At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, our asbestos claim solicitors support individuals who have developed illness following exposure to asbestos or other harmful substances at work.
We act for clients diagnosed with serious conditions, including mesothelioma, after unsafe exposure in industrial environments. If your illness was caused by negligent working practices or inadequate protective measures, we can provide clear advice on your options and explain the compensation you may be entitled to pursue.
Breathing in asbestos fibres, hazardous dust, fumes, or industrial chemicals can lead to serious and long term health problems. Illnesses linked to asbestos exposure often develop slowly, with symptoms emerging many years after contact with the material. Diseases associated with asbestos include asbestosis, asbestos related lung cancer, and mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
Common instances that lead to asbestos and harmful substance claims include:
- Prolonged exposure to asbestos in construction, shipbuilding, or heavy industry
- Failure to provide suitable respiratory protection when handling hazardous materials
- Poor ventilation in industrial or manufacturing settings
- Lack of proper training regarding the risks of toxic substances
Workers in construction, engineering, manufacturing, shipyards, and similar sectors may face higher exposure risks, particularly where historic safety standards were inadequate.
We offer a complimentary first consultation with an experienced lawyer, where one of our solicitors will discuss your circumstances and outline your fee options.
Types of claim
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition such as mesothelioma, or an illness caused by prolonged exposure to harmful chemicals at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Damages can reflect the seriousness of your condition, the impact on your quality of life, and the effect on your family.
Compensation may also cover medical treatment, specialist care, and travel expenses linked to your diagnosis. In mesothelioma claims, this can include the cost of ongoing treatment, support services, and palliative care where required.
A claim can also account for lost earnings, pension loss, and reduced earning capacity. Where a loved one has passed away due to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, certain family members may be entitled to pursue a claim on their behalf.
Why choose us as your asbestos and other hazardous substance claims solicitors?
At Austin Lafferty Solicitors, we understand that diagnoses such as mesothelioma bring significant emotional and financial strain. These cases are often complex, particularly where exposure happened decades ago or across multiple employers.
Our asbestos claim solicitors approach every case with sensitivity and attention to detail. Whether you are pursuing an asbestos claim following a recent diagnosis or seeking advice from experienced mesothelioma solicitors, our team aims to guide you through the process clearly while securing the compensation you are entitled to.
Frequently asked questions about hazardous substance, including asbestos, claims
Yes. If your mesothelioma was caused by asbestos exposure at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation. A solicitor can investigate when and where the exposure occurred and who may be responsible.
Yes. Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses often develop decades after exposure. You may still be able to bring a claim even if the exposure happened many years ago.
You may still be able to claim. In many cases, historic employers’ insurers can be traced, even if the business itself has ceased trading.
Yes. Certain close relatives may be entitled to bring a claim on behalf of someone who has passed away due to mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease.
Evidence is important, but you do not need to gather it alone. Employment records, medical evidence, and witness statements can help establish when and how asbestos exposure occurred.
You may still be entitled to claim, depending on who controlled the site or supplied the materials that led to the exposure.
Not necessarily. Many asbestos and mesothelioma claims are brought after retirement, particularly where symptoms only became apparent later in life.
In addition to asbestos, exposure to hazardous substances such as silica dust, welding fumes, industrial chemicals, solvents, cleaning agents, and toxic gases can cause serious illness. Long-term exposure may lead to respiratory disease, skin conditions, occupational asthma, or certain cancers.
The claims process
Broadly speaking, you have three years from the incident or from when you reasonably became aware of your condition (such as after a stay in hospital) to make a claim. After this point, the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit has passed.
During the case, you must present evidence including medical reports, witness statements, wage confirmations and expense receipts. Medical evidence from your GP and relevant specialists is also essential for injury claims. Our personal injury solicitors will explain what is needed for your specific case and support you in compiling the relevant information.
Court cases typically take months or years to complete. If settled out of court, the opponent's insurer pays legal fees and outlays, though some costs may be deducted from your award. When cases proceed to court and you win, the losing party usually pays your costs. Your solicitor will explain all fee and financial arrangements at the outset and put everything you need to know in writing.