted an asbestos related illness or disease as a result of another person’s negligence, you should be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
Is there a time limit for asbestos compensation claims?
You have period of 3 years in which to issue proceedings from when you first became aware that your condition was caused by asbestos exposure failing which your claim maybe statute barred.
Alternatively, close relatives considering bringing a claim for compensation on behalf of a victim who has recently passed away as a result of an asbestos related illness or disease, have a time limit of 3 years from the date of death.
Background information on Asbestos
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos means "inextinguishable, unquenchable or inconsumable".
The naturally occurring mineral had a primary use of thermal insulation,
due to its heat resistant qualities; it's incredible strength; and resistance to
chemical corrosion.
Referred to as the "Magic Mineral" in the late 1800’s and used extensively in the
UK from the 1930's onwards, Asbestos came in a number of forms, such as raw, paste,
sheeting or rope.
Types of Asbestos
Six varieties of asbestos exist:
- Chrysolite: (White asbestos) - white, soft, curly fibres and
accounts for approximately 95% of the world production
of asbestos. By and large accepted as less carcinogenic than brown
or blue asbestos
- Amosite: (Brown asbestos) - pale brown needle-like fibres and more
carcinogenic than white asbestos
- Crocidolite: (Blue asbestos) - needle-like fibres and considered
by far the most important and dangerous type of asbestos for the development of
pleural mesothelioma
- Actinolite, Athophylite and Tremolite - rarely used for commercial
purposes in the UK, unlike the extent of Chrysolite, Amosite and Crocidolite
For 5 years, Mr R worked as a utility man for an automotive company. His normal duties involved undertaking repairs to vehicles along the production line of the factory. Occasionally the welders would blow holes into the car panels and Mr R would be required to mix up a paste of asbestos and water with his hands and apply it to the damaged area. The asbestos would be supplied in large bags which Mr R would have to open with a knife. This released a great amount of asbestos dust into the atmosphere around him. His employers failed to warn Mr R about the potential dangers of asbestos nor was he provided with any protective equipment.
Almost 40 years later, Mr R was diagnosed with asbestosis. Our experienced team of industrial disease lawyers immediately investigated Mr R’s claim for compensation upon his instruction and quickly secured for him £128,000 in compensation.
The most common places using Asbestos include:
- power stations
- ships
- steelworks
- houses
- garages
- factories
- schools
- hospitals
- swimming/public baths
- offices
- warehouses
- boiler rooms
- hot or steam pipe lagging
- shuttering
To name only a few of the most common places where asbestos can still be found.
Asbestos in public buildings
There are in increasing number of cases of people suffering the effects of asbestos exposure due to public buildings eg: hospitals, schools, libraries etc.
Many public buildings still contain asbestos and we are now seeing a rising number of nurses, doctors and teachers suffering from asbestos related illnesses and diseases.
Asbestos in schools is particularly dangerous as children can be very susceptible to effects of asbestos fibres.
Current figures show that Asbestos related illnesses are not just occurring in the manufacturing, engineering and building industries any more.
What products contain asbestos?
Asbestos was a fire-proofing material (eg sprayed insulation, fire
door insulation) and for asbestos cement/fibrocement products (eg
roof and wall claddings), such as, artexing, electrical switchboards, insulators
and fittings, vinyl floor coverings, asbestos felts and paper-like products, friction
materials (eg brake and clutch linings), paints, sealants and adhesives, gaskets,
textiles (eg woven cloths, blankets), asbestos socks, phone boxes and gas masks.
"At risk" occupations include:
- carpenters
- construction workers
- demolition workers
- electricians
- merchant navy
- metal plate workers
- plumbers & gas fitters
- production fitters
- public building workers eg doctors, nursers, teachers, children, librarians etc
- railway industry workers (eg carriage building)
- roofers
- sheet metal workers
- shipbuilding/dock yard workers
- steel workers
- thermal insulation engineers/laggers (eg pipe and boiler insulation)
- transport/haulage workers
- vehicle body workers (eg brake & clutch linings and spray paint)
- welders
Overseas cases
We are currently investigating a number of overseas claims for Claimants who have worked in the UK and have since moved abroad and been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition. Please contact Phil Gower now on 0844 858 3700 if you are now living abroad, but may have been exposed to asbestos in the UK.
Call our helpline today on 0800 011 1166 or use our free, no obligation,
online enquiry form to register for a call back or call us directly on 0844 858 3600.
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