Asbestos Compensation Claims If you have had exposure to asbestos or are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, it’s vital that you seek legal advice. Even if you have not developed any symptoms, it is important to register your exposure in case a claim must be made in the future. Your risk of serious diseases such as Mesothelioma, Asbestosis, Pleural plaques and Lung cancer is amplified the more asbestos you have been exposed to. As expert personal injury lawyers who specialise in asbestos compensation claims, Arnold Thomas & Becker have detailed some important information for those who are at risk. What to do if you’ve been exposed to asbestos There are two main things to consider, the legal process and medical evidence. The asbestos claims process can be difficult, and as there are numerous compensation schemes engaging a lawyer to determine your next steps is always the best option. Asbestos compensation claims that are run on a ‘no win no fee’ basis can help make things far less stressful during this period. Understanding eligibility for asbestos compensation If you have already been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be able to claim regardless if you are still working at the place where you were exposed, or even if it is in business. For those who were working in a self-employed or contractor basis, or were employed by more than one organisation, you may still be eligible. If you suffered second-hand exposure or your exposure was not work-related, (for example, it occurred during home renovations) you may also be eligible. Eligibility is still possible even if the exposure happened more than 50 years ago. Eligibility for smokers Former and current smokers fall into the above eligibility categories as there is no proven relationship between smoking and mesothelioma. The one exception may be lung cancer, as tobacco can contribute to its development. If you are in this position, it is best to seek advice from our lawyers. Asbestosis is not also not connected to smoking; however, breathlessness can be worsened for smokers. Why you should make an asbestos compensation claim Asbestos compensation can help provide cover and relief for income loss, inclusive of future losses that may be due or related to illness. A claim can take weeks or months to process, dependent on your situation, which is why it is important to get the process started as soon as you can. One Arnold Thomas & Becker client who suffers from mesothelioma, a rare form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, was exposed in the workplace. While this is the rarest disease related to asbestos exposure, it is also the most dangerous. Our team worked hard to reach a quick outcome to allow our client to focus on his health. Originally, the employer offered a settlement amount that did not reflect the impacts of the illness. We negotiated a further $250,000 over the employer’s ‘final’ offer for a full settlement of $725,000. This amount of money simply cannot account for the impacts of the illness, but it lessens the financial burden of an already stressful time. Do you need to make an asbestos compensation claim? At Arnold Thomas & Becker, we have tailored our claims process for simplicity, as we know you are already dealing with a lot. It is for this reason that our team of expert personal injury lawyers will work efficiently and autonomously to get you the best result possible. When you contact us on 1300 333 300, you will speak with a senior partner personal injury lawyer straight away. We keep all costs low with a free no-obligation consultation, and a ‘no win no fee’ payment method should you decide to proceed. Our team will handle the grunt work, including the collection and organisation of all the necessary details that will be required to assess your situation giving you a clear idea of what your case may look like and possible expected outcomes. We will do this with a mapped out legal process that clearly explains each of the required steps. From here, we will investigate your situation and submit your claim. It is important to note that relatives of a deceased family member who passed due to an asbestos-related disease can make a claim for reparations on their behalf. Our primary goal will always be to settle out of court to make the process as quick and straightforward as possible. However, if we feel the settlement offer is unfair, we will fight for you in court. Let’s begin your process today.