UK MESOTHELIOMA COMPENSATION CLAIM

This condition is a rare form of cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium. Workers who develop the disease are those who have inhaled asbestos fibres and those at highest risk include asbestos miners, asbestos manufacturers, shipyard workers and workers in the building and construction industries.

To be able to make a mesothelioma compensation claim, you usually have to prove that there was fault and blame (negligence) on the part of another person (employer, manufacturer etc). This occurs when there is a breach in duty of care by another person towards you and that breach results in illness. The court will look at all the evidence (factual, circumstantial, medical, including the opinions of your treating doctors and expert witnesses) to determine whether you are entitled to be compensated for having contracted an asbestos related disease.

The amount of the award in a mesothelioma compensation claim will depend on the extent of your injuries and disabilities and is comprised of different categories as follows:

General Damages

• General damages cover items which cannot be calculated precisely and includes compensation for pain and suffering; loss of amenities of life; loss of life expectancy.

Special Damages

• Income Loss - includes past and future income and loss of pension entitlements.
• Gratuitous domestic care provided to you by family members or friends as a result of your illness, injuries and disabilities. This includes household chores that you were previously able to do, but are no longer able to carry-out because of your disabilities and symptoms.
• Out-of-pocket expenses - includes medical treatment expenses; pharmaceutical expenses; equipment aids; rehabilitation services; cost of travelling to and from medical appointments to receive medical treatment.

Asbestos related diseases are often diagnosed 30 years or more after the initial exposure to asbestos. In the UK claims for personal injury must generally be made within 3 years of the date of the incident giving rise to the injury. Where a condition or disease has a “latency period” and does not show itself for decades then the three year time period does not start running until the disease is officially confirmed by a medical practitioner.

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