Industrial Disease Claims
For those of you that have experienced an injury at work, it can be classed as an industrial disease, unless it was the result of a one-off accident.
An industrial disease – which is sometimes referred to as industrial illness, industrial injury or occupational disease – describes an illness, injury or health condition that has arisen due to unsafe working conditions, practices or exposure to certain substances in the workplace, due to the negligence of the employer.
In certain cases, the disease can be severe or sometimes even fatal. Therefore, under the Health and Safety at Work Act, your employer has a duty to you as an employee and must ensure that your health and safety is protected whilst at work. Even if you’re no longer employed at the company where you sustained those injuries or disease, you may still be able to claim compensation.
Here at Versus Law, we help clients make Industrial disease claims following a range of symptoms and conditions, including:
- Hearing damage, including acoustic shock, tinnitus, and noise-induced hearing loss, caused by exposure to loud noise in the workplace
- Respiratory problems, including occupational asthma or silicosis caused by exposure to dust or fumes
- Asbestos diseases, which includes a number of lung conditions caused by exposure to asbestos fibres
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI), including carpal tunnel syndrome, ulnar neuropathy, bursitis, and vibration white finger
- Chemical poisoning, due to exposure to dangerous chemicals resulting in skin conditions like dermatitis and other conditions which depend on the type of chemicals, such as burns, asthma and allergies
- Osteoarthritis
A referral to Occupational Health should be made by your employer if symptoms are developed that you believe are a result of your working conditions. Your employer should be notified of your health condition immediately to ensure the appropriate changes are made to avoid further damage to your health. Furthermore, you should seek immediate medical attention as soon as you realise damage to your health, by seeing your GP. From there, depending on your condition, your GP may refer you for further tests to be able to make a diagnosis.
Making a Claim
When making an Industrial Disease claim, it is crucial an experienced lawyer is chosen. This is because industrial disease claims can be complicated. Our fully qualified lawyers have awareness and experience to help you get the best result.
Firstly, a detailed investigation into the individuals work history must take place. This may pose a threat to the case if the company went out of business or even changed their work practices. If this is the case, the claim can still be made by tracing the company’s insurers.
Moreover, there is a strict time limit from when you first started suffering from symptoms caused by your workplace to when the claim is made. Usually, it is 3 years from when the court would expect you to have knowledge that you were suffering from a disease. However, it is not always so straight forward or clear cut; which is why it is vital for you to contact us as soon as you think you may have a claim.
Here at Versus Law, we have helped thousands of clients throughout Manchester and across the UK to achieve the industrial disease compensation they’re entitled to on a No Win No Fee basis. To receive your FREE consultation with a personal injury lawyer, contact us today on 0161 249 5087 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk.