The Claims Process

Our personal injury solicitors recognise that you may have various questions about the process during the pursuit of compensation. Bridge McFarland LLP provides a complementary, non-binding initial consultation to discuss your situation, where we can outline your legal rights, evaluate the merits of your compensation claim, and explain the steps involved in filing a claim.

Additional factors must be considered for more severe cases to address the individual’s circumstances, including the potential needs for rehabilitation, housing or benefits.

Your personal injury lawyer will ensure you are well informed about the different funding alternatives, such as conditional fee agreements (commonly known as ‘no win, no fee’) and the estimated timeframes for pursuing a claim.

If you cannot find the information that you are looking for, simply contact us using this form or by calling us on 0800 987 8809. We will be only too pleased to try and help you.

Protecting health. Enhancing awareness. Working towards a safer future.

Steps to Making a Claim

Below we have outlined the typical steps involved in making a claim. However, it should be noted that it is not uncommon for issues to arise in the claims process, primarily if the liable company no longer exists. Nevertheless, you should rest assured that the team at Bridge McFarland will do all they can to ensure you get the compensation you deserve.

Step 1 – Have your initial phone call with Bridge McFarland and get a specialist lawyer assigned to your case.

We have a free hotline – 0800 987 8809 – where you can speak to one of our solicitors about your case. In the initial stages, you should expect to hear from your solicitor frequently as they begin to build a picture of your asbestos exposure. In addition, we will take statements from you to understand how your diagnosis is likely to, or already has, affected you, including both emotionally and financially.

Step 2 – Bridge McFarland will put you in touch with local asbestos support groups.

With your permission, we will pass on your information to local support groups and share helpful information for you to look at. In addition, those diagnosed with asbestos-related disease can claim Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and a Workers Compensation Act lump sum payment. We will support you in organising this.

Find out more about some available support groups here.

Step 3 – Bridge McFarland builds your case.

Our solicitors have extensive experience supporting those affected by asbestos-related diseases in the UK. We have particular expertise in locating insurers and companies that no longer exist when seeking compensation on behalf of a client.

Where necessary, we will obtain medical records and consider archived information to check for similar cases that may act as evidence in your circumstances (whilst of course maintaining confidentiality). In addition, we will contact potential witnesses and use our local knowledge and broader reputation to ensure that you get the answers you deserve.

Step 4 – Settling or taking the case to Court.

Once sufficient evidence has been collated, and we have a substantial case, we draft a Schedule of Loss outlining the financial loss that will be incurred due to the diagnosis. In all cases, we will work towards obtaining the maximum compensation. This information is then presented to the defendant (company or insurer). The loss of finances is used to negotiate a settlement figure.

In cases whereby the defendant does not enter settlement negotiations, Bridge McFarland has the means to settle the case in Court. Throughout this process, we consistently keep you informed and ensure you are aware of the stage of your case. We will also do all we can to answer any questions and help you feel as comfortable as possible.

The case can go through multiple Court hearings before a decision is made. However, it should be noted that not all cases go to a Court hearing, with most being settled when the evidence is initially presented.

No Win No Fee Claims

After a personal injury specialist has evaluated your case, Bridge McFarland will inform you whether we can provide a No Win, No Fee agreement. Your initial consultation and claim assessment will be free of charge.

A No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee Agreement, outlines the consequences of winning or losing your compensation claim. If your claim is unsuccessful, you will not face any financial risk, as all of your legal fees will be covered. This is contingent upon entering into, and adhering to, the terms of a No Win No Fee agreement.

A significant advantage of a No Win No Fee agreement is that you will not have to pay for our solicitor’s services upfront. If your claim is successful, you must pay a success fee to us from the recovered compensation, unless your claim is a mesothelioma claim in which this will be recovered from the Defendant.

Asbestos Awareness is dedicated to informing, educating, and supporting people in relation to asbestos-related diseases.

For further information, or to speak to a member of our experienced medical personal injury solicitors, please call 0800 987 8809. Alternatively, you can fill in this contact form.

To discuss making an asbestos compensation claim, please complete the form below to receive an email or a phone call from us.