Asbestos Lawyers
No win, no fee* on all compensation claims
Learn moreAsbestos Compensation Experts
Turner Freeman Lawyers has a proud record of successfully completing more asbestos disease compensation claims than any other law firm in Australia. Our asbestos lawyers have successfully dealt with over 45,000 cases.
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral which is a very efficient insulating agent. It was used in a wide range of building and insulation materials throughout most of the 20th century. Its use in brake linings only ceased in 2003. Find out more about asbestos products here.
There is generally a latency period of 15 to 50 years between the exposure to asbestos and the development of the disease.
Exposure to Asbestos can be detrimental to a person’s heath leading to serious diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. If you’ve been exposed to asbestos contact Australia’s best asbestos compensation lawyers today.
Have I been exposed to asbestos?
Whether you remember being exposed to asbestos or not, our asbestos lawyers can help you investigate. As the largest dust disease litigation firm in Australia, we have a large database that can help you find out if you have been exposed to asbestos.
Symptoms of asbestos exposure
- Shortness of breath
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Crackling sound when breathing
- Chest pain or tightness
- Respiratory complications
If you feel like you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing these symptoms, we’re here to help.
Asbestos related diseases
Asbestos related diseases have been affecting the lives of over 4000 Australians every year and potentially fatal in some cases.
Asbestos fibre is a very small needle like fibre that have a jagged appearance like the barbs on some fish hooks. The fibres are easily inhaled and the lungs find it very difficult to get rid of them. Consequently, much of the asbestos fibre inhaled remains in the lung where it causes disease many years later.
Almost all asbestos related illnesses occur in the lung, usually a minimum of 10 years after inhalation but more commonly 35 to 40 years after inhalation. Consequently, most people who develop asbestos related illnesses are generally of retirement age.
Asbestos exposure can cause the following diseases:
If you have been diagnosed with any form of asbestos disease we can help.
Find out if you have an asbestos compensation claim
If you have been diagnosed with asbestos disease you will likely have a claim for lump sum compensation. Our asbestos lawyers can provide expert advice on any compensation entitlements you may have in respect of your past asbestos exposure.
It does not matter, when making asbestos claims, that:
- You have left the workforce and are retired;
- You have no way of proving your asbestos exposure other than your own testimony;
- Your employer no longer exists;
- You smoked;
- You were self-employed or worked as a contractor;
- Asbestos removal has, or is taking place;
- You have no money to fund litigation.
Contact any of our asbestos lawyers in Australia on 13 43 63 or online if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
Asbestos Compensation
Turner Freeman has the largest and the most experienced dust and asbestos diseases practice in Australia.
Our team of leading personal injury experts specialise in helping those who have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease through a compensation claim.
If you or someone you know has a claim, telephone your nearest Turner Freeman office, explain your current situation and request to speak with one of our asbestos specialist lawyers. Special requests can be made to accommodate our clients if they speak another language. Once you are put through to one of our expert lawyers you will be asked a series of questions based upon your current situation to determine how we can help you.
Claiming on behalf of a loved one who has passed
The law states that family members can claim compensation on behalf of their loved one, if they have passed away. A death benefit claim can be pursed for lump sum compensation in circumstances where a family member has tragically lost their life from an asbestos related disease. Time limits apply when making these claims, so you should seek legal advice immediately to ensure your rights and compensation entitlements are protected.
We are determined to use our specialist dust and asbestos disease experience as well as our deep compassion and empathy to achieve results and make a meaningful difference for our clients no matter how touch or challenging the case is.
Turner Freeman’s asbestos claims process
Making an asbestos claim with Turner Freeman Lawyers is simple and we take the stressful process out of your hands.
Contact us
Telephone Turner Freeman on 13 43 63. Tell us you have asbestos related disease or other dust disease and that you would like to speak to a lawyer.
Book and appointment
One of our lawyers will speak to you and arrange to see you at our office. If you cannot travel, the lawyer will visit you at home or in hospital.
We collect all necessary documents and information
The lawyer will obtain all of the information from you necessary to run the claim including collecting medical records and other information relevant to your claim.
Confirmation of Asbestos Related Disease
Once the medical records confirm you have an asbestos related disease, we will discuss your compensation entitlements available to you.
We prepare and lodge your claim
If you proceed, your lawyer will prepare your claim, lodge the appropriate documentation to ensure the claim is successfully concluded. Your lawyer can also speed up the claim if your health is failing.
Not all asbestos claims go to trial
We are with you throughout the entire process. We will keep you informed and updated at every stage so you always know where your claim is up to.
View more information about our asbestos claims process.
What our clients say
Client feedback that reflects our commitment to quality and care.
Armando, thank you for all your hard work, compassion and integrity. You are a true professional who not only does his best for his clients but who cares about them and what they are going through.
– E.M.
“Annie you have been a delight to work with, always professional, knowledgeable, friendly and helpful, while also showing genuine concern for my health and wellbeing. We appreciate your dedication to our case, and your persistence in trying to get the best payout possible.”
