Not in Victoria?

Asbestos Lawyers

Asbestos Lawyers

Asbestos Lawyers Melbourne

If you have been exposed to Asbestos, we will help get the compensation you deserve

Exposure to Asbestos can pose serious health risks.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a natural mineral fibre that was commonly used in the construction of homes and buildings prior to the 1990’s. In fact, about one in three Australian homes today contain asbestos. Asbestos was also commonly used in the automotive industry. The use of asbestos is now banned in Australia due to the severe health risks following exposure.  For further information on Asbestos read our blog regarding the impact of its exposure.

Where is Asbestos found?

Unfortunately, Asbestos is still being found in building, manufacturing and automotive products which include:

  • Old Cement Sheets
  • Paints
  • Sealants
  • Fireproofing Products
  • Roofing
  • Pipes
  • Brake pads
  • Clutches

These Asbestos fibres may be released via drilling, cutting, sanding or otherwise breaking products that contain asbestos fibres. Illnesses often appear decades after the initial exposure. If you have worked or been near these products, it is possible you have been exposed.

Who can make an asbestos compensation claim?

Many jobs within the trade industries are susceptible to contracting an asbestos-based disease. Some of these susceptible professions include:

  • Plumbers
  • Electricians
  • Mechanics
  • Construction Workers
  • Firefighters
  • Sheet Metal Workers
  • Miners

Can I still make a compensation claim if I have been exposed to asbestos at home?

Exposure to Asbestos is not exclusive to the workplace for trade workers. It is possible to encounter asbestos in your own home. Asbestos-related illnesses from home renovations are also possible. If you believe you may have been exposed to Asbestos either at work or at home, our Asbestos Lawyers at Zaparas are willing to work with you to aid in your compensation claim.

Have you been exposed to any dust, fumes, or chemicals at work?

Take our free claim check today to see if you’re eligible for compensation, or call us to talk to us today.

When are you at risk of developing an Asbestos related illnesses?

Any amount of asbestos exposure poses a risk, although not everyone who is exposed will develop an asbestos related illness. Inhalation and/or digestions of asbestos fibres can result in an illness.

Exposure to Asbestos can occur at work, home or in the community. If you have been around products that contained asbestos and have developed serious health problems, it is important to seek medical advice.

It is also recommended that legal advice is sought in relation to possible entitlements to WorkCover compensation and/or entitlements through your Superannuation.

Zaparas Lawyers have a team of experienced asbestos lawyers that can help you make a claim for compensation if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness. We have seen the devastating impact of asbestos related illnesses, not just to the affected person, but to their family and friends.

What are the most common Asbestos related illnesses?

What are the most common Asbestos related illnesses?

  • Asbestosis (scarring and inflammation of lung tissue);
  • Pleural disease (thickening of membranes around lungs); and
  • Cancer including lung cancer
  • Mesothelioma (a rare form of cancer than can affect the lining of organs including the lungs and abdomen)

Who pays for compensation for asbestos injuries?

If you have been exposed to Asbestos or have been diagnosed with an Asbestos related illness you may have a claim for compensation

You don’t have to know where you were exposed, we can help assist and investigate that on your behalf.

You may be entitled to claim compensation for:

  • Medical and treatment expenses including:
    • GP appointments
    • Hospital expenses
    • Psychological/Psychiatric therapy
    • Medication expenses
    • Personal and home help services
    • Radiology
    • Surgery
    • Travel expenses
  • Weekly payments for lost wages if you are unable to return to your pre-injury duties or alternative employment as a result of your disease or illness
  • Lump sum compensation for pain and suffering and loss of both past and future earnings
  • Superannuation entitlements

If you are a partner or dependant of a loved one who has passed away due to an asbestos related disease, there may still be compensation available for you.


No Win, No Fee

We’ve seen how traumatic and life changing an injury can be, so we understand how important it is that you don’t have to worry about the financial side of your claim.

Learn More About No Win – No Fee

We are a family business – and we will treat you as one of our own.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation appointment.


Zaparas Lawyers expertise in asbestos claims in Melbourne

Zaparas Lawyers have a team of asbestos lawyers who specialise in these types of claims. If you think you or someone you know may be at risk of developing an asbestos related disease or you or someone you know has been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, contact us now for an obligation and cost-free discussion about your potential legal entitlements.

Zaparas Lawyers have successfully acted for many asbestos clients, including a number for whom we have successfully obtained the statutory maximum in lump sum compensation for pain and suffering for them.

Trust our family to care for you and contact us today for an obligation-free appointment.

Zaparas Lawyers was recognised and awarded as
leading Asbestos & Dust Disease Lawyers in 2021, 2022 and 2023.

A law firm that understands you

Read more client reviews

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.

Video

Team

Paul Zaparas
Partner
Specialities: WorkCover, Asbestos, Occupational Diseases
Yianni Zaparas
Partner
Specialities: WorkCover, Asbestos, Occupational Diseases
Kehela Vandenberg
Senior Associate
Specialities: Occupational Diseases, Asbestos, Silicosis, WorkCover
Stuart Macleod
Senior Associate
Specialities: WorkCover, CTP (Road Accident), Superannuation, Public Liability, Occupational Diseases ...

Blog

  • National Asbestos Awareness Week 2023

    National Asbestos Awareness Week 2023

    National Asbestos Awareness Week 2023 runs from the 20th to the 26th of November. It is a week where we raise awareness for the very real risks the Australian public still face with Asbestos and its related diseases. This National Asbestos Awareness Week marks the 20-year anniversary since Asbestos was completely banned in Australia. Throughout…

    Read More

  • Tradies at risk of developing disease

    Tradies at risk of developing disease

    Given the nature of the work of most tradies, they’re among those most likely to be exposed to potentially harmful substances and susceptible to developing occupational diseases.

    Read More

  • Firefighting officially declared a cancer-causing profession

    Firefighting officially declared a cancer-causing profession

    The World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has officially declared firefighting a “cancer-causing profession”.

    Read More