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Asbestos Compensation Claims2023-05-15T16:53:40+01:00

Asbestos Compensation Claims Solicitors

Asbestos Compensation Claims Solicitors

Are you suffering from an asbestos-related disease? If you came into contact with asbestos through your employment or due to someone else’s negligence, let’s secure the compensation you deserve for the pain and hardship you’re experiencing.

  • Expert solicitors with experience of asbestos compensation claims
  • Totally independent, affordable legal advice
  • Record of successfully pursuing asbestos claims in Northern Ireland
  • Simple claims process — we’ll handle everything
  • Free consultation to discuss your claim

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of six naturally occurring minerals that form into small fibres. It is an excellent insulator and is fire-resistant, so it was widely used in buildings for most of the 20th century.

But it is now classified as a known carcinogen. When asbestos is disturbed, tiny fibres are released and may be breathed in. They get trapped in the lungs and gradually cause scarring and inflammation, which can lead to serious health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural plaques.

Asbestos was used in the UK and Northern Ireland from the early 1900s through to the 1980s. It is commonly found in fireproofing, ceiling insulation, pipe insulation, cement, and a range of other construction uses. Its use declined from the 1980s onwards as the health risks became increasingly apparent and was finally banned in the UK and Northern Ireland in 1999.

Asbestos Exposure in Northern Ireland

You’re most likely to have come into contact with asbestos in Northern Ireland and the UK if you’ve worked in the building trade.

If you worked in the construction industry in a role that involved handling roofing, insulation and concrete, you were at particularly high risk of exposure. If you were working between the 1930s and 1980s, you might have worked directly with asbestos. Since it was banned, you may have been exposed to asbestos dust when building materials were disturbed in a home, school or public building.

Trades at high risk of asbestos exposure in Northern Ireland include:

  • Engineers
  • Carpenters and joiners
  • Plumbers
  • Roofers
  • Painters and decorators
  • Electricians
  • Cable layers

Asbestos Compensation Claims, Northern Ireland

There are several asbestos-related conditions, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural plaques. If you’ve been diagnosed with any of them, you may be eligible to make an asbestos compensation claim in Northern Ireland.

Some of the asbestos compensation claims you can make are:

Mesothelioma Claims

Mesothelioma is the cancer most commonly caused by asbestos exposure. It is the result of breathing in asbestos dust, which damages the membrane lining the chest wall (also known as the pleura). Over the years, this damage causes changes to the pleura and can eventually result in cancerous cells.

Mesothelioma typically develops around 40 years after asbestos exposure but can develop as little as 10 years after exposure. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are breathlessness, chest pain, a persistent cough, loss of appetite, tiredness and weight loss.

Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims

Asbestos-related lung cancer is caused when asbestos fibres get stuck inside the lungs. This causes irritation that eventually turns into tumours. Lung cancer caused by asbestos will usually result from heavy exposure to asbestos dust. Symptoms of lung cancer include persistent coughing, frequent chest infections, breathlessness, chest pain or coughing up blood.

Asbestosis Claims

Asbestosis is a scarring of the lungs, which causes them to shrink and harden. This makes it harder for your lungs to work properly. Asbestosis usually develops between 20 and 30 years after asbestos exposure and requires exposure to a large quantity of asbestos dust. Symptoms of asbestosis include shortness of breath, a persistent cough, wheezing, tiredness and pain in your chest or shoulders.

Pleural Thickening Claims

Pleural thickening is the thickening and scarring of your lungs. It can be caused by exposure to asbestos dust, though illnesses and infection can also lead to pleural thickening. Your consultant will consider your medical background and career before determining the cause. Symptoms include breathlessness, reduced chest wall movement, chest pain and persistent coughing.

Pleural Plaque Claims

Pleural plaques are scarring of the protective membrane around your lungs. It is caused by inhaling asbestos dust that gets stuck in the membrane and, over a long period of time, causes scars. Pleural plaques don’t usually cause any symptoms, but some people have described slight breathlessness or pain when breathing.

