Can I make an asbestos compensation claim as a former carpenter if my employer is no longer in business?

Carpentry is a trade with historically high levels of asbestos exposure. This means that sadly, many former carpenters have gone on to develop serious asbestos diseases such as pleural thickening or asbestosis, or cancers such as mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer.

At Novum Law, we have supported many carpenters to make an asbestos disease compensation claim. We know how upsetting it is to find out that asbestos exposure at work, typically decades ago, has had life-changing consequences for you and your loved ones.

Claiming asbestos compensation from former employers

Carpenters often work for small employers, many of which will no longer be in business years later when someone is looking to make a claim against them.

Often, the people we speak to are worried that this means they will not be able to claim asbestos compensation. However, this is not the case. There are 2 main options that our expert asbestos disease lawyers use to pursue a claim against a company that is no longer in business.

The first is to make a compensation claim against a former company’s insurer.

Since 1972, businesses have been legally required to have employers’ liability insurance, although many will have insurance before this date. This means that if a current or former employee is injured or becomes ill because their employer has failed to protect them, compensation can be paid via the insurer.

This cover should apply even after the company that was insured closes or ceases to exist.

The second option is specifically for people, including former carpenters, with the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.

If the former employer and the company’s insurer no longer exists, you can apply to the government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) 2014.

If your application is successful, and you can prove you were negligently exposed to asbestos and that the insurer cannot be traced, the DMPS will pay an award to you or your dependents, similar to a compensation payment.

Supporting carpenters’ asbestos disease compensation claims

Phillip Gower is a specialist asbestos disease lawyer, with decades of experience supporting people with asbestos claims. He says:

“Carpenters are often concerned that it might be difficult for them to make a claim if they have limited details about firms they used to work for. However, we want to make it clear that even if your former employer has gone out of business, it is not the end of the road if you want to make an asbestos compensation claim.

“Our team is expert at tracking down the details of former employers, including their insurers, and have a strong track record of success in even the most challenging cases. We also take over asbestos claims from other law firms when people aren’t happy with the service they are receiving from their existing solicitor.  

“Making an asbestos disease compensation claim can seem like a daunting process, but we will work with you and support you every step of the way so you and your loved ones can get the justice you deserve.”

If you or a family member has developed an asbestos disease after working as a carpenter, you may be able to claim compensation. Novum Law can help you on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.

To find out more, or for a free, no-obligation chat, call us on 0800 884 0777, email us at info@novumlaw.com, or complete our online enquiry form.