Hazardous substances exposure
Hazardous Substances Exposure Claims
Exposure to hazardous chemicals and substances can have a life-altering effect. Long-term discomfort, significant injuries requiring sustained medical treatment and prolonged illness are just some of the issues facing employees who have been exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace.
Have you fallen quite ill or have incurred significant medical bills as a result of being exposed to hazardous substances? If so, you may be entitled to receive compensation. At Versus Law, our hazardous substances exposure claims solicitors in Manchester are highly practiced in helping people to get compensation for any medical treatment or loss of earnings if they’ve been exposed to hazardous substances at work.
What Are The Circumstances For a Compensation Claim?
Employers have a duty of care to their employees. This covers every area of an environment and everything contained within that environment. Employees working with hazardous chemicals should always be provided with safety equipment – and be fully trained to work around – and, if required, handle hazardous substances.
Should employers not establish clear workplace parameters, fail to provide employees with appropriate safety equipment, not clearly signpost hazardous substances or the areas in which they’re housed, then you may be entitled to claim compensation.
The Types of Exposure Compensation Claims Can Be Made For
The most common types of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace compensation claims handled by our proficient solicitors in Manchester include the following:
- Chemical (including products that contain harmful chemicals
- Gaseous exposure (particularly asphyxiating gases)
- Biological agents (bacteria and viruses)
- Fumes, dust, vapors, and mists
There is a wealth of ways that employees can be exposed to hazardous substances in the workplace. The most common of which are:
- Inhaling
- Direct contact with the skin
- Accidental swallowing of liquids
- Direct contact with the eyes
- Through punctures on the skin
The Symptoms Experienced By People Exposed to Hazardous Substances
The effects of exposure to hazardous substances are varied – and entirely dependent on the nature of the substance employees have been exposed to. Common symptoms include:
- Dermatitis
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Burns
- Respiratory problems
- Damage to internal organs
- Leptospirosis
- Legionnaires
Common symptom manifestations that may indicate a larger health problem include the following:
- Coughing
- Wheezing
- Difficulty breathing
- Dizzy spells
- Nausea
The Responsibilities of Employers
According to the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002, employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment, free of potential hazards. Should they have bee found in dereliction of duty and prompted hazardous substances exposure in Manchester – or anywhere in the UK, they are liable for any ill health experienced by employees.
Employers are responsible for minimising emission release and spreading throughout the workplace, consider routes of exposure, to implement control measures proportionate to the tasks performed by employees and operate efficient hazardous substances control measures.
In addition, employers must also ensure that their employees have access to personal protective equipment (PPE), undergo requisite education and training, routinely review the effectiveness of all measures and form new measures for any subsequent risks that may arise.
How Do I Make a Hazardous Substances Exposure Compensation Claim?
Your first step to making a hazardous substances exposure claim is to contact Versus Law solicitors in Manchester. We will then arrange a FREE consultation to discuss your case. Once we have deduced the full circumstances, we will talk you through your options and provide you with expert advice.
At this stage, all you’ll need to do is to provide us with the details or the circumstances around your exposure. We’ll need to know the precise location of where the accident occurred, evidence that appropriate safety measures were not taken by your employer and the details of any injuries and treatment you’ve received.
A member of our team will then contact your employer and inform them that you’ll be seeking compensation for any injuries, health concerns and damages, including psychological damages.
The conscientious and client-focused approach by our hazardous substances exposure claims solicitors in Manchester is exemplified by our tenacity and professional communication with you and the employer. It is our goal to make sure that you’re awarded the compensation you deserve. We will keep you updated of all developments in your case and always act in your best interests.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
You can make a claim anytime within three years of becoming aware that your illness might be linked to work. In cases where exposure to hazardous substances proved to be fatal, the family of the deceased can make a claim from the date of death or date that the post-mortem was received.
If your exposure occurred outside of the UK, this timescale might be shortened. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation, contact Versus Law today.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect?
The amount of compensation that you’re entitled to is dependent on a range of circumstances. This is the same with any workplace-related illness. Typical factors include:
- Loss of earnings (including future loss projections)
- Any medical or travel expenses that you’ve had to pay
- Your care and support needs (both present and future)
- Expenses relating to home environment modifications
- Mobile aids
- Any pain and suffering that you’ve experienced
No Win No Fee Hazardous Substances Exposure Claims
Our hazardous substances exposure claims legal service is provided on a no win no fee basis. Should your claim be unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay any legal costs. There are also no upfront costs.
Should you claim be successful, your employer will be responsible for paying you legal fees, with any outstanding balance deducted from your compensation.
Why Choose Us?
Versus Law solicitors in Manchester is an award-winning legal practice with intimate knowledge and notable experience settling hazardous substances exposure claims. We have already helped thousands of people to win the settlement they deserve.
Oftentimes treatment for hazardous substances exposure is delicate and challenging – requiring a leave of absence from working, and a loss of earnings. Our diligent and empathetic approach means that we can help you to secure your immediate financial future if your unable to work as a result of exposure to hazardous substances.
Contact Us