Who Can Make An Asbestos Compensation Claim?

Anyone who is suffering from an asbestos-related disease due to somebody else’s negligence is entitled to make a compensation claim.

Claiming for yourself. If you had direct or indirect exposure to asbestos, you can make an asbestos compensation claim.

Claiming on behalf of someone else. If a loved one is unable to make a claim or has died due to an asbestos disease, you can make a claim on their behalf.

Asbestos Compensation Claim Process

We understand that if you’re suffering from an asbestos-related condition, you may be experiencing pain, fatigue and stress. That’s why we’ve made our asbestos compensation claims process as simple as possible — we’ll take care of everything. Here’s what you can expect.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Get in touch for a no-obligation consultation and free legal advice on your claim from one of our expert asbestos compensation claim solicitors.

Step 2: Rehabilitation Assessment
We’ll arrange an assessment with a medical professional to determine any rehabilitation treatments that would ease your condition.

Step 3: Gathering Information
The next step is to gather the evidence we need to support your claim. This is likely to include your medical records. We will also help you to compile evidence of when you’re likely to have been exposed to asbestos.

Step 4: Medical Assessment
We’ll arrange for an independent medical professional to assess you. We want to know the full extent of your asbestos-related illness — and how it is likely to progress or worsen over time — before agreeing to a suitable level of compensation.

Step 5: Compensation Negotiations
Based on all the evidence, we will negotiate with the negligent party or their insurer to secure the maximum amount of compensation to which you’re entitled.

Step 6: Compensation Payout
Once a payout amount is agreed, we will make sure it reaches you in a timely manner to alleviate any hardship you’re currently experiencing as a result of your condition.

Asbestos Claim Time Limits

You normally need to make an asbestos claim within three years of your diagnosis. There may be some leeway if there are mitigating circumstances — especially given the length of time between asbestos exposure and diagnosis.

If you are claiming on behalf of a loved one who died from an asbestos-related disease, you usually need to claim within three years of their death. If you weren’t aware they were suffering from an asbestos-related condition at the time of their death, you need to claim within three years of being informed of this.

In all cases, we would advise you to start a claim as soon as possible.

Asbestos Compensation Amounts

If you’re living with an asbestos-related disease, you are entitled to money to help you with medical care, living arrangements, rehabilitation and other costs.

The amount of asbestos compensation you are entitled to will depend on the seriousness of your condition, the amount of pain you’re in and the impact it is having on your life.Your asbestos compensation payout will be divided into two types of damages:

General Damages – This is compensation for the pain and suffering you’re experiencing because you were exposed to asbestos. The amount you receive will depend on the level of pain and the impact on your life.

Special Damages – This is compensation for financial hardships you’ve experienced because of your asbestos-related disease. This might include loss of earnings, medical and rehabilitation fees, and changes to your living arrangements.

The general damages you receive depends on your illness, how serious it is and how much it impacts your life. The approximate asbestos compensation figures below are only estimates. The final compensation amount will be based on your specific circumstances.

  • Lung Cancer & Mesothelioma: £100,000-£200,000
  • Asbestosis: £34,000-60,000 (or £50,000-£100,000 in the case of moderate to severe asbestosis)
  • Pleural Plaques & Thickening: £3,500-£50,000

Why Choose Reid Black?

We’ve been helping people in Northern Ireland to secure the compensation that is rightfully theirs since 1993. Our experienced solicitors have successfully represented many clients who have made mesothelioma claims and claims for other asbestos-related conditions. We’re ready to help you with your asbestos claim.

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Peter Lynch

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Peter Lynch

Peter Lynch
Peter Lynch
30 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Peter Lynch of Reid Black Solicitors is one of Northern Ireland’s Leading Road Traffic Accident Experts.
  • He will act for you solely and does not accept referrals from insurers or Accident Management companies thus ensuring we have your interests first.
  • Have an initial no-cost chat about any Road Traffic Accident to see if you have a case.
  • He acts in Car Accidents, Cycling & Motorbike Accidents and Pedestrian Accident Claims.
  • Peter will be able to Fast track your claim to get you the compensation you deserve.

