News

13 June 2023

Battens Solicitors is supporting the Health and Safety Executive in its asbestos awareness campaign ‘Asbestos and You’ which will target all tradespeople with a focus on younger workers in trades such as plastering and joinery.

The HSE is concerned that there may be a perception amongst younger workers that asbestos is an issue which only impacts older workers who may have been exposed to asbestos before its use was banned in 1999.

Working in buildings which were built or refurbished before the year 2000 can still pose a significant risk if the appropriate preventative steps are not taken.

The diseases associated with exposure to asbestos can often take many years to develop. The victims of such exposure can usually take legal action against those who exposed them to dangerous amounts of asbestos even if that exposure took place many years ago and even if the company has stopped trading.

How can Battens help?

Battens has a history of making successful claims on behalf of the victims of asbestos related illness. We advise our clients in person and provide a local and sympathetic service.

Many victims of industrial disease are not aware that in some cases, where a Defendant company has been identified, is insured and where negligent exposure has been admitted. It may be possible to obtain private treatment for them, including access to some retroviral medications which can be difficult to obtain on the NHS. Battens can advise you on this aspect of your claim.

If you are suffering from an asbestos related illness, or any other form of personal injury or industrial disease and you would like to speak to one of our specialist lawyers to discuss the possibility of making a claim please do not hesitate to call us on 0800 652 8373. There will be no charge to you for this initial discussion. In most cases we are able to offer clients a ‘no-win, no-fee’ agreement. This means that if our client wins, they can claim our legal fees from the insurer of the company or individual responsible for their injuries. If the claim is not successful, we do not charge you for our legal fees. Unlike most lawyers we do not make a deduction from our client’s compensation for our own fees.

Further information on the campaign by the Health and Safety Executive and the dangers and effects of asbestos can be found here.