Understanding Your Rights After Asbestos Exposure
If you or someone close to you has developed a serious illness after being exposed to asbestos, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
At Claims 24 Hours, we understand how devastating an asbestos-related diagnosis can be — both physically and emotionally. Many people were exposed years ago, often while working in industries where safety measures were not properly followed.
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Understanding Asbestos Compensation
If you or someone close to you has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to claim compensation. At Claims 24 Hours, we know how life-changing such a diagnosis can be — from physical pain to emotional distress and financial pressure.
Many individuals were unknowingly exposed to asbestos decades ago in workplaces such as construction sites, shipyards, factories, or even schools. The harmful effects may take years to appear, but the right to claim remains valid. Our mission is to connect you with specialist solicitors who handle your claim with care, empathy, and professionalism.
With our No Win, No Fee guarantee, you face no financial risk — if your claim doesn’t succeed, you don’t pay a penny.
What Is Asbestos and Why Is It Dangerous?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral once widely used in the UK for insulation and building materials due to its heat resistance. However, when disturbed, asbestos releases microscopic fibres that, when inhaled, can cause severe and sometimes fatal illnesses years later.
Even though asbestos was banned in 1999, thousands of people are still diagnosed with related diseases every year. Shockingly, studies suggest that over 85% of schools and 95% of hospitals in the UK still contain asbestos.
Common Asbestos-Related Diseases
Exposure to asbestos can lead to several serious conditions, often affecting the lungs and respiratory system. These include:
Mesothelioma – an aggressive cancer found in the lining of the lungs or abdomen.
Asbestosis – long-term scarring of lung tissue leading to shortness of breath and fatigue.
Pleural Thickening – thickening of the membrane around the lungs, reducing breathing capacity.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer – cancer caused or worsened by inhaling asbestos fibres.
These illnesses can impact your ability to work, move, and live comfortably, which is why claiming compensation is not just about money — it’s about securing the help and treatment you need.
Who Can Make an Asbestos Claim?
You can make a claim if:
You were exposed to asbestos at work, even decades ago.
A family member or loved one died due to an asbestos-related illness (you can claim on their behalf).
You were exposed to asbestos through secondary contact — for example, washing a partner’s work clothes.
Even if your previous employer no longer exists, Claims 24 Hours can still help trace their insurance company and pursue compensation.
Types of Compensation in Asbestos Claims
1. General Damages
This covers the pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life caused by your illness. The amount depends on how severe your condition is and how it affects your daily living.
Typical compensation guidelines include:
| Condition | Compensation Range (approx.) | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Pleural Thickening | £14,000 – £50,000+ | Pain, limited mobility, medical costs |
| Asbestosis | £35,000 – £99,000+ | Long-term breathing issues, home adjustments |
| Lung Cancer (Asbestos-related) | £60,000 – £91,000+ | Treatment, loss of income, family support |
| Mesothelioma | £65,000 – £118,000+ | Severe suffering, care, family financial help |
These figures are only estimates — your solicitor will assess your specific circumstances to determine your true entitlement.
2. Special Damages
Special damages focus on financial losses related to your condition, such as:
Loss of past and future earnings
- Medical, prescription, and treatment costs
- Travel expenses for appointments
- Specialist care and home support
- Mobility aids or home modifications (stair lifts, hoists, ramps)
Every cost you face as a result of your condition can form part of your claim.
How Long Does an Asbestos Claim Take?
Asbestos-related claims are complex and can take 2–3 years or longer, especially if there’s difficulty identifying responsible employers or insurers. However, your solicitor will always aim for a swift and fair resolution while keeping you informed at every step.
In urgent cases, such as severe illness, your solicitor can request priority handling or interim payments to provide early financial support.
Interim Payments – Financial Support When You Need It
If your claim is strong and liability is accepted, you may be eligible for interim payments — early compensation installments made before the case concludes. These payments can help cover immediate expenses like medical bills, travel costs, or home care while you await your final settlement.
Compensation may also include:
- Lost wages or future income
- Cost of private medical treatment
- Travel to the hospital or specialists
- Care and support, at home or in hospital
- Adaptations like ramps, stairlifts, or mobility aids
No Win, No Fee Promise
- We know money is a huge worry when you’re already facing illness. That’s why we offer no-win, no-fee asbestos claims:
- No upfront payment needed.
- No hidden fees—everything explained clearly.
- No win, no cost—you only pay if your claim succeeds.
- If you win, a small agreed percentage is taken from your compensation, not from your pocket.
- This way, you get expert help without taking financial risks.
Time Limits for Asbestos Claims
- Most asbestos injury claims must start within 3 years of diagnosis or from when you first realised your illness was linked to asbestos.
- But don’t worry if exposure was decades ago—the law recognises that asbestos diseases take years to appear.
- For children or those unable to manage their own claim, a family member can step in as a “litigation friend.”
- The sooner you start, the stronger your case will be.
Claiming for a Loved One
Sometimes, asbestos diseases are so severe that the person affected cannot help themselves. In these cases:
- A family member can claim on their behalf.
- If a loved one has passed away due to asbestos disease, relatives can still claim for financial loss, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
- We handle these cases with care and sensitivity, always respecting your family’s situation.
The Claims Process: Step by Step
Here’s how simple it is with Claims 24 Hours:
- Free advice anytime – Call us day or night.
- Case review – We’ll check quickly if you’re eligible.
- Matched solicitor – You’ll get a solicitor who knows asbestos cases inside out.
- No Win, No Fee – Start your claim risk-free.
- Gathering evidence – Medical records, work history, and witness statements build your case.
- Negotiation – Most claims settle out of court with fair compensation.
- Final settlement – You get the money you deserve, giving you and your family financial security.