If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, you may be able to bring a claim for compensation. Although a claim cannot change the diagnosis that you have received, it can help to provide peace of mind through financial security and also provide justice through acknowledgment of failings.

The idea of bringing a claim can be daunting, particularly when you are dealing with a life changing diagnosis but pursuing a claim can help, such as if you are able to obtain compensation to cover costs of private medical treatment or care.

It is important to know that you have three years from the date of your diagnosis to pursue a claim (this is what is known as the ‘limitation period’) and it is generally advisable to start the process as soon as you possibly can. It does not matter when the exposure took place and indeed, exposure to asbestos is often years and even decades before any illness develops.

Asbestos related disease can progress swiftly and sometimes people do not have the opportunity during their lifetime to bring a claim. If this is the case, a family member can pursue a claim on behalf of their loved one’s estate and on behalf of those dependent upon them.

The timeframes for pursuing a claim for asbestos related disease when the person has died are different; the limitation period runs for three years from the date of death, in which to pursue the claim.

For a claim to be successful, it needs to be shown that your exposure to asbestos (and resulting development of asbestos related disease) happened because your employer at the time was negligent, such as by not following the specific safety regulations. It is important to find a solicitor who is experienced at dealing with claims for asbestos related disease, as they will carry out detailed investigations on your behalf in respect of the exposure.

The amount of compensation to which you could be entitled depends on a number of factors, such as the specific type of asbestos related disease, the severity of your illness and the financial losses suffered.

Claims for asbestos related disease are typically funded by a no win, no fee agreement, meaning that those claiming can be reassured that they do not need need to worry about legal costs if your claim is unsuccessful.