Compare Industrial Disease Claims
Industrial disease can have a significant and long-lasting impact on the lives of sufferers and their families. If you have developed an illness as a result of your job, you may be left unable to work. You may also have to pay for expensive medical treatment and the cost of travelling to appointments. You may even need to find money to pay for your home to be adapted. Sadly, in some cases, illnesses caused by unsafe working conditions or practices can ultimately lead to death. In these situations, compensation can be vital for covering funeral costs and helping to take care of the deceased person’s family.
Your employer has a duty of care to ensure that your health and safety is protected and that risk assessments are carried out to prevent illnesses from developing. The last thing most people expect is to suffer disease as a result of their work. However, unfortunately, best practices are not always followed and employees can pay the price.
If you have been unfortunate enough to develop an occupational illness, you may have a claim for compensation, even if you no longer work for the employer in question. Industrial disease claims can be complex though so for the best chance of getting the compensation you deserve, you should enlist the help of a specialist solicitor.
Start your claim by comparing industrial disease solicitors today.
What is industrial disease?
Industrial disease refers to a chronic illness that occurs as a result of workplace activity. These types of ailments often develop following exposure to a toxin during the course of employment. They can range from mild to severe and can often affect both physical and mental health. No matter how mild or easily-treatable your condition is, it should be taken seriously by your employer.
Types of industrial disease
There are many types of industrial disease, ranging from skin diseases to respiratory illnesses. Here are some examples:
- Skin diseases ranging from dermatitis to cancer can be caused by exposure to irritants and fumes, as well as chemical poisoning
- Asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural plaques and lung cancer can be caused by exposure to silicate minerals of microscopic fibres, known as asbestos
- Vibration injuries such as hand arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) caused by regularly using handheld or hand-guided machinery and power tools
- Industrial hearing loss or deafness and hearing conditions such as tinnitus can be caused by exposure to excessive noise
- Respiratory and lung disease such as pneumoconiosis (caused by inhaling coal dust), silicosis (caused by breathing in dust in mines and foundries), byssinosis (caused by inhaling hemp, flax and cotton particles), hypersensitivity pneumonitis (caused by breathing in substances such as bacteria, fungus spores and animal or plant protein) and work-related asthma (caused by inhaling dust, fumes, gases and vapours)
- Latex allergy as a result of regular use of items that contain latex, such as gloves, tyres, catheters and some foams
- Psychiatric disorders such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) caused by experiencing or witnessing traumatic events
It’s important to note that this list is not exhaustive. There are many other illnesses and accidents that can occur because an employer fails to take appropriate measures to protect employees’ health and safety.
Am I entitled to make an industrial disease claim?
If you have developed an illness as a result of your work, you may be able to claim compensation. As soon as you experience symptoms, you should inform your employer. You should also seek medical advice and consult a specialist solicitor. To give yourself the best chance of making a successful claim, it’s important to keep a record of your symptoms, medical appointments, travel expenses, any other costs you incur and any earnings you lose as a result of your ill health.
In most circumstances, you need to make a claim within three years of becoming aware that there may be a link between your illness and your work. In cases which have resulted in fatality, the deceased’s family needs to make a claim within three years of their loved one dying or within three years of the date they get the post-mortem results.
How much compensation can I expect?
The amount of industrial disease compensation you are entitled to will depend on the disease in question and its severity. Other factors, such as current and future loss of earnings, medical and travel expenses, your care needs, any home modifications or mobility aids you may require, and your physical and psychological pain and suffering, will also be taken into account.
In your industrial disease claim, you may file for general damages to compensate for your medical bills, your pain and suffering and any sports or hobbies you can no longer do. Special damages, meanwhile, can be awarded to cover travel expenses to medical appointments, the cost of prescriptions, nursing homes, rehabilitation centres or anything else that is considered medically necessary.
Compare industrial disease solicitors today
Industrial disease claims can be long and complex. They often involve having to investigate a person’s working history. This can be especially difficult if the employer is no longer in business.
With the right solicitor by your side, however, you stand a far better chance of getting the compensation you’re entitled to.
Get expert and reliable legal advice and start a claim today.