Making a Compensation Claim

Asbestos compensation claims

Pannone is a leading law firm with a national reputation in the field of personal injury claims. Specialists in asbestos compensation claims, our solicitors will the maximum amount of compensation for yourself and your family as quickly as possible.  We will ensure that you keep 100% of the compensation you are awarded.

Important time limits

There is a time limit for bringing an asbestos compensation claim. This is either:

• three years from the date you are diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, or
• if the sufferer has died from their asbestos related illness, three years from the date of their death

Please note that in exceptional circumstances these time limits can be set aside by the Courts. If you are unsure whether or not you would be able to make a claim please contact us for free expert advice.

How long will an asbestos claim take?

At Pannone we are dedicated to doing our utmost to getting the case finished as soon as possible after being instructed.

Sometimes claims can be slowed down, for example, if we are having trouble tracing the insurers of past employers, but no effort will be spared to get the case finished as quickly as possible.

What will it cost?

At Pannone we offer a free initial, no obligation, consultation. If we are able to assist with your claim we will make sure that the claim does not cost you a penny. There are various ways to fund your claim:

• legal expenses insurance

It is unusual for policies such as home insurance to cover asbestos compensation claims but occasionally they will cover the costs of your claim. If your existing insurance does not cover the claim, we will enter into a 'no win, no fee' agreement with you.

• 'no win, no fee' agreement

The most common way these claims are funded is through a 'no win, no fee' agreement. This means that if your claim failed you would not have to pay us anything. If you win your claim your costs will be recoverable from your opponents. This means you keep 100% of the compensation awarded.

• membership legal assistance

This applies if you are a member of a trade union, a membership organisation or a friendly society.

How much compensation will I receive?

Compensation is awarded to reflect the nature and severity of the illness you have. The courts will award money for pain and suffering the illness has caused. There are guidelines about the levels of compensation which should be awarded for pain and suffering for each asbestos illness as follows:

• mesothelioma:         £35,000 - £83,750
• lung cancer:             £51,500 - £66,000
• asbestosis:              £31,500 - £69,500
• pleural thickening:    £25,250 - £51,500

However, each case turns on its own facts and these are only guidelines set by the court.

In addition to the above other losses and expenses can be claimed. Examples of these losses are:

• past and future loss of earnings
• loss of pension entitlement
• past and future private treatment fees
• medical costs
• care costs
• • if, as a result of the illness, you require help around the house or nursing care, the cost of the care itself can be claimed even if a family member performs the task
  • if you are no longer able to do DIY, gardening and household chores the cost of employing someone else to perform these tasks can also be claimed
  • • aids and adaptations. This covers a multitude of items, from modifications to the bathroom including special showers and handrails to stair lifts, buggies and the extra cost of specialist travel insurance
    • travelling expenses
    • hospice care

If the sufferer has died then their dependents (for example their partner or children) may also be able to claim:

• bereavement damages. This is currently £11,800 for the husband or wife of the deceased or if not married, children under 18
• funeral expenses
• financial dependency on the person who has died
• loss of love and affection of a husband/wife/father/mother

If the case is straightforward it may be possible to obtain an interim payment from the other side.

Making an asbestos compensation claim

To arrange a free discussion with an asbestos compensation solicitor click here or call us on 0800 0384 384. We are available to take your call twenty four hours a day, seven days a week.