Industrial disease
Can you make an asbestos claim after the death of a loved one?
Losing a loved one to an asbestos related disease is devastating, and taking your next steps can seem daunting. Our experts explain asbestos compensation claims after the death of a loved one.
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) reported that approximately 2,300 people died from mesothelioma in Great Britain in 2024. This figure does not include other asbestos-related lung cancer deaths, which are estimated to match or exceed the mesothelioma statistics. Overall, asbestos-related diseases result in over 5,000 deaths annually.
Losing a loved one to an asbestos related disease is devastating, and taking your next steps can seem daunting, but we are here to help. If you have a family member who has passed away from an asbestos-related disease, you could claim compensation on their behalf.
Why make an asbestos claim after death?
Claiming for asbestos after a death means that those who are responsible for the exposure are held accountable. Further to this, asbestos compensation after a loss can help you and your family cope financially in the wake of losing your loved one.
Additionally, a statutory bereavement award is provided in the event of an unlawful death, such as negligent exposure to asbestos by an employer or other company causing a fatal asbestos-related disease.
Due to this being introduced under the Fatal Accidents Act 1976, families of those who have died from asbestos related diseases could be awarded a fixed sum of £15,120. This is in addition to any compensation awarded through a legal claim.
Who can make a claim after the death of a loved one?
After a death due to asbestos related diseases, loved ones can still claim compensation on their behalf. If you have been named the executor of your loved one’s will, you can begin an asbestos compensation after death.
If there was no will left, the next of kin can begin or continue a claim on behalf of the estate. This required the next of kin to have letters of administration.
To be able to begin an asbestos claim in this way after the loss of your loved one, you must be either:
- The spouse of the deceased
- Civil partner of the deceased
- Child or dependant of the deceased
- Executor named in the deceased’s will (the person you nominate to manage your estate when you die)
In some cases, even if your loved one has already claimed compensation before their death, you might still be able to make a separate claim for ongoing financial support, depending on the details of the previous claim.
How does an asbestos claim after death work?
The process of claiming compensation starts with an asbestos claim after death and contacting our specialist team to start this claim. These claims are made against the parties responsible for the exposure to asbestos, which in most cases is a previous employer.
Our experts will then handle your case and keep you updated as your claim progresses. They will work to determine where and when your loved one could have potentially been exposed and who is liable.
We are here to help
Our specialist asbestos team have successfully represented thousands of people diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses, as well as their loved ones, allowing us to develop expert-level knowledge of the diseases, the claims process, and how to best support clients and achieve the best outcome.
We offer all clients making a claim for asbestos-related compensation funding on a no win no fee basis, allowing you to make a claim at no financial risk. We also don’t charge any additional fees to our asbestos clients, meaning you will get to keep all of the compensation awarded to you if your claim is successful.
As well as this, we work closely with several charities who can support you through the grieving process. For more information or to speak to someone today about your asbestos claim after death, call our experts on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.
