Asbestos Compensation - Asbestosis Lawyers NSW

Regarding asbestos exposure, asbestos-related diseases, and work injuries solely based in New South Wales, there are no time limits on making a claim with ICare or bringing a court action in the Dust Diseases Tribunal of New South Wales. If the exposure occurred in other states, as well as in NSW, you may be subject to time limits depending on the legislation in those States or Territories. If you believe you are entitled to compensation for asbestos disease, the best course of action is to contact a law firm experienced in work injury compensation claims as soon as possible. For legal advice, contact Burke Mead Lawyers.

The value of a claim will depend on the type and severity of the asbestos-related disease you have been diagnosed with, as well as whether or not you are able to work. Asbestos claims for compensation have a wide range of outcomes, from compensation for ongoing medical expenses to lump sum payments. The compensation you may receive is dependent on your individual circumstances and ongoing needs, which is why it’s important that you seek legal advice PRIOR to accepting any lump-sum payment from an insurer. For more clarity around potential compensation, it’s best to speak with a legal professional regarding your case.

As Workers’ Compensation is a type of insurance and a requirement for all NSW employers, any payout following a successful compensation claim will be paid by your employer’s insurance company. The purpose of insurance companies is to provide cover for specific circumstances. In the case of Workers’ Compensation, it provides peace of mind for businesses in the event employees suffer work-related injuries or diseases. The role of Burke Mead Lawyers is to assist you in making a successful claim to receive the full amount of compensation you are entitled to.

Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease that is caused by inhaling asbestos dust or asbestos fibres, usually over a long period of time. Prolonged asbestos exposure can cause lung tissue scarring, develop into asbestos-related diseases, and can increase your risk of lung cancer. Asbestosis symptoms can range from mild to severe, and usually don’t appear until many years after initial exposure. Symptoms can include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain or tightness in the chest, dry and crackling sounds when inhaling, and “clubbing” of the fingertips and toes (they appear unusually wider and rounder at the tips).

You are able to make a compensation claim for asbestos disease, as it is not impacted by other medical conditions. Expert medical specialists will be able to separate the impact of asbestos exposure and the related lung damage on your health from your other medical conditions. Even if other medical conditions are present or pre-existing, the effects of asbestosis can be identified and you can make a claim based on the impact of the disease alone.

In NSW there are no “out of pocket” costs if you are eligible to make a statutory workers’ compensation claim. The Independent Review Office (IRO) provides funding upon successful application, which covers most costs. We understand finances can be a complicated matter and can discuss all financial information during the initial obligation-free consultation.