Due to the aggressive nature of some asbestos related illnesses it is not always possible to settle a claim for compensation during the sufferer’s lifetime and sometimes the actual cause of death is not known until the sufferer has died.

This means that any claim for compensation not settled or commenced in the sufferer’s lifetime will be brought on behalf of the deceased’s estate and anyone who can prove they had an ongoing financial dependency upon the deceased at the time of their passing.

Time limits

Just as with compensation claims pursued during a Claimant’s lifetime, strict time limits apply. Generally speaking you have three years from either the date of death of your loved one, or if at the time of death the cause of death was unknown, time will not begin to start to run until the date that you knew or ought to have known that the cause of death was due to an asbestos related illness.

Don’t be put off if it has not been possible to commence a claim for compensation during the sufferer’s lifetime, this is not uncommon and our specialist asbestos lawyers have had lots of experience dealing with claims on behalf of family members and can guide you through the process.

Coroners inquest

What is often a shock to the family is the need for the coroner to be involved with the death of their loved one. In the UK it is a legal requirement to report to the coroner all deaths that suggest they may have been caused by an industrial disease. An inquest will take place but it is not always necessary for the family to attend. A post-mortem may be required which can be very distressing for the family, this decision will be at the discretion of the coroner.

At Sintons our specialist asbestos team have a wealth of experience liaising with coroners and families who have lost loved ones to asbestos related illnesses, they will provide the coroner with necessary information to assist them with their investigation, and support you through this very difficult stage of your loss.

All asbestos related illness claims are pursued on a No Win No Fee basis so you can rest assured that there is no financial risk to you or your family.

To begin an asbestos injury compensation claim or obtain further advice with no obligation contact Sintons, we are available 24/7 on Freephone 0800 046 1748 or from a mobile on 0330 332 0536. Alternatively, use our callback form and we will arrange for one of our specialist asbestos solicitors to call you at a time that is convenient for you.