Asbestos is the greatest single cause of work-related deaths in the UK and a damning indictment of corporate negligence.

The importing and use of asbestos has been banned in the UK, but the symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses can take a long time to appear, between 10 and 40 years after exposure has ceased, sometimes longer. Many people suffering now were exposed to asbestos in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.

Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Once mesothelioma has developed, symptoms can sometimes be eased but there is no cure. For a person or their family in this terrible situation, claiming compensation can help by providing financial security and bringing some sense of acting against a grievous injustice.

Thompsons has unrivalled experience in this complex area of personal injury law; we brought the first ever successful case for asbestos disease in the UK in the House of Lords and have been involved in ground-breaking asbestos compensation cases ever since. We’ve dealt with thousands of claims for mesothelioma, achieved substantial compensation levels for our clients and done so with empathy and compassion.

Our formidable reputation means we will fight hard for the maximum compensation, in the shortest possible time and striving to secure justice for individuals and their families.

 

Why Thompsons?

At Thompsons, we have a dedicated team of specialist lawyers who exclusively deal with compensation claims for asbestos-related disease.

The team acts for major trade unions, works closely with asbestos victim support groups and works directly for individual clients and family members who have been affected by asbestos diseases. We never work for employers and we never work for the insurance industry.

Our expert asbestos solicitors have assembled an extensive database containing information about previous asbestos claims and details of employers’ liability insurers for companies which are no longer trading. The contents of this archive is based on information obtained from thousands of successful industrial disease claims over the last 30 years. Having access to this wealth of background information assists us in investigating and pursuing cases for clients suffering from asbestos-related diseases today.

We work with and support organisations such as Families Against Corporate Killing, Mesothelioma UK and The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund.

 

Making a mesothelioma compensation claim

 

Employers are responsible for protecting their workforce from asbestos exposure.

In most cases, we can claim compensation from employers - past and present - for failing to provide protection and the consequences suffered by you or your loved one.

Even if the employer no longer exists we may still be able to pursue a claim by tracing the employer’s insurers. In cases where we are unable to trace an employer’s insurer, you will still be entitled to claim under other
schemes.

If you are, or were, a member of a trade union, claiming compensation may be free through your union’s legal assistance scheme. If you are unsure which union you were in, contact us and we should be able to help.

If you are not a member of a union, we will assess your case free of charge. If we can pursue a claim on your behalf it will be on a no-cost to you basis.

So, either way, you will not pay anything for us to act for you. You’ll get 100% of the settlement recovered and not a penny less.

Asbestos related illnesses, including mesothelioma, can take anything from10 to 40 years or more to develop after exposure to asbestos.

Some of the jobs where asbestos exposure may have occurred include:

  • Construction workers
  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Fitters
  • Boilermakers
  • Shipbuilders
  • Carpenters
  • Joiners.

But you could have worked in other jobs where you believe you were exposed. If so, we can help you by looking into when or where you might have been exposed.

The amount of compensation payable varies in each case and is calculated by considering factors including:

  • Pain and suffering
  • Disability
  • Financial losses (past and future)
  • Care costs
  • Other expenses incurred as a result of asbestos-related illness.

We will claim compensation for all past and future losses, and our aim is to maximise your compensation in the shortest possible time. We have a proven track record of successfully concluding mesothelioma claims during the lifetime of our clients and understand the importance of our clients knowing that their family will be financially secure.

If you or your loved one were diagnosed with mesothelioma on or before the 25th July 2012 and we’re unable to trace the employer’s insurance company, you may be eligible for compensation under a new scheme.

You may be entitled to state benefits such as Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). Thompsons can provide advice as, of course, can asbestos victims support groups.

Any such claims are made separately to your claim for compensation.

We're here to help

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to make a compensation claim. Get in touch via our online enquiry form for free, no-obligation advice and to discuss your case.

Call us on 0800 0 224 224

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