Industrial diseases can be caused by unsafe working conditions, inadequate PPE or prolonged exposure to hazardous substances. If you have developed an illness at work, you might be entitled to compensation. This is also the case if your disease manifested later in life, as long as it can be tied back to your workplace exposure.
If you think your employer or workplace is at fault for your illness, it’s time to make an industrial disease claim. Choose Injury Lawyers 4u and start a no-win, no-fee claim, where you won’t pay us a penny unless we win your case. Ready to begin? Get in touch today.
Can I claim compensation for a work-related disease?
Yes, you can claim compensation for workplace illnesses if you can prove (1) that your employer was negligent and (2) that your illness is directly linked to your workplace. Sadly, employer negligence and workplace illness go hand in hand in the industrial sector, especially in professions where hazardous materials are at play.
Your employer has a duty of care over you when in the workplace, so must keep you safe from all hazards. If you believe your employer has breached their duty of care, and their negligence caused your exposure and illness, you need to get in contact with our industrial disease solicitors.
Common types of work-related diseases
Depending on your workplace, there are a wide variety of work-related diseases. These are some of the most prevalent:
- Asbestos-related diseases — Caused by inhaling asbestos fibres.
- Occupational asthma — Caused by exposure to dust, chemicals or fumes.
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) — Caused by prolonged inhalation of industrial pollutants.
- Silicosis — Caused by exposure to silica dust.
- Occupational dermatitis and skin conditions — Caused by chemical exposure or allergens.
- Vibration white finger or HAVS — Caused by prolonged use of vibrating machinery.
- Industrial deafness and hearing loss — Caused by exposure to loud noise levels.
With so many diseases linked to the workplace, it is crucial that your employer upholds their duty of care to you.
Employer responsibility in preventing work-related diseases
In the UK, the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974 dictates your employer’s duty of care. This means they are responsible for:
- Providing relevant PPE
- Providing relevant training
- Conducting regular COSHH risk assessments
These practices aim to limit your exposure to any hazardous material in the workplace. If you think your employer has failed in their duty of care, work-related disease claims are a way they might compensate you for your pain, suffering and financial standing.
How much compensation could I receive?
The amount of compensation you might receive in work-related illness claims will depend on the specifics of your disease. Compensation is divided between general damages, which cover the pain and suffering of your illness, and special damages, which cover the financial consequences.
For a better idea of your general damages amount, use our helpful compensation calculator. Bear in mind that this calculator is an estimate and may change depending on your specific case.
Estimated compensation amounts for industrial diseases
The Judicial College Guidelines offer rough estimates for payouts. We have detailed some of the most common occupational illness compensation amounts below:
Condition | Estimated payout |
Mild occupational asthma | £5,000 – £20,000 |
Severe asbestosis | £65,000 – £110,000+ |
Silicosis | £30,000 – £90,000+ |
Vibration white finger (HAVS) | £10,000 – £30,000 |
Industrial Deafness | £6,000 – £40,000 |
What evidence do I need to make a claim?
If you want to build successful workplace exposure illness claims, you must gather as much evidence as possible. These are some of the best pieces of evidence you can present:
- Medical reports — This will confirm your industrial illness.
- Accident reports — If your exposure was detailed in an accident book, request your report as evidence.
- Employment history — If you have a record of your employment history, this could link your workplace with your exposure.
- Photographic evidence — Photos of your illness or improper PPE and safeguards can act as good evidence.
- Financial records — Special damages rely on proof of the financial consequences of your illness.
If you are struggling to collect the relevant evidence, our experts at Injury Lawyers 4u can help. We will contact your employer or their insurance company and aim to make your case as strong as possible before we notify them of your claim.
No-win, no-fee industrial disease claims
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we offer no-win, no-fee industrial disease claims. This is known as a conditional fee agreement and means you won’t have to pay legal fees unless the case is successful. So no matter your financial standing, you can make a claim through us.
How do I start a work-related disease claim?
Starting an industrial disease claim with Injury Lawyers 4u is simple. Follow the steps below to begin:
- Get a medical diagnosis — Visit a GP or A&E for an official diagnosis from a medical professional.
- Contact a specialist solicitor — Get in touch and present your case to Injury Lawyers 4u.
- Gather evidence — Collect as much evidence as possible, including medical reports, photos and financial statements.
Once you have approached us with your claim, we will notify your employer. In cases where the company is no longer trading, we will contact their insurance providers.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to make a claim?
You typically have three years from your industrial illness diagnosis or the date you discovered it. This law is in place to protect you if you manifested an illness years after exposure, which is common in asbestos-related claims.
Can I claim if I no longer work for the employer that caused my work-related disease?
As many workplace illnesses are diagnosed long after exposure, it is likely that you have moved employment or retired. In this case, you can still make a claim, we will contact your old workplace to notify them.
Can I make a claim if my employer has gone out of business?
If the company that caused your industrial illness has closed, you can still make a claim against them. Our solicitors can trace their liability insurance and make a claim through their insurance provider.
What if my employer denies responsibility?
If we notify your employer of a claim against them and they deny responsibility, our solicitors will assist you in gathering evidence that could prove them wrong.
How long does an industrial disease claim take?
Due to the variety of different industrial illnesses, claim times will differ. A simple case with a clear party at fault will be much shorter than a complex case with little evidence.
Start your work-related disease claim today
It doesn’t matter if it has been years or only a few days since your exposure at work, an industrial disease claim with Injury Lawyers 4u can help you get back on your feet. And with our no-win, no-fee model, you can start a case without the fear of financial repercussions.
Let our experts assist you. Contact us today.