Can you claim compensation for an asbestos related disease?

“Even in the 1960s and 1970s employers had a duty of care to protect their workforce against the dangers of asbestos.”

Advertisement feature: Asbestos was commonly used in construction for decades, and still exists in many buildings today. Sadly, the health effects of exposure usually become apparent much later in life due to the protracted latency period of most asbestos related conditions

For patients and their families facing the effects of an asbestos-related disease it can be difficult to know who to turn to for help.

Wilkin Chapman has a new senior solicitor, Ruth Craven, who is an industry expert and can take you through each step of the process to claim compensation.

Whilst the importation of asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, its affects still persist.

Getting justice and support following asbestos exposure

Even if exposure was many years ago, which is often the case, you or your loved one may still be able to bring a claim to recover financial compensation, even if symptoms didn’t develop until long after the period of employment ceased. It is possible to bring a claim, even when the employer no longer exists.

Expert advice

Ruth Craven has been working in this field of the law since 2016, and Wilkin Chapman is proud to have her join their team. She’s committed to helping people throughout Yorkshire and Lincolnshire seek justice.

Having worked for many clients in the past, she knows the medical issues they will be facing. Ruth takes a down to earth approach to make the legal process as straightforward for her clients as possible.

Ruth explains: “Sadly I am very familiar with the consequences of an asbestos-related diagnosis, and the toll this takes on both patients and their families. I aim to provide a bespoke, client centred service and will sign-post clients to non-legal services wherever appropriate.”

Where were people exposed?

Often people involved in construction/demolition work will have been subject to asbestos exposure as it was a product used in buildings for its insulating and fire-retardant qualities. Those working on the docks and for manufacturing companies also often report asbestos exposure. Additionally, asbestos is often found in public buildings so it is not uncommon for teachers and hospital workers to have been exposed.

Ruth explains that patients and their families often say they didn’t know about the dangers of asbestos, but she says employers should have known, and they had a duty to protect their employees: “Even in the 1960s and 1970s employers had a duty of care to protect their workforce against the dangers of asbestos.”

There for you

If you or a loved one is unfortunate enough to have received an asbestos related disease diagnosis such mesothelioma, pleural thickening, asbestosis, or asbestos-related lung cancer then leaving home for appointments can be near impossible.

Ruth can arrange to see clients at home, to take a full history, meet their family and see for herself what their care needs and limitations are, making it not only a stress free appointment for the client, but a useful information gathering exercise for any claim.

Who to turn to

Wilkin Chapman ensures that every client’s unique situation is explored sensitively to ensure the best outcome possible. We often include claims for medical equipment, loss of pension, care costs or non-NHS treatment.

Compensation itself won’t change the medical diagnosis, but may help patients and their families cope with their condition, and find comfort in knowing future care needs will be taken care of.

Do you want to speak to Ruth in confidence about you or a loved one’s situation? Contact her on 0800 012 1113 or visit www.wilkinchapman.co.uk/asbestos-claims