Millions of people across the UK were exposed to asbestos, particularly in the 1950s, 60s and 70s where its use in industry was extensive. It was most prominently used in shipbuilding (dockyards), the motor industry, power stations, chemical industries and the construction sector.
Even individuals who did not work with asbestos were exposed to it through fibres on the work clothes of family members, schools, hospitals, or inhalation if they lived near a factory where it was regularly used.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a variety of serious health conditions, many of which will not surface until many years after contact was made which is called the latency period.
These include:
- Mesothelioma
- Lung cancer
- Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis)
- Pleural Thickening or Fibrosis
- Fatality (from any of the above conditions)
- Provisional Damage claims – deterioration from a longstanding asbestos disease where compensation has previously been made
- Pleural plaques – no claim presently available, but it may develop in the future
View our Asbestos Guide here.
If you were exposed to asbestos dust and later developed an illness you or your family may be entitled to compensation.
GA Solicitors’ specialist asbestos litigation team has more than 25 years of experience in dealing with asbestos claims and has dealt with hundreds of cases recovering millions of pounds for our clients. The majority of our clients normally recover compensation in excess of £100,000, more so if the disease leads to a fatality.
Being based in Plymouth many of our clients worked at Devonport Dockyard for the Ministry of Defence (MOD) where they were exposed to asbestos dust. As local asbestos specialists we have built up close relationships with the MOD insurers over the last 25 years. This helps our clients get prompt and proper levels of compensation which they may not obtain from a non-specialist asbestos lawyer or someone who does not practice in Plymouth. Our location also allows us to visit our clients at home throughout Devon, Cornwall, Somerset and Dorset.
We act for clients nationally as well as locally in the West Country. It does not matter if the place of employment no longer exists, the employer liability insurance that insured them at the time of employment will be responsible for paying the compensation. If the insurer is not traceable there are schemes in place which may offer alternative payments.
We can work on a no win, no fee basis and can seek to gain early payments to fund any necessary care, equipment or adaptations to your home. This may include stair lifts or walk in showers to improve one’s quality of life; provide respite for any carers; and organise private medical treatment. We also seek to recover any loss of income and damages for the symptoms and pain suffered.
Sadly a number of our clients pass away, but we will help their families and loved ones. We can seek payments to fund the funeral and probate; bereavement awards; loss of dependency income from the deceased; and replacement of their services to the household. This is in addition to recovering substantial compensation for the pain and suffering.
With a professional yet sympathetic approach, our team of accredited legal experts will ensure you receive the highest levels of client service and achieve the best possible result.
The personal injury team is accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). The asbestos team is led by partner, James Walsh, who is acknowledged nationally for more than 25 years of work in asbestos litigation and is an accredited Occupational Disease and Asbestos Disease specialist with APIL, as well as being a national assessor for the scheme
Contact GA’s experienced asbestos team today by calling 01752 203500. Alternatively email enquiries@GAsolicitors.com or use our online form.
