Asbestos FAQs

We’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions and corresponding answers to help you understand the process of claiming compensation for your asbestos related injuries. If you are still unsure if you can make a claim for compensation, please contact us by telephone or complete our online enquiry form.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a mineral that is composed of silicon, oxygen, hydrogen and other metal ions. Asbestos fibres insulate well because they are strong, flexible and non-flammable. The three most common varieties of asbestos fibres are chrysolite, amosite and crocidolite. An asbestos fibre is tiny, less than half the diameter of a strand of hair.

Would I have come into contact with Asbestos?

Many people have come in to contact with asbestos knowingly or unknowingly. People most likely to have come into contact with asbestos are Plumbers, builders, Shipyard workers, Dockers, Laggers, Bricklayers and Factory workers.

If I have come into contact with asbestos in the past does that mean I have a disease?

No, not necessarily. Asbestos related conditions take a number of years to develop, sometimes up to 40 years after exposure. If you are concerned over the risk of asbestos exposure, the first thing to do is see your GP, they will be able to refer you to a specialist.

What are the main symptoms I should look for?

There are a number of symptoms, the most common are;

Shortness of breath
Coughing bouts
Chest pain and chest tightness
A dry crackling sound in the lungs when inhaling
Lack of, or difficulty sleeping
If you feel that you are experiencing any of the above symptoms please go to your GP as soon as possible.

I have recently been diagnosed with an Industrial disease, what should I do?

Our advice to you is seek expert legal advice immediately regarding compensation. Innocent Injured have the expertise to help you claim compensation for your injuries. Call us for free on 0800 810 0840 or fill in our online enquiry form and we can help you start your claim today.

Do I have a claim?

We make this process as simple as possible. All you need to do is provide us a few brief details, we will then refer you to an expert asbestos solicitor the same day to assess whether your circumstances make you eligible for compensation. Contact us today to find out more.

I worked with asbestos a long time ago, can I still claim?

You may have a claim even your exposure to asbestos was many years ago. Much will depend on the date that your symptoms started, the date you were diagnosed or alternatively the date you first realised that you could make a claim. If you would like to discuss the possibility of claiming with one of our friendly advisors please contact us for free on 0800 810 0840.

How much compensation should I expect to receive?

All cases are different. There are often two sets of damages:

Special damages which include claims for loss of earnings and cost of care.
General damages which cover pain and suffering. (The inability to pursue the kind of life you had prior to your illness)

Who will actually be dealing with my claim?

Your claim will be handled by an expert occupational disease solicitor that we assign you. The solicitors that we work with have dealt with hundreds of asbestos related cases before so have the expertise to help you claim compensation. Contact us today to start the process.

Will I have to go to court?

This is very unlikely over 90% of cases do not go to court. The insurance company does not want to waste time and money defending a case where the facts clearly determine who is at fault. For this reason the vast majority of cases are settled without court appearances.

Do I need to attend your offices for meetings?

Your appointed solicitor will deal with your case by telephone and through the post which means you do not need to arrange face-to-face meetings. If however you would like to meet your expert solicitor they will arrange a home visit.

Why use Innocent Injured?

There are many Industrial injury compensation solicitors to choose from, so why choose Innocent Injured?

We are honest, professional and discreet
The solicitors we work with have many years of experience in handling asbestos related injury compensation claims
We are sympathetic to your needs as the injured party
We make the process of claiming compensation for your personal injury simple and quick

What happens when I win?

You will receive 100% of what is awarded to you. We do not make any deductions from your compensation whatsoever. Our fees are paid by your solicitor at the start of the claim. Your solicitors fees are paid by the same people that compensate you, your negligent employers insurance company.