If you’re diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases, you’re eligible for compensation/financial assistance. The following will share benefits or compensation you may be entitled to, with advice on how to apply for them.
Depending on your situation, compensation can occur through courts of law, the benefits system or a government compensation scheme. You should seek advice quickly to claim correctly and receive your entitlement.
Industrial injury benefits and government compensation schemes
Anyone across the UK who has been affected by asbestos-related conditions is eligible to apply for industrial injuries benefits if they have a condition known as a ‘prescribed disease’ which includes the following:
These are:
- Asbestosis
- Mesothelioma
- lung cancer with asbestosis
- lung cancer without asbestosis if there has been extensive occupational exposure to asbestos in specified occupations
- diffuse pleural thickening.
There are also multiple government compensation schemes under the Pneumoconiosis etc (Worker’s Compensation) Act 1979 and the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
www.gov.uk/diffuse-mesothelioma-payment
Claiming previous employers
You can carry out a civil claim against previous employers, where asbestos exposure may have occurred during your employment. Mesothelioma UK has advice on making a claim and what questions to ask a solicitor to check they specialise in this area.
You can get proof of employment history to support your claim:
www.gov.uk/get-proof-employment-history
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