Helping people who suffer from an asbestos related disease
For the past 35 years, Slater and Gordon have worked with thousands of Australians who have suffered from asbestos related diseases. We are proud to support asbestos disease sufferers and their families by taking care of their legal needs so that they can focus on their health and families.
If you suffer from mesothelioma or another asbestos related disease, let us help you.
Understanding asbestos related diseases
When products containing asbestos are disturbed (for example, cut, broken or drilled into), tiny asbestos fibres are released into the air. When these fibres are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and may cause a number of very serious diseases.
Regardless of your age or occupation, asbestos exposure can occur in many different situations and may have a major impact on your health. Some of the common asbestos-related diseases that may develop include:
Lung cancer
Pleural disease
Learn more about asbestos related diseases
We can help investigate how you may have been exposed to asbestos
We will work with you to understand your potential exposure history and investigate on your behalf.
Even if you’re unsure if or how you were exposed to asbestos, we can help you work it out.
We have a vast database of detailed information regarding sites where asbestos was used, products that contained asbestos, and other useful information that can assist to pinpoint an exposure.
Common ways asbestos exposure can occur include:
- You handled products that contained asbestos at work
- You performed renovations to property that contained asbestos
- You handled and washed clothes that contained asbestos
If you were exposed to asbestos at work, even if your employer went out of business years ago, you may still be eligible for compensation.
We're here to help. Make an enquiry now.
If you have a question, want some more information or would just like to speak to someone, make an enquiry now and our Asbestos team will be in touch with you as soon as possible.
You may be eligible to claim even if you smoke
There is no known relationship between smoking and the development of mesothelioma. If you were exposed to asbestos, even if you smoke or used to smoke, you should seek advice from our experienced Asbestos Lawyers who can help assess whether you may have a claim.
Understanding your entitlements
If you suffer from an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future loss of income
- Cost of assistance around the home
- Nursing care
- Other out of pocket expenses
If you’ve lost a loved one because of an asbestos related disease a claim may still be available to their estate or dependents.
Act quickly
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, it’s very important to seek advice as soon as possible to make sure legal proceedings are issued within your lifetime, to ensure your rights are fully protected.
Listen to the moving story of one of our clients and his wife. Our client was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and as part of his case, we were able to help him provide for the future care of his wife, who has suffered from polio since she was five.
How we can help
With over 35 years’ experience, we are one of the largest and most experienced asbestos teams in Australia. When you choose Slater and Gordon, you get the support of an entire team who have a deep understanding of what you’re going through.
Meetings that are convenient for you
We understand that there may be circumstances where you may not be able to travel. We have offices nationwide, so we can come to you at home, at the hospital, over the phone or via video conference.
You decide how involved you’d like to be
The way we work is designed to keep you informed but also do the work for you, so you can focus on your medical treatment and looking after yourself and your family. We’re happy to be guided by you as to how much involvement you wish to have. You’re also welcome to appoint a family member or friend to support you.
If your case proceeds to trial, we’ll guide you through the process ensuring your health and wellbeing are prioritised.Free social work services
We understand that seeking your legal entitlements is only one aspect of your journey after a diagnosis. That’s why we offer free social work services to provide additional support for what’s to come.
No Win - No Fee*
We are the original No Win, No Fee* lawyers. This means that if you don’t win you don’t pay Slater and Gordon’s fees (the fees that we charge for the work we do on your case).
*For full T&Cs on No Win - No Fee, click here.
National Asbestos Exposure database
We have one of the largest databases of information on historical asbestos exposure details in the country, including workplaces, dangerous products, and historical witnesses. Our asbestos register makes any investigation we need to do into your exposure much simpler and more cost-effective.
We invest in asbestos research
We care about all victims of asbestos related diseases. That's why, in addition to taking care of your legal needs, we contribute to efforts made by research and treatment centres Australia-wide to try and minimise suffering and look for potential cures.
We've been investing in research that explores cures and life improving medical treatments for asbestos sufferers for many years. We're glad to make a contribution to relieving the suffering of our clients and to working towards a future in which asbestos related diseases can be better managed, if not eliminated.
Step through the process
Every asbestos case is different. Depending on your claim and your health, they can take as little as a few weeks to resolve. Our knowledgeable and caring team will guide you through each step to help you get the best possible outcome.
Get in touch
We’ll set up an initial appointment for a lawyer to meet you at a time and place that suits you.
We'll issue a "Writ"
We'll issue a formal document notifying the court of your intent to take action, as soon as practicable. It’s important to issue legal proceedings in your life time, this is to protect your rights to compensation for pain and suffering.
We'll apply for a Speedy Trial
If necessary, based on your health, we’ll apply for a Speedy Trial and obtain a fast-tracked timetable to progress your claim in court.
We’ll gather the documentation
We’ll obtain all the medical and other material necessary to support your claim. You will need to swear some documents, which we can bring to you at your own home if you need.
Your case will likely settle at the pre-trial stage
The vast majority of cases settle during pre-trial negotiations. Once settlement is reached, we work quickly to get your money to you as soon as possible.
Most cases do not usually get to court, but if yours does, we’ll guide you every step of the way to get you the compensation you’re entitled to by law.
Meet the team
When you come to Slater and Gordon, you’ll have the support of a team of caring lawyers, law clerks and support staff with more than 100 years of legal experience between. Many members of our team have worked together for years; we know how to pave the way for you together.
