*The contents in this blog relates to legislation in Western Australia.
Being diagnosed with an asbestos related disease such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural thickening (also known as diffuse pleural fibrosis) or lung cancer is no doubt a confronting and difficult time. The stresses of such a diagnosis are made worse for those exposed to asbestos overseas such as in the United Kingdom.
With so many people having moved to Western Australia from the United Kingdom we feel it is important to let people know that just because you no longer reside in the UK does not mean you are not entitled to compensation.
There are 2 government payments available to people exposed to asbestos in employment in the United Kingdom. These payments are available through the Department of Work and Pensions. The first payment is called the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (“IIDB”) which is a pension paid to sufferers weekly based on their disease, impairment level and age. The second payment available is the Pneumoconiosis Etc (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 payment which is a one off lump sum payment based on a person’s condition and level of impairment.
Applying for these payments is risk free meaning if they are rejected there are no fees payable to the Department of Work and Pensions, our UK agents or us.
Common law compensation entitlements also exist for asbestos disease sufferers in the UK. Strict time limits however apply for commencing court proceedings (in both jurisdictions) therefore it is important you seek legal advice as a matter of urgency.
For persons who have been exposed to asbestos in both Western Australia and the United Kingdom it is often possible recover compensation in both jurisdictions.
Therefore, if you were exposed to asbestos in the United Kingdom and/or Western Australia we encourage you to contact our dust disease lawyers on 08 9325 0900 to discuss your compensation entitlements.