Diagnosed With an Asbestos Disease? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Scotland’s industrial heritage in shipbuilding on the Clyde, construction, engineering and manufacturing exposed generations of workers to asbestos over many decades. Asbestos was widely used as insulation, fireproofing and building material until its dangers became irrefutable. The devastating consequences — mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural disease and lung cancer — are still being felt today, with new diagnoses occurring every year.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles asbestos disease claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience in asbestos litigation and will guide you through the process with sensitivity and expertise. There is no financial risk to you.
How Much Could You Receive?
Asbestos disease compensation is based on the type and severity of the condition:
| Condition | Typical Award |
|---|
| Mesothelioma | £80,040 - £152,210 |
| Asbestos-related lung cancer | £80,040 - £152,210 |
| Asbestosis (severe) | £82,290 - £125,010 |
| Asbestosis (moderate) | £34,680 - £82,290 |
| Pleural Thickening (severe) | £82,290 - £125,010 |
| Pleural Thickening (moderate) | £34,680 - £82,290 |
| Pleural Plaques (Scotland only) | £8,350 - £17,380 |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity).
That’s not all. Special damages cover lost earnings, loss of pension, care and assistance costs (both professional and from family), medical treatment, travel to hospital appointments and adaptation of the home. For mesothelioma, total settlements including special damages frequently exceed £200,000.
Who Can Claim?
Any worker diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition as a result of occupational exposure can claim. This includes retired workers, those who changed jobs long ago, and family members of workers who have died from asbestos disease. Claims can be brought against employers who have ceased trading — their employers’ liability insurers remain liable. Secondary exposure through washing contaminated work clothing at home is also a recognised basis for a claim.
Asbestos Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
Mesothelioma typically attracts £80,040–£152,210 in general damages under the Judicial College Guidelines. Asbestosis ranges from £34,680 to £125,010 depending on severity. Pleural plaques (compensatable in Scotland under the 2009 Act) range from £8,350 to £17,380. Special damages for lost earnings, care costs and expenses are paid on top.
Yes. Employers were legally required to hold employers’ liability insurance under the Employers’ Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. Those insurance policies can be traced and claimed against today, even if the employer ceased trading decades ago. The Employers’ Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) database and Companies House records help locate former insurers.
Yes. Unlike in England and Wales, pleural plaques are compensatable in Scotland under the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act 2009. The Scottish Parliament specifically legislated to restore the right to claim after the House of Lords ruled in Rothwell v Chemical & Insulating Co Ltd [2007] that plaques alone are not actionable in England. Compensation typically ranges from £8,350 to £17,380.
3 years from the date of knowledge under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973 — meaning when you first knew or should have known your condition was caused by asbestos exposure. For mesothelioma, seek advice immediately given the serious prognosis. For family claims after a death, the 3-year period runs from the date of death.
Yes. Family members can bring a claim on behalf of the deceased’s estate and may also be entitled to claim in their own right as dependants under the Damages (Scotland) Act 2011 for loss of support and solatium. Secondary exposure through washing contaminated work clothing at home also gives rise to a claim in the family member’s own right.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles claims for mesothelioma (pleural and peritoneal), asbestosis, pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening, asbestos-related lung cancer, and laryngeal cancer linked to asbestos. All claims are handled on a no win no fee basis with free initial assessment.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by David Gildea, Scottish Claims Helpline. Reviewed by a qualified Scottish solicitor specialising in asbestos disease litigation. Last reviewed February 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).