Legal Entitlements
People with mesothelioma are often entitled to compensation. In Western Australia, there are two types of entitlements. The first is a statutory claim through WorkCover Western Australia for payment of a lump sum compensation and/or medical expenses. The second entitlement is a court claim for damages in the Supreme Court of Western Australia. Generally speaking, a court claim for damages is the preferable option, as a much higher level of compensation is available through a court claim than through a workers’ compensation claim.
Certainly, no amount of money can give you back your health. It will, however, allow you to live the way you want and provide you and your family with financial security.
In a court claim for damages, compensation is claimed for general damages (also known as pain and suffering), past and future medical expenses, past and future care requirements, adaptive equipment, loss of expectation of life, and a contribution to your legal costs. For sufferers who have to stop working early due to illness, a claim for economic loss can also be made.
Compensation is also available to those who suffer from asbestosis, diffuse pleural fibrosis, pleural thickening/disease, and lung cancer. As there are strict time limits in relation to commencing claims, we recommend you seek legal advice at your earliest convenience. Importantly, claims relating to asbestos-disease need to be commenced within the client’s lifetime.
If you would like to know more, we are happy to provide an introduction to a law firm that will provide obligation-free advice. Should you wish to pursue a claim, they will act on a “no win, no fee” basis. They are more than happy to meet with you at your home or wherever makes you most comfortable. Please note that we do not have a financial interest in your claim.
If you live in another Australian state, the law firm we work with has a national presence with offices in other major capitals.
