National Plastics was a British company that manufactured plastic products for the construction industry. However, it was revealed that the company had been using asbestos in its products, which led to several cases of asbestos-related diseases among its workers.
In 2019, the UK Supreme Court ruled that National Plastics could be held liable for its workers’ exposure to asbestos. This means that the affected workers or their families are entitled to compensation.
If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure at National Plastics, here’s what you need to know about the compensation process.
Who is Eligible for National Plastics compensation?
If you were employed by National Plastics and were exposed to asbestos, you may be eligible for compensation if you have developed an asbestos-related disease such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, or lung cancer.
If you have lost a loved one who worked in the company and died as a result of asbestos exposure, you may also be eligible for compensation.
The compensation process is complex and varies depending on the circumstances of each case. However, there are a few key steps you need to take to file a claim.
How to File a National Plastics compensation Claim
The first step in filing a compensation claim is to gather all the necessary information and documents to support your case. This may include medical records, employment records, and information about your exposure to asbestos.
Once you have all the necessary documents, you need to contact a solicitor who specializes in asbestos compensation claims. They will guide you through the process and help you build a strong case.
Your solicitor will then send a letter of claim to National Plastics, outlining the details of your case and the compensation you are seeking. National Plastics will have three months to respond to this letter.
If National Plastics admits liability, then negotiations will begin to determine the amount of compensation you are entitled to. If they deny liability, then your case will go to court.
It is important to note that there is a time limit for filing a compensation claim. In most cases, you have three years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim. If the affected person has already passed away, then the three-year limit starts from the date of death.
Calculating Compensation
The amount of compensation you are entitled to depends on various factors such as the severity of your illness, your age, and your financial losses.
Compensation usually includes two parts: general damages and special damages. General damages are for the pain and suffering caused by your illness, while special damages cover your financial losses such as medical expenses, lost income, and care costs.
The amount of compensation awarded in these cases can be significant. For example, in 2018, a former National Plastics employee was awarded over £550,000 in compensation for asbestos-related mesothelioma.
What to Look for in a Solicitor
When choosing a solicitor to handle your National Plastics compensation claim, it is important to look for someone with experience and expertise in handling asbestos claims.
You should also look for a solicitor who offers a no win, no fee service. This means that you will only have to pay legal fees if your claim is successful. If your claim is unsuccessful, then you won’t have to pay anything.
Conclusion
If you or a loved one has been affected by asbestos exposure at National Plastics, then you may be entitled to compensation. The process can be complex and time-consuming, but the right solicitor can guide you through it and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Remember, there is a time limit for filing a claim, so it is important to act quickly. With the right legal support, you can get the compensation you need to recover and move on from this difficult situation.