Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims
Being told you have lung cancer is devastating. If that diagnosis is linked to asbestos exposure during your working life, you may be entitled to significant compensation, and we are here to help you pursue it.
At Ashtons Legal, our specialist solicitors have decades of experience helping people across East Anglia and nationally. We are committed to securing the compensation you deserve, and co-founded the East Anglia asbestos support group and fundraised for a specialist nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, our solicitors are known for the quality of their advice and the care they bring to every case. All claims are handled on a no-win-no-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing if unsuccessful.
Contact our asbestos lung cancer solicitors
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, get in touch in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich or Leeds. You can also complete our personal injury enquiry form and we will be in touch promptly.
What is asbestos-related lung cancer?
Asbestos-related lung cancer is a malignant tumour caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. It sits alongside mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lungs and other organs) and asbestosis (permanent scarring of the lung tissue).
There are two main types of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure:
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): the most common type, accounting for around 80–85 per cent of cases
- Small cell lung cancer (SCLC): less common but more aggressive, making up 10–15 per cent of cases; it spreads rapidly and is harder to treat
How does asbestos cause lung cancer?
When inhaled, asbestos fibres settle deep in the lungs and cannot be expelled, causing irritation and scarring that can trigger cancerous growth over 15 to 35 years. Many people are only now being diagnosed from work carried out decades ago, when safety standards were far less stringent.
Symptoms of asbestos lung cancer
Symptoms often only appear in the later stages of the disease, which is why early legal and medical advice is so important. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent or worsening cough
- Coughing up blood or blood-stained mucus
- Chest pain or tightness
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness or changes to your voice
- Unexplained weight loss
- Persistent fatigue
- Recurrent chest infections
If you have any of these symptoms and a history of asbestos exposure, seek medical advice and speak to our team.
Who is at risk of asbestos-related lung cancer?
Anyone who worked with or around asbestos before its UK ban in 1999 may be at risk. Occupations with a particularly high risk of exposure include:
- Construction workers and labourers
- Shipyard workers and ship fitters
- Electricians
- Plumbers and pipe laggers
- Mechanics and vehicle repair workers
- Carpenters and joiners
- Insulation workers
- Firefighters attending older buildings
You may also have been exposed secondarily, for example if a family member brought asbestos dust home on their work clothing.
Smoking and asbestos exposure
Smoking and asbestos exposure each independently raise lung cancer risk; where both are present, the combined risk is significantly higher than either alone.
A history of smoking does not prevent a claim. We use specialist medical evidence to show asbestos exposure was a material cause of your cancer.
Can I make an asbestos lung cancer claim?
You may be able to claim if you have lung cancer and a significant history of occupational asbestos exposure. Unlike mesothelioma, which is almost exclusively caused by asbestos, lung cancer has multiple causes, so we must show exposure was a material contributing factor. A confirmed condition such as asbestosis strengthens your claim.
What compensation can I claim?
Compensation is designed to address the full impact of the diagnosis on you and your family. A successful claim may include:
- General damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Loss of earnings, both past and future
- The cost of medical treatment and care
- Travel expenses to and from medical appointments
- Home adaptation costs where required
- Compensation for the care and support your family provides
Case values vary, but these are typically high-value claims, and we will give you a clear estimate of likely compensation from the outset.
Case study: £40,000 for the family of an asbestos lung cancer sufferer
We obtained £40,000 for the family of a Norfolk man who died from asbestos-related lung cancer after working as a labourer, exposed during drainage projects and by nearby carpenters. The disease lay dormant for years before symptoms emerged, and our team secured a settlement recognising the harm caused by his unprotected workplace exposure.
Making a claim after death
If a loved one has died from asbestos-related lung cancer, our fatal accident claims solicitors can advise the estate on what is recoverable, including compensation for pain and suffering, dependency losses, and bereavement damages. Acting quickly matters, as the time limits for asbestos claims still apply after death.
The Asbestos Lung Cancer Claims Process
Our solicitors guide you through every stage, ensuring you are fully informed and supported throughout.
Free Initial Consultation
We discuss your work history, exposure background and diagnosis, and give you an honest assessment of your options. Home visits are available where travelling is difficult, and we will agree funding and begin building your case.
Investigation and Evidence Gathering
We coordinate specialist medical reports, review employment records, and gather witness evidence linking your diagnosis to your exposure history.
Tracing Former Employers and Insurers
Many people were exposed while working for companies that have since closed. This does not prevent a claim: employers were legally required to hold liability insurance, and we are experienced at tracing these policies. Where no insurer can be identified, government schemes may be available.
Negotiation and Settlement
Most claims are resolved through negotiation without court proceedings. We aim to secure a fair settlement efficiently, with a clear estimate of likely compensation from the outset.
Court Proceedings (if required)
If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will issue court proceedings and represent you. Most cases still settle before trial.
Government Benefits and Schemes
In addition to a compensation claim, you may be entitled to government financial support. Relevant schemes include:
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB): a weekly benefit for those disabled by certain industrial diseases, including lung cancer
- Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 payments: a lump-sum payment for workers or dependants who cannot pursue an employer that has dissolved or become insolvent
- Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS): our team can advise whether any related scheme applies to your situation
Our mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease benefit claims page explains these schemes in more detail.
No Win, No Fee
All claims are handled on a no-win-no-fee basis. If your claim succeeds, the defendant typically meets the majority of your legal costs, and you will never face an unexpected bill.
Rehabilitation and Client Support
We offer access to our Client Support and Rehabilitation Service, giving you welfare and rehabilitation support alongside your claim, with home, hospital and virtual consultations available.
How long do I have to make a claim?
You have three years from the date of diagnosis to start a legal claim. Where a person has died, the three-year period generally runs from the date of death, or from when the family first learned asbestos was a causative factor, if later.
We strongly advise seeking legal advice early, as employment records and witness evidence become harder to obtain over time.
Why choose Ashtons Legal?
We are one of the most experienced asbestos litigation teams in the region. We co-founded the East Anglia asbestos support group and fundraised for a specialist nurse at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.
Our solicitors hold APIL accreditation and are signatories to the Serious Injury Guide and Rehabilitation Code. Recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500, our team brings genuine expertise to every case.
Frequently asked questions
How do I prove my lung cancer was caused by asbestos?
We work with specialist medical and occupational experts to build the evidence linking your diagnosis to your asbestos exposure history.
How much compensation can I receive for asbestos lung cancer?
The amount depends on the severity of your illness, your financial losses, and the impact on your family. We will give you a clear indication at your initial consultation.
How long does an asbestos lung cancer claim take?
This depends on complexity and whether liability is disputed, but we will always keep you informed of progress and realistic timescales.
Contact our asbestos lung cancer solicitors
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with asbestos-related lung cancer, speak to our specialist team today. You can reach us in Bury St Edmunds, Cambridge, Ipswich, Norwich or Leeds, or complete our personal injury enquiry form and we will be in touch. We offer home and hospital visits across East Anglia, plus virtual consultations further afield.