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Libby Smyth

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Libby Smyth

Libby Smyth
Libby Smyth
20 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Libby Smyth is one Northern Ireland’s leading Road Traffic Accident and Personal Injury Solicitors.
  • She will handle your Road Traffic Accident Claim effectively and efficiently, keeping your best interests as her prime concern.
  • Specialist in all types of personal injury claims, with a focus on Road Traffic Injury Claims.
  • Libby can expedite your injury claim to ensure you get your compensation as fast as possible.
  • If you’ve been injured as a result of a Road Traffic Accident, contact Libby today for free initial chat to see if you’re eligible for a claim.

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Eilis McQuillan

Our Specialist Asbestos Compensation Claim Solicitor – Eilis McQuillan

Eilis McQuillan
Eilis McQuillan
14 YEARS EXPERIENCE
  • Elis McQuillan has extensive experience dealing with Road Traffic Accident Claims in Northern Ireland.
  • She will prioritise your interest’s first and act solely on your behalf.
  • Specialist in all types of Road Traffic Accident Claims and Litigation, including Car Accidents, Cycling Accidents and Motorbike Accidents.
  • Ellis can Fast Track your Road Traffic Accident Claim, so you get your compensation as soon as possible.
  • Contact Ellis today for a free initial consultation to determine if you’re entitled to a Road Traffic Accident Claim.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, although asbestos exposure and smoking can both cause lung cancer you will still be able to claim compensation if you can demonstrate you were exposed to asbestos.
Yes, we’re very experienced in handling asbestos claims, so our solicitors will chat about your career history and the type of jobs you did to help identify where you might have been exposed to asbestos.
Yes, we will simply track down the insurance company that insured the company you were working for when you were exposed to asbestos. We will then pursue the insurer for the asbestos compensation you deserve.
That depends on the complexity of your claim and whether the negligent party accepts responsibility. Some asbestos claims can be settled in as little as three months while others will take longer. If your case is unlikely to be settled quickly, we will apply for an interim payment. This will give you immediate access to some of your compensation while we continue working to reach a full settlement.
You may be eligible for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. If your condition is preventing you from working you may also be eligible for Disability Living Allowance (DLA) / Personal Independence Payments (PIP). You can still claim asbestos compensation even if you are claiming benefits for your asbestos-related disease.

Let’s Secure Your Asbestos Compensation Payout

If you’re suffering from an asbestos-related disease after being exposed to asbestos through no fault of your own, you don’t deserve the suffering you’re now experiencing. We’ll support you every step of the way to claim the money that is rightfully yours.

