The deadly consequences of asbestos exposure can take decades to manifest. Industries that have been linked with high asbestos exposure include chemical plants, automobile repair, power plants, and shipbuilding. Traditionally, there has always been some ambiguity in lower court rulings about when—and who—is liable for asbestos exposure. But in March, the UK Supreme Court finally made a ruling that represents a major victory for victims of asbestos poisoning and their families: the insurance company on cover during the time of asbestos exposure is liable to provide compensation to victims.
This comes as a huge relief to families who have previously been denied compensations for their loved one’s death after developing mesothelioma other asbestos-related illnesses. The new court ruling opens the door for thousands of victims and their families to make claims and get the reparations they’re entitled to. If you or your loved one has suffered from asbestos poisoning, take action. Follow these steps to claim your asbestosis compensation:
1) Determine Your Eligibility
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you are eligible to file a claim. It does not matter how much time has elapsed since your initial exposure or if you have since left the employment where the exposure occurred. Even if you were self-employed or your employer went out of business, you can still make a claim. Families of asbestos poisoning sufferers are also eligible to make claims on behalf of deceased victims.
2) Enlist the Help of a Legal Expert
Next, you need to enlist the help of a lawyer who is a specialist in the field and understands your claim is a time-sensitive issue. Make a list of questions to ask your prospective solicitor during your first meeting, such as how many mesothelioma cases they’ve handled previously, what the particular challenges are of the case, and how the firm is prepared to handle them. The right legal expert will take on your claim as a “No Win, No Fee” agreement so that you don’t have to pay any out-of-pocket charges.
3) Know What You Can Claim
Compensation for asbestos exposure and illness comes in the form of a lump sum payment that is meant to cover a number of the victim’s expenses. These include past and future medical expenses incurred by your condition, lost earnings preceding the settlement/trial and the rest of your working life, costs of assistance, and payments for pain, suffering, reduced life expectancy, and loss of enjoyment of life. If you are claiming on behalf of a deceased loved one, please note that claims may be limited to the financial implications of his or her death. Discuss your specific claim with your solicitor for more details.
4) Make Your Case
In order to make a successful claim, you must prove that you developed a medical condition as the result of asbestos exposure. Your solicitor will work with you to obtain a diagnosis and treatment report from your health care professional, as well as the expert opinion of an independent specialist to help back up your claim. Your solicitor will also help you determine how, when, and where you were exposed to asbestos so that you can file an accurate claim with the correct insurer. The firm will then help you negotiate the terms of your settlement in a timely manner, or if need be, represent you in a court hearing.
