Do you have an asbestos
related disease?
My name is Steve Woods and I am a solicitor specialising in
claims for asbestos related diseases and I thought I would look
at a number of questions that often arise and that make people
worried about the possibility of making a claim. My message is,
if in doubt ask!
“I Never Made A Claim Before”
I understand that making a claim can seem daunting and this is
why I always visit my clients and meet them face to face. I can
explain the process and I find this reassures them. I come to
Spain regularly and so personal visits are not a problem.
“I cannot remember where I worked or
the company I worked for no longer
exists”
It is not unusual for companies that traded in the 1960s, for
example, to have long since stopped trading. With
investigations I can trace insurers who provided cover for these
companies and they are obliged to deal with the claims. Even if
you are hazy about the exact name of a company or your
period of employment with them, I can obtain your work
history from HM Revenue & Customs and this provides
confirmation of who you worked for all those years ago.
“I have been diagnosed with an
asbestos condition but I did not work
with asbestos”
It is surprising how often, when you start talking about a
persons work history, what they remember. Often, it turns out
that even if a person did not actually work with asbestos, they
worked alongside people who did and therefore came into
contact with dust. Another possibility, and a particularly sad
one in my experience, is a wife who comes into contact with
asbestos from her husband’s work clothes.
“My breathing problems are not too
bad”
A lot of people I meet are dismissive of their breathing
problems and underestimate how they affect their daily lives.
Some people I have seen do not realise there is a time limit for
bringing claims and so it is important that investigations are
started as soon as possible.
Claims for breathing problems caused by exposure to asbestos
can be complex but the quicker the claim is started the quicker
these issues can be dealt with. So, if you are concerned about
your particular situation or have any questions please do not
hesitate to get in touch. I am happy to talk to you free of
charge.