The Scottish Asbestos Helpline operate a strict NO WIN NO FEE policy which protects you against any costs in the event you are unable to recover compensation. If your case is successful and you are awarded compensation a small deduction will be deducted from your damages which will have been discussed with you and agreed at the start of your case. This deduction reflects those costs of bringing your case which cannot be recovered from the other side. No deduction will not be made in cases involving mesothelioma.
No. Our strict NO WIN NO FEE policy also applies to cases brought in England and Wales under English Law and if successful a small capped deduction (known as a success fee) will be made to that part of your compensation award which deals with your pain, suffering and loss of amenity. This is known as General Damages. No deduction will be made against any part of your compensation award dealing with future losses and no deduction will be made in cases involving mesothelioma.
No, not unless you specifically wish to do so. Given the nature and often complexity of these matters we find it particularly useful to visit our clients in the comfort of their home where they are more at ease and often accompanied by a family member or friend. The majority of our early contact and correspondence will be conducted by letter and on the telephone. However, a home visit will ultimately be required to enable your solicitor to meet with you and discuss your case further and prepare a written statement on your behalf which deals with important issues such as your diagnosis, employment history, how you were exposed to asbestos and the effects this is having or has had upon your life and any associated financial losses.
Yes, providing you have been diagnosed with a prescribed asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening. We can explain the qualifying criteria and help you complete the necessary paperwork for your application. There is no cost for this service.
There are many reasons why a compensation claim would be rejected by a Solicitor or even worse discontinued after further investigations or following correspondence with the Defendants (the other side).
Sadly we too face many of these same issues and we share your frustration and anguish when any decision is made to reject or discontinue with a case.
We recognise that many factors can influence the outcome of case but generally speaking some of the more common issues are of a legal or medical nature and it is for these reasons we need to understand about your diagnosis, symptoms and total exposure history. The knowledge, skill and experience of a particular solicitor can sometimes be the key to successfully presenting a case particularly if they are a recognised industrial disease solicitor. A client can also help their cause if they are able to recall details of their work and exposure history as certain case types can turn on the level and extent of exposure to asbestos dust.
When a case is rejected or discontinued by a Solicitor the reasons for this would normally be outlined in a letter and if you are anticipating having another legal view of your case it would help to have a copy of this letter available. Any up to date medical evidence would also be helpful.
It is important to remember that there is a limitation period in which to bring a case which generally speaking is three years from the date a person is diagnosed with an actionable asbestos related disease or three years from the date they first learned of their condition, whichever is the sooner. For this reason it is advisable to seek a second opinion at the earliest opportunity.
We are happy to discuss with you details of your situation and wherever appropriate have your legal team contact you to discuss matters further. Call us today on FREEPHONE 0808 164 7740, email to admin@scottishasbestoshelpline.co.uk or complete an enquiry form.
No. Providing you satisfy medical requirements of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) you should receive an award of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). You should make application using form BI100PD which is processed by Jobcentreplus. Arrangements will be made for you to attend a medical examination to make assessment of your disability and the level of your disability will affect the amount of benefit you will receive. You need to be aware that an award of IIDB will affect certain means tested benefits you or your partner might be claiming, and if applicable to your situation, you should consult the relevant Benefits Agency.
There could be many reasons for your symptoms which could possibly be related to your earlier asbestos exposure. You should speak with your GP about this and remind him/her of your earlier work, exposure to asbestos dust and diagnosis of pleural plaques. Hopefully there is nothing for you to worry about and your GP will probably examine you and listen to your lungs. If appropriate, further medical investigations might be required which could involve blood tests, ECG, x-ray or a CT scan. There is a tendency in later years to attribute symptoms of breathlessness down to your age but this should be avoided and always discussed with your GP.
No. Providing you satisfy medical requirements of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) you should receive an award of Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB). You should make application using form BI100PD which is processed by Jobcentreplus. Arrangements will be made for you to attend a medical examination to make assessment of your disability and the level of your disability will affect the amount of benefit you will receive. You need to be aware that an award of IIDB will affect certain means tested benefits you or your partner might be claiming, and if applicable to your situation, you should consult the relevant Benefits Agency.