Asbestos Solicitor Northern Ireland

Asbestos Claims

Asbestos is a material which was often used in buildings for insulation and spraying on ceilings, walls, and flooring before its dangers were known in the 1970s. This practice was banned from industries in the 1980s however asbestos reports have grown throughout recent years in Northern Ireland. The cases are growing now because it takes decades for the symptoms and detrimental effects to appear on the individual.

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At P.A Duffy & Co Solicitors, we represent people in asbestos claims cases in Ireland and Northern Ireland. Our personal injury team are experienced, understanding and sympathetic and will work tirelessly on your behalf to secure the compensation you are owed for what has happened.

Asbestos exposure can cause several diseases, including:

  • Asbestosis: A lung condition that results from long-term exposure to asbestos fibers.

  • Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or other organs.

  • Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure is a known risk factor for lung cancer.

  • Pleural Plaques: This is caused as a result of inhaling asbestos fibres and effectively it causes scarring to the lungs and typically arises 20-30 years after exposure.

  • Other Respiratory Conditions: Exposure to asbestos can also cause various other lung and respiratory issues.

What to expect in the claims process:

The claims process can vary but will generally take the following approach:

Initial Consultation - When you make an appointment with one of our experienced personal injury solicitors, they will firstly take instructions on when you were exposed to asbestos and, importantly, when you were diagnosed with an asbestos related disease. This information will dictate the success of your claim. It is, therefore, important to ensure you provide all relevant information to your solicitor.

Pre-Action Letter - Once the negligent employer is identified your solicitor will send a letter to the company you worked for setting out detailed allegations of negligence and breach of statutory duty. They will then be obligated to pass this on to their insurance company.

Site inspection and other evidence - Your solicitor may appoint an expert to inspect the site where the alleged exposure to asbestos took place with a view to firmly establishing that asbestos was or is present in the workplace.

Medical Evidence - We will then obtain your GP and hospital notes and arrange an appointment with a specialist medical Consultant who will provide a report on the likely cause of your illness. The report is required to get an expert opinion on whether the claimant’s illness is linked to exposure to asbestos in the workplace.

Decision on Liability - The employer’s insurance company then must provide their decision on liability within a defined period of time. If liability is admitted, your solicitor will enter into settlement negotiations with the insurance company with a view to recovering damages for the pain and loss you have suffered.

Court Proceedings - If liability is denied your solicitor will consult with you and discuss issuing Court proceedings to try and recover damages. When Court proceedings are issued your solicitor will instruct a specialist barrister to help prepare your case for Hearing. Court proceedings can also be issued in a case where liability has been admitted if we feel the compensation being offered by the insurance company is not sufficient.

Our expert solicitors will advise clients on their options, but the final decision will always be made by the client and we will ensure that their wishes are carried out.

How our personal injury solicitors can help

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, you should seek legal advice promptly. If you chose us to represent you our solicitors will take on most of the work on your behalf, making the process as stress-free as possible for you. We will work proactively to progress your claim without unnecessary delay and will stay in close touch to update you on the steps that are being taken. You will find us easy to contact if you have any questions or you need support from us at any time.

Speak to our personal injury solicitors in Dungannon, Belfast and Dublin

For a consultation with one of our experts, call us on 028 8772 2102 (UK) or 01 533 7860 (IE). We will talk through your situation with you and discuss what the first steps are in bringing an asbestos compensation claim. We can also answer any questions you may have.

Alternatively, you can fill in our online Contact Form and we will ring you.

FAQs

What will I receive compensation for in an asbestos claim?

Compensation can be awarded for a range of issues, including:

  • Pain and suffering

  • Reduction in quality of life, or being unable to enjoy normal activities

  • Psychological damage

  • Medical expenses

  • Loss of consortium

  • Financial losses, such as loss of earnings

How much asbestos compensation will I receive?

In an asbestos claim, compensation can cover various damages and losses related to asbestos-related diseases and exposure. The specific compensation you may receive will depend on the severity of your illness, the extent of your asbestos exposure, the responsible parties, and the laws in your jurisdiction.

If you speak to us about your case, we will be able to give you an initial idea of the range of compensation that is generally awarded for the type of illness you sustained.

How can I finance an asbestos compensation claim?

We know that funding an asbestos compensation claim might be a worry, so we offer a range of options. These include:

  • Legal Aid

  • Legal expenses cover

  • After the Event insurance (ATE insurance)

  • Private payment

We will be happy to discuss funding with you to find the best option for your circumstances.

What is the time limit for bringing an asbestos compensation claim?

In Northern Ireland, the time limit for bringing a personal injury claim, including asbestos-related claims, is generally three years from the date of knowledge. This means that the clock starts ticking from the date when the person first becomes aware of their asbestos-related disease.

In the Republic of Ireland, the time limit for bringing an asbestos compensation claim typically follows the rules of the Statute of Limitations, which allows a two-year period for personal injury claims.

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Our team of expert solicitors will be happy to assist you with your enquiry without any obligation to use our services. Contact us using your preferred method and we will gratefully assist.
Contact Details
Call Us From Northern Ireland
028 8772 2102Mon-Fri 9am-5pm
Call Us From Republic Of Ireland
01 533 7860Mon-Fri 9am-5pm

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Our Personal Injury Solicitors

Conal McGarrityConal McGarrityDirector
Seanin SomervilleSeanin SomervilleLegal Executive
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