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      William Campbell
      William Campbell
      16:37 13 Nov 19
      Great if you get stuck in a jam with the local police.
      Harry Walmsley
      Harry Walmsley
      14:51 22 Aug 19
      Brilliant solicitor. Thank you.
      Andrew Aicken
      Andrew Aicken
      08:51 20 Apr 18
      Great service from a professional company. Eilis McQuillan handled a case for me and was outstanding. I was kept informed at every stage and would recommend Reid Black without hesitation.
      Victoria J
      Victoria J
      10:12 18 May 18
      I would highly recommend this company and I have used them a few times . Absolutely Fantastic company .
      Alan Cromie
      Alan Cromie
      14:54 08 Nov 15
      I approached Reid Black Solicitors having known Hamill Clawson for many years as a good dependable lawyer and having been badly let down and grossly overcharged by another solicitor. He referred me to his colleague, David French who was very approachable and went out of his way to help resolve matters equitably in a timely and stress free manner.As a busy professional, this invaluable advice from Hamill and, especially his partner David was greatly appreciated. I am impressed by the high standard of service offered by this Firm and would recommended their services without caveat.read more
      Stephen Lavery
      Stephen Lavery
      09:12 21 Feb 20
      1st class service. Case was resolved quickly, handled with sensitivity and professionalism. Couldn’t recommend Eilis highly enough. Very happy.
      David Hogg
      David Hogg
      12:07 09 Mar 20
      Very helpful....quick results...
      Conor Mccomish
      Conor Mccomish
      21:47 25 Jul 20
      David helped me get a licence reinstated with the council. Very fast, efficient and professional service. I would highly recommend this company.
      mike naylor
      mike naylor
      09:41 06 Sep 20
      Great business
      Seema King
      Seema King
      17:07 30 Sep 20
      Highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. David French handled my case and guided me step by step. Very fast and professional. Made my whole experience stress free. Couldn't be more thankful. 🙂
      Jonathan Loughlin
      Jonathan Loughlin
      16:52 29 Nov 20
      Highly experienced staff have helped me massively and would recommend them to anyone 10☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆☆
      Shaun Leese
      Shaun Leese
      13:18 31 Mar 21
      Worked with Karen Cox on house purchase. Fantastic service!
      Adrian Bodle
      Adrian Bodle
      14:57 23 Jul 21
      I would highly recommend Reid Black Solicitors. my experience was totally stress free and easy from the start. David handled my case in a professional manner, notifying me every step of the way. Thank you for all your hard work. A1read more
      James Cullen
      James Cullen
      14:53 23 Jul 21
      Had the best service from all at Reid black from David and Karen who dealt with my claim, all in all a great service I would highly recommend this Company to anybody wanting a professional service, thankyou to everyone at your office. odyread more
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      TONIK TZW (tonik_tzw)
      14:17 29 Jul 21
      Reid and Black were absolutely outstanding and extremely professional in their handling of my case, They were well organised, timely and informative in their updates as the case progressed. The outcome was even better than anticipated which can only be due to the excellent knowledge, tenacity and determination in seeking a satisfactory outcome. I would highly recommend their services to anyone.read more
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      Phoebe Brigginshaw
      17:09 08 Dec 21
      Karen was wonderful and took fantastic card of us as first time buyers. Excellent service all round, thank you so much!
      David Raeburn
      David Raeburn
      11:48 10 Feb 22
      I would like to thank Reid Black solicitors for the outstanding work you have done for all the veterans who have mostly suffered in silence and would never have thought to start any sort of compensation claim against the MOD,also to find out that your firm does not take a penny from the veteran's settlement just shows the amazing integrity of Reid Black.read more
      Luke Tedford
      Luke Tedford
      12:26 31 Mar 22
      Just want to start off by Thanking Eilis for helping me through everything. I arrived in with very little expectations to get anywhere and I came out with exactly what I wanted, all thanks to the hard work and dedication of Eilis. When I first met Eilis she gave me the warmest reception and was fully understanding and complient with what I wanted. The best solicitors in Belfast hands down! would very highly recommend to anyone!read more
      Jude Campbell
      Jude Campbell
      13:18 11 May 22
      We would like to thank Reid Black Solicitors and specifically David French for helping us in a recent professional negligence case. His professionalism was a breath of fresh air and the positive outcome we received has been a weight off our shoulders, we would highly recommend David and his team.read more
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      CJ MCKIMM
      11:13 05 Jun 22
      A big thanks to David and the team for sorting out my hearing loss claim. Very professional, polite and efficient throughout.
      Leonidasz Rafael
      Leonidasz Rafael
      14:29 25 Jun 22
      at this location The staff is very kind quick helpful hilarious Mr Hamill very professional defense attorney I recommend to everyone protection and tranquility are highly guaranteed always provides the best and fastest help if you are looking for the best defense attorney Mr Hamill 💯💯read more
      James Tate
      James Tate
      22:28 26 Aug 22
      Excellent attraction staff super.
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