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The National Asbestos helpline | National Asbestos Helpline

The National Asbestos Helpline helps to assess whether victims of asbestos exposure are in a position to pursue a claim for compensation. If successful, the monies received in a claim can be used to greatly improve a victim’s quality of life.

In order to help victims assess whether a claim is right for them, we have developed our own understanding of the claims process. We are keen to share this knowledge with the nursing community, so that you better understand what the claims process involves for your patient.

Care Reports

Very often an asbestos condition has a significant impact upon the personal independence of the victim. Benign asbestos conditions can cause debilitating levels of breathlessness. Terminal cancers caused by asbestos bring breathlessness but also deterioration, frailty and pain.

It can be hard to quantify the impact of the conditions based only on the accounts of the asbestos victim and their family. Often the victim is unaware of all that can be done to improve their situation.

A Care Report is a document usually prepared by an experienced nurse who has had the opportunity to interview the victim in their own home. A claimant solicitor will seek to rely on a Care Report in circumstances in which it is clear that professional opinion is required in order to accurately quantify a victim’s care needs.

The Care Report will assess the victim’s personal independence and detail the extent to which they are reliant on others. The Report will project what the victim’s future care needs are likely to be, and how best this care can be delivered. It also details the aids and equipment the victim should ideally be able to put in place to assist them in day to day living. A copy of the Care Report is provided to the victim and their care needs explained to them.

Crucially, a Care Report is able to provide an estimate of the costs associated with the provision of care and implementation of aids and equipment. This enables the claimant solicitor to factor these costs into amount claimed, ensuring the victim has the funds to put in place the care they require.

The author of the Care Report is able to charge for the time taken to interview the victim and prepare the report. The charge will be met by the defendant in the event the claim is successful, and by the claimant solicitor should the claim be unsuccessful.

The National Asbestos Helpline is keen to work with nurses in Primary and Secondary care. If you are interested in Care Reports and would like more information about them, including how you could get involved in preparing them, please email ronan@nationalasbestos.co.uk.

With us, it’s personal

The National Asbestos Helpline was set up to help asbestos related disease sufferers and their families.

With our knowledgeable, professional and compassionate approach, we help and support thousands of people across the UK to access financial, emotional and practical support and, where appropriate, legal representation from specialist asbestos compensation claims solicitors.

If you, a family member or a friend has been diagnosed with Mesothelioma, Pleural Thickening, Asbestosis, Asbestos Lung Cancer or Pleural Plaques, we are here to help.