– A.K.
We are Australia’s largest and most experienced dust and asbestos litigation firm
Our vast experience in dust and asbestos diseases litigation have given us a wealth of information in relation to running successful asbestos compensation claims.
We have continued to expand the nature of claims filed on behalf of victims suffering from dust disease and we have litigation numerous test cases that have established important legal precedents changing the prospects for people with dust and asbestos disease. You can read more about of our victories and landmark cases here.
Frequently asked questions
Want to know more?
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a mineral that was used in Australia in a variety of ways. While asbestos continues to be used in many parts of the third world (and is still mined in Canada), its use stopped in Australia for everything but brake linking during the 1980s, and from brake linings in 2003.
There are three main forms of asbestos fibre including crocidolite (blue); amosite (brown) and chrysotile (white) asbestos. The first two are described as amphibole asbestos while white asbestos is known as serpentine.
Read more on asbestos products here.
What is asbestos disease?
There are various forms of asbestos disease. The most common forms of asbestos disease can be broadly set out as follows:
- Mesothelioma – a cancer of the pleura, being the lining of the lungs and other internal organs which can be caused by relatively low exposure to asbestos fibres
- Lung Cancer – a cancer of the lung tissue which can be caused by significant exposures to asbestos, even where other factors are also present such as a history of smoking
- Asbestosis – scarring in the lung tissue which is usually caused by significant exposures to asbestos, dust and fibre. Although not a form of cancer, this condition can nevertheless be progressive;
- Pleural Plaques – calcium deposits on the lining of the lungs which usually occurs in areas affected by asbestos exposure. Pleural plaques can cause breathing restriction and chest pain
- Asbestos Related Pleural Disease – other conditions affecting the pleura caused by asbestos exposure which can also cause breathing difficulties and chest pain
- Larynx cancer
- Oesophagus cancer
Can I make an asbestos claim?
Claiming for asbestos compensation
If you have been diagnosed with asbestos disease you will likely have a claim for lump sum compensation. Turner Freeman Lawyers can provide expert advice on any compensation entitlements you may have in respect of your past asbestos exposure.
It does not matter, when making asbestos claims, that:
- You have left the workforce and are retired;
- You have no way of proving your asbestos exposure other than your own testimony;
- Your employer no longer exists;
- You smoked;
- You were self-employed or worked as a contractor;
- Asbestos removal has, or is taking place;
- You have no money to fund litigation.
Can I claim for work related asbestos disease?
Yes.
Work related asbestos disease
Anyone who contracts a disease caused by exposure to asbestos and other dusts while at work may be eligible for a significant workers compensation lump sum payment and other benefits through an application to WorkCover.
Diseases like asbestos cancer, mesothelioma or asbestos related lung cancers can still attract lump sum compensation even where asbestos exposure occurred many years ago.
Can I claim for non-work related asbestos disease?
Yes
Non-work related asbestos disease
Anyone exposed to asbestos in New South Wales outside of direct employment may pursue damages compensation in court, and significant lump sum compensation may be obtained.
Those eligible for this type of compensation include such people as self-employed carpenters, home handypersons, and even spouses or children who have asbestos disease and were exposed to asbestos through something like work clothes.
What can I claim compensation for?
Under the law of negligence, damages compensation is usually made up of a number of different components including:
- pain, suffering and loss of amenities;
- medical expenses including surgery costs, hospital stays and chemotherapy treatment
- out-of-pocket expenses;
- future out-of-pocket expenses (home services such as lawn mowing etc);
- the income you have lost since contracting the condition;
- the income you are likely to lose in future because of the condition;
- payment for time spent by loved ones in caring for you due to the effects of the condition;
- lost services that you provided to a family member and can no longer perform because of your asbestos illness.
Claims for damages compensation for asbestos disease can be fast-tracked where appropriate to ensure they are finalised in the sufferer’s lifetime.
What else am I entitled to?
Can I make additional claims?
Yes
If you have sustained exposure to asbestos in New South Wales and Victoria then you can settle your claim for a non-malignant asbestos condition on what is known as a ‘provisional basis’ – which means you can sue again and claim further damages if you unfortunately developed a mesothelioma or lung cancer.
What costs are involved with a claim for asbestos disease?
We offer an obligation free initial meeting to assess your potential claim and advise you about your legal rights and options.
If we advise you that you have a strong claim, we will agree to take on your case on a “No Win – No Fee” basis, which simply means that we will only be paid for the work we have done at the end of your claim and only if you win.
The total legal costs will depend on the nature and complexity of the claim and whether the claim settles at an early stage or if it proceeds to a hearing or trial.
In our experience, 98% to 99% of the claims we pursue for our clients are resolved or settled without having to go to court or proceed to trial.
How long will my claim take?
If needed, claims for mesothelioma and lung cancer can be completed in days / weeks. Generally speaking these claims take 2 to 4 months to resolve.
A claim for asbestosis or asbestos related pleural disease take longer to complete through the court system but again, this depends on the urgency of the claim.
