The number of asbestos-related disease cases being diagnosed continues to rise. There are several types of asbestos-related conditions including mesothelioma, certain forms of lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening  and pleural plaques,.

If you have contracted an asbestos-related illness, you are likely to be able to make a financial claim of some sort.  Depending on the nature and severity of your illness you may be able to obtain:

• Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, if you were exposed to asbestos at work
• Attendance Allowance (if you are over 65) or Disability Living Allowance (if under 65)
• Incapacity Benefit, if your illness forces you to stop work
• A blue disabled parking badge.

Where you can identify an employer who was at least partly responsible for your exposure to asbestos you will probably want to bring a legal claim for compensation.  We have been acting for people with asbestos-related problems for many years and will be happy to help.

There are also two Government schemes which may be relevant. 

• The Pneumoconiosis Etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 may enable you to obtain compensation if the employer who caused or contributed to the disease has ceased trading. 
• The 2008 ‘Diffuse Mesothelioma’ payment scheme may help if you were exposed to asbestos in the UK but by someone or some organisation other than an employer.

For individual advice contact Simon Davis or Justina Molloy.