How we can Help

The Scottish Asbestos Helpline is a dedicated resource offering fast and easy access to industrial disease Solicitors whose aim is to provide health and compensation advice to those people who have either been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, are under investigation for an asbestos related illness or who have become bereaved as a result of an asbestos related illness.

A legal team of Accredited Specialists in Personal Injury with the Law Society of Scotland and members of The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) with a wealth of experience and expertise in dealing with all types of asbestos disease claims in particular those relating to mesothelioma are waiting to speak with you now.

In those instances where a claim requires processing in England or Wales our team are similarly experienced and qualified and accredited members of the Law Society of England and Wales.

As a leading City centre law firm your solicitors can also provide expert personalised services to private clients and businesses which include:

• Other personal injury claims – including road traffic accidents, workplace accidents, lifting and repetitive strain accidents, accidents in public places and medical negligence.

• Legal services to individuals – including Wills, Executry, Power of Attorney, property valuation, house purchase & sale, equity release and property litigation.

• Employment law – including unfair dismissal, Settlement Agreement and equal pay.

• Legal services for businesses – including Corporate, Commercial Contracts, Commercial Property, Business Immigration Support Limited Liability Partnerships, Agency, Terms & Conditions of business.

Scottish Asbestos Helpline do not charge for their services. We do not enter into any financial arrangements with a consumer or provide and legal services. Any arrangements for legal services with a solicitor are a private arrangement between the consumer and his/her solicitor.

Your solicitor will discuss with you the most appropriate method of funding your case which is likely to involve a condition fee agreement which is commonly referred to as ‘no win no fee’ which means you won’t have to pay their fee if you don’t win your case. This removes the financial risk from claiming and means you won’t be left with a bill you can’t afford. Another benefit of no win no fee is that you don’t need to pay any costs upfront. Once your solicitor takes on your case you’ll only need to pay them if you win compensation.

No deduction whatsoever will be made against any part of your compensation in cases involving mesothelioma.

It is often the case that a claimant will over the course of a long career have been exposed to asbestos not only whilst working in Scotland but also for periods working in England, elsewhere in the United Kingdom, or even working abroad.

In such situations, claims can often be pursued under Scots law and in the Scottish courts. Indeed this is often the most appropriate way to pursue the claim. The company or companies being claimed against- and their offices and assets- may be based in Scotland. The claimant, family members and/or important witnesses may live in Scotland making it more convenient to claim in Scotland under Scots law. The claim may in fact only be possible at all under Scots law, such as with asbestos-related pleural plaques where no compensation can be obtained under English law. The number of relatives entitled to claim- and the amounts of compensation which can be recovered- in the case of fatal asbestos conditions are often much greater under Scots law.

If you have been exposed to asbestos in Scotland in the course of your career, and have contracted an asbestos-related diseases of condition of any type, contact us as soon as possible, and we will advise you if the claim can and should be pursued in Scotland under Scots law.

As with Scotland, your solicitor appointed in England will discuss with you the most appropriate method of funding your case which is likely to involve a condition fee agreement which is commonly referred to as ‘no win no fee’ which means you won’t have to pay their fee if you don’t win your case. This removes the financial risk from claiming and means you won’t be left with a bill you can’t afford. Another benefit of no win no fee is that you don’t need to pay any costs upfront. Once your solicitor takes on your case you’ll only need to pay them if you win compensation.

No deduction whatsoever will be made against any part of your compensation 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 info@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.