Suffering from Asbestos?
At Zaparas, we have a team of occupational disease experts that can help you make a claim for compensation if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
You may be entitled to claim compensation for:
- Loss of wages
- Medical and related expenses
- Pain and suffering
- The partner of a deceased persons of an asbestos related disease may still be able to claim compensation to the estate or any dependants they may have.
Having known about the dangers of asbestos for many years, we understand its link to lung disease, cancer and deaths and the impact it can have on people’s lives.
Unfortunately, asbestos is still being found in building and manufacturing products such as old cement sheets, paints, sealants, fire proofing products, roofing and pipes. Asbestos-related diseases often appear many years after the initial exposure, so if you’ve worked around these it’s possible you might have been exposed.
The most common asbestos related injuries are:
- Mesothelioma
- Pleural fibrosis
- Asbestosis
- Lung cancer.
Just as your medical professional can guide you on the right medical treatment path, Zaparas can help guide you on the best legal path. You don’t have to know where you were exposed, we can assist you with that. We have seen the impact of asbestos related injuries, not just to the affected person, but to their family and friends. Our aim is to take away the financial stress that comes with making a claim, which is why we offer our services on a 'No Win, No Charge' basis. This means if you don't have a successful outcome you don't pay.
If you think you might be at risk, or have been affected for some time, our expert team will sit down with you and advise you of your rights and the best possible legal path for you to take.
What we offer
FAQs
What is asbestos?
Asbestos refers to a group of naturally occurring minerals that were commonly mined and used in construction materials. When asbestos fibres are inhaled they become embedded in the lining of organs such as lungs which cause inflammation and eventually tumours.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that affects mesothelial cells which cover most internal organs and in particular the lungs. It is caused from exposure to asbestos.
Who can be diagnosed with mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma not only affects those who had direct contact with asbestos, such as miners and construction workers but also those who had indirect contact such as family members who handled the clothes of those working directly with asbestos.
Can I still be exposed to asbestos?
Unfortunately asbestos is still present today in many building and manufacturing products such as old cement sheets, paints, sealants, fire proofing products, roofing and pipes. This means people, especially builders, manufactures, insulators, plumbers, electricians and even home renovators are still at risk of being exposed to asbestos fibres. This is creating a new wave of claims for compensation.
I’m concerned about a potential asbestos exposure. What could I be entitled to if I’ve suffered an asbestos related injury?
Those exposed to asbestos in the work place may be entitled to workers’ compensation entitlements including weekly payments of compensation and payment of medical and associated expenses.
Common law damages may be awarded to you if it is shown that the exposure to asbestos was totally or partially the fault of your employer or another liable party.
You could also be entitled to superannuation benefits such as total permanent disability claims, income protection and early release of superannuation monies.
Is there a delay between exposure and diagnosis?
The period between exposure and diagnosis ranges from approximately 10 years up to 50 years, with most cases being around 30 – 40 years between exposure and diagnosis. With new exposures to asbestos, claims for compensation will continue.
What do I need to bring along to my consultation?
It is most beneficial that you bring all relevant documentation you have, such as completed claim forms, letters from the Insurer and your employer, medical reports, radiological investigations and any other documents that may be relevant.
English is my second language. Are you able to provide an interpreter?
Our firm has a diverse and multicultural team comprising of lawyers and law clerks who speak different languages including: Greek, Cantonese, Mandarin, Serbian, Croatian, Bosnian, Macedonian, Turkish and Singhalese. We also have a network of the very best interpreters who can attend interviews and appointments free of charge to our clients.
How much will I pay in legal costs?
When an injury is sustained, it is not only a traumatic and often life changing experience, it often causes great financial strain to the injured party and their family. This is why for 40 years Zaparas Lawyers has fought cases on a ‘No win, No charge’ basis. In simple terms, this means that you do not pay anything unless you win your case.
