Asbestos FAQs
Before starting a claim following asbestos exposure, you may still have a few unanswered questions – whether they’re about what asbestos is to how much compensation you may be awarded, our frequently asked questions are answered here

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Asbestos FAQs
Before starting your claim, you may still have a few unanswered questions – whether they’re about what asbestos is to how much compensation you may be awarded? Answers to our most common asbestos FAQs are shown here.
What is asbestos?
What are the dangers of asbestos?
Types of asbestos
White asbestos
Brown asbestos
Blue asbestos
Where was asbestos used?
- Lagging for insulating pipework and boilers
- Rope, string and paper
- Sprayed asbestos in buildings, ships and locomotive engines (Limpet)
- Building and partition fireproof sheets
- Corrugated roof sheets
- Ceiling and floor tiles
- Fire doors
- Gloves and aprons
- Fireproof suits and blankets
- Artex
- Gaskets
- Ironing boards
- Bunsen burner mats
Can I make a claim for asbestos compensation on a 'No Win - No Fee' basis?
If you win your claim, you keep 100% of all compensation awarded.
If you lose the case, we do not charge you for our work. Insurance arranged by us will protect you from any costs.
How long does an asbestos claim take?
Leigh Day proceeds with all mesothelioma and urgent asbestos cases through the High Court’s fast track system. These cases can take six months or less from start to finish.
How can I claim for asbestos exposure, as it was many years ago?
Solicitors rely heavily on witness statements to prove what happened in the past because there are rarely any documents evidencing events from several decades ago.
The courts are usually quite accepting of the evidence given in witness statements. Most of our cases rest on the statements from the victim themselves, their friends, family and former workmates.
Are there time limits for making an asbestos compensation claim?
Where somebody has died as a result of an industrial disease, the three years typically runs from the date of death.
In all circumstances, it is advisable to seek legal advice as soon as possible for advice about any limitation dates for your asbestos claim. In certain circumstances, it is possible to ask the court to let your claim proceed even though it is over three years since you were diagnosed. Leigh Day has particular experience of bringing cases “out of time”.
Can I bring an asbestos claim if the victim has died?
Yes, claims are commonly brought by the spouse of the victim or the executors of the victim’s will.
Can I claim if my employer has gone out of business?
Leigh Day has extensive experience investigating the corporate history of companies and successfully locating insurers. If you have mesothelioma and cannot trace your insurers, you may be able to claim under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
Can I claim asbestos compensation if I no longer live in the UK?
If you live outside England see our overseas asbestos claim page.
Will I have to attend a medical appointment?
In most circumstances, it is helpful to be examined by an independent doctor for your legal claim. Where the victim is particularly ill, or it is difficult to travel, we often ask experts to prepare a report based on your medical records.
Can I get state benefits if I have an asbestos disease?
Commonly, Leigh Day clients successfully apply for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit. Asbestos victims can also receive payments under the Pneumoconiosis Workers Compensation Scheme .
Other clients may be entitled to:
- Disability Living Allowance
- Constant Attendance Allowance
- Employment and Support Allowance
- Income Support/Universal Credit
Why choose Leigh Day?
Ready to talk?
Speak to one of our expert lawyers in complete confidence, with no obligation, on our freephone number +44 (0)808 2712094 about any asbestos claim