Most cases are resolved within 6 months.
Can I claim for a loved one who passed away from asbestos disease?
Yes.
Claiming for a loved one who passed away from asbestos disease
Death benefit claims can generally be pursued for lump sum compensation in circumstances where a family member has tragically lost his/her life from asbestos disease.
Again, time limits apply to making these claims and you should seek legal advice immediately to ensure your rights and compensation entitlements are protected. Failure to do so may jeopardise your claim.
Register your asbestos exposure
Have you been exposed to asbestos?
If you have been exposed to asbestos, please register now and one of our expert asbestos lawyers will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
No win, no fee asbestos lawyers
About our feesFor asbestos compensation claims in Australia, we act for our clients on a ‘No Win-No Fee’ basis. In other words, unless we are successful in receiving compensation on behalf of the client they will not be charged for the legal work done by our firm or any expenses incurred when investigating the claim. Ask one of our asbestos lawyers for further information about our ‘No Win-No Fee’ policy, conditions do apply.
Making a difference in our clients’ lives
Pat’s story
“Out of 10, you’d have to give them 20″
“It far exceeded one’s expectations. They couldn’t come with a higher recommendation.”
Watch Pat’s testimonial.
Leading Asbestos and Dust Disease Lawyers in Australia
Doyle’s Guide
We have proven to be the best Asbestos and Dust Disease Lawyers with 10 of our lawyers named as market leader, preeminent, leading and recommended Asbestos and Dust Disease Lawyers in Australia.
Armando Gardiman, Doyles Market Leader Dust & Asbestos Lawyers NSW 2022-2024, Preeminent Dust & Asbestos Lawyers NSW 2021-2020
Thady Blundell, Doyles Preeminent Dust & Asbestos Lawyers QLD 2020-2024, Doyles Leading Dust & Asbestos Lawyers QLD 2016-2019
Gerard McMahon, Doyles Leading Dust & Asbestos Lawyers NSW 2024-2020
Annie Hoffman, Doyles Preeminent Dust & Asbestos Lawyers SA 2024, Doyles Leading Dust & Asbestos Lawyers SA 2018-2023
Jacqueline Hughes, Doyles Preeminent Dust & Asbestos Lawyers NSW 2024, Leading Dust & Asbestos Lawyers NSW 2023
Alana Main, Doyles Leading Dust & Asbestos Lawyers WA 2021-2024, Doyles Recommended Dust & Asbestos Lawyers WA 2018-2020
Tamaryn Caldwell, Doyles Recommended Dust & Asbestos Lawyers QLD 2019 – 2024
Dante Gloria, Doyles Recommended Dust & Asbestos Lawyers SA 2019-2024
Emma Jahnke, Doyles Recommended Dust & Asbestos Lawyers QLD 2024
Angela Italiano, Doyles Recommended Dust & Asbestos Lawyers WA 2024
Contact an asbestos lawyer near you
We have offices around Australia with some of Australia’s leading asbestos lawyers. We bring experience, expertise and compassion when dealing with your asbestos claim.
Asbestos lawyers in Queensland
Our asbestos lawyers in QLD will be able to advise you about your rights and what you are entitled to. Get in touch by calling 13 43 63. We have offices in Brisbane, Logan, North Lakes, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns..
Asbestos lawyers in New South Wales
Our asbestos lawyers in NSW acted in the first ever product liability claim again James Hardie for victims of asbestos related diseases. Get in touch with our experienced asbestos team in Sydney, Parramatta, Penrith, Newcastle, Wollongong, Windsor, Gloucester, Narellen and Toronto.
Asbestos lawyers in South Australia
Our asbestos lawyers in South Australia have been named leading dust disease compensation lawyers in for more than 5 years in a row. We have offices in Adelaide, Aberfoyle Park and Whyalla.
Asbestos Lawyers in Western Australia
Our asbestos lawyers in Western Australia provide commitment to those affected by asbestos related illnesses unparalleled by others. We have an office in Perth CBD.
Asbestos Lawyers in the ACT
Our asbestos lawyers in The ACT are committed to helping those affected by asbestos related illnesses from our Canberra office.
Our Asbestos Compensation Lawyers
Talk to our team
Once you complete the form, here’s what happens next:
Schedule an initial chat
We’ll arrange a time that suits you to speak with one of our lawyers. We can even come to your home or hospital.
Have a conversation about what you need help with
During this no-obligation consultation we’ll listen to your situation and provide initial advice.
Receive our offer
After the consultation, we’ll send you our offer. This will clearly outline your options and let you decide if you’d like to move forward.
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Talk to our team
Once you complete the form, here’s what happens next:
Schedule an initial chat
We’ll arrange a time that suits you to speak with one of our lawyers. We can even come to your home or hospital.
Have a conversation about what you need help with
During this no-obligation consultation we’ll listen to your situation and provide initial advice.
Receive our offer
After the consultation, we’ll send you our offer. This will clearly outline your options and let you decide if you’d like to move forward.
"*" indicates required fields
