How can you tell if you have an asbestos-related condition?
The symptoms of asbestos-related conditions can often take many years to develop – in some cases many decades before symptoms start to present. Symptoms can include but are not limited to, difficulty breathing and breathlessness, persistent cough, and tiredness.
You are strongly urged to seek medical attention as quickly as possible if you believe you are suffering from an asbestos-related condition as a result of exposure to asbestos.
What are the time limits for asbestos claims?
As with all claims for personal injury compensation, there are time limits within which a claim must be lodged with the court.
In accident claims, court proceedings must be started within three years from the date of your accident.
For asbestos-related conditions, court proceedings must be commenced within three years of the date when you first had reasonable grounds to believe that you might be suffering from an asbestos-related condition caused by a third party, for example your employer or the owner of the premises where you were working if you were a contractor.
If court proceedings have not begun within three years from the relevant date, then the negligent party may escape paying compensation on the basis that your asbestos claim is out of time. So we would urge you to seek professional advice as soon as possible.
Time limits for asbestos-related conditions are complex and differ from case to case, particularly when bereaved relatives seek compensation on behalf of a former family member.
A firm diagnosis from a medical practitioner for the time limit to commence is not always necessary: in such circumstances you should seek legal advice from a specialist as soon as you experience symptoms which you believe may have been caused by a third party.
Useful contacts
A list of useful external charitable contacts can be made available on request. You may also wish to consult:
Mesothelioma UK
The National Macmillan Mesothelioma Resource Centre.
Freephone: 0800 169 2409
DWP – Pneumoconiosis (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979
Freephone: 0800 279 2322
Benefit Enquiry Line
A confidential telephone service for people with disabilities, their Representatives and Carers.
Freephone: 0800 88 22 00
The Department of Work and Pensions
www.dwp.gov.uk, for information on benefits
