Making an asbestos claim

Consulting a firm of solicitors for the first time can be perceived as a daunting experience. Often one of the concerns is whether or not the potential client will be “locked in” or obliged to commit to the firm. It is important to know that such an obligation will not arise with Stuart Lawyers until the potential client enters into a written costs agreement with our firm. This therefore allows a potential client to speak with us over the telephone or see us in person and make their own assessment on a no obligation basis as to whether they would like our firm to act on their behalf.

A claim may be made against your former employers; the occupiers of the sites where you worked; and/or the manufacturers & suppliers of the asbestos products that you handled or came in contact with in the past. Even if your exposure occurred many years ago, your employer has gone out of business, you had many employers, you were self employed, or your exposure to asbestos did not occur in the workplace, you may still be entitled to make a claim.

The first and most important step is for you to make contact with us as soon as possible after you or your loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos condition. Time is a critical factor not only for those suffering terminal conditions, but also because many States and Territories in Australia have time limits which require claimants to pursue their rights within a certain period.

After you have contacted us and provided some preliminary information, it is likely we will be able to provide you with an outline of your legal rights.

If you have a viable claim and wish for us to pursue your rights, it is likely we will confer with you at our office; at your home; or in hospital if you have been hospitalised.

The first consultation is always free. Following this, if you have a viable claim, it is likely we will undertake work on your behalf on a “no win, no fee” cost arrangement. Different conditions will apply to this arrangement depending on the particular State or Territory in which the action is taken, and the type of litigation commenced. We will provide specific advice to you after we know your individual circumstances.