A common law claim is brought against the party or parties (the people or organisations) who caused you to be exposed to asbestos. These are called the defendants.
Learn more about:
Making a claim
A common law claim begins by filing a formal court document known as an “originating process”. The originating process must be lodged within your lifetime to protect your entitlement to compensation. This means that your estate will still be able to continue with your claim if you die before it is finalised.
If you’d like to make a claim, it’s important to speak with a lawyer experienced in asbestos-related compensation claims as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
If you’re too unwell to see a lawyer in their office, they may be able to visit you at home or in hospital to discuss the process and how it can be simplified for you and your family.
It may still be possible to bring a common law claim even if you:
- were exposed to asbestos many years ago
- no longer work for the employer where you were exposed
- have worked for many employers
- were self-employed or a contractor at the time of exposure
- worked for an employer who is no longer in business
- are, or were, a smoker
- were exposed to asbestos in another state or overseas
- were not exposed in the workplace
- were only briefly exposed to asbestos
- were exposed to asbestos on more than one occasion
- don’t know how you may have been exposed to asbestos.
How can I find a lawyer?
Making a mesothelioma claim is a specialised area. It is important to talk to a lawyer or law firm who are experienced in this area of work, as they often have the appropriate information about how and where asbestos was used.
Talking to an experienced lawyer may help to reduce the time it takes to investigate a claim. Experienced lawyers will also understand mesothelioma and what you are coping with.
Your lawyer will work around medical appointments or treatments to try to make things less stressful for you.
These support organisations can also help you find a lawyer experienced in dealing with asbestos cases.
The law societies in each state and territory have a “find a lawyer” search on their websites. Search the internet for the law society in your state or territory.
If you need help to find a lawyer, or want more information about how Cancer Council can help link you to relevant legal services, call 13 11 20.
More resources
Dr Anthony Linton, Medical Oncologist, Concord Cancer Centre and Concord Repatriation General Hospital, NSW; Dr Naveed Alam, Thoracic Surgeon, St Vincent’s Hospital Melbourne and Monash Medical Centre, VIC; Donatella Arnoldo, Consumer; Polly Baldwin, 13 11 20 Consultant, Cancer Council SA; Dr Melvin (Wee Loong) Chin, Medical Oncologist, Sir Charles Gairdner Hospital and National Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases, WA; Prof Kwun Fong, Thoracic and Sleep Physician and Director, UQ Thoracic Research Centre, The Prince Charles Hospital, and Professor of Medicine, The University of Queensland, QLD; Vicki Hamilton OAM, Consumer and CEO, Asbestos Council of Victoria/GARDS Inc., VIC; Dr Susan Harden, Radiation Oncologist, Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Penny Jacomos, Social Worker, Asbestos Diseases Society of South Australia, SA; Prof Brian Le, Director, Parkville Integrated Palliative Care Service, The Royal Melbourne Hospital and Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre, VIC; Lung Cancer Support Nurses, Lung Foundation Australia; Jocelyn McLean, Mesothelioma Support Coordinator, Asbestos Diseases Research Institute, NSW; Prof David Morris, Peritonectomy Surgeon, St George Hospital and UNSW, NSW; Joanne Oates, Registered Occupational Therapist, Expert Witness in Dust Diseases, and Director, Evaluate, NSW; Chris Sheppard and Adam Barlow, RMB Lawyers.
View the Cancer Council NSW editorial policy.
Need to talk?
Support services
Coping with cancer?
Speak to a qualified health professional someone who has been there, support groups & forum
Need legal and financial assistance?
Practical advice and support during and after treatment
Cancer information
Advanced cancer
Advanced cancer is when cancer has spread from its original site or has come back. Learn more.
Patient rights and responsibilities
What you can reasonably expect from your health care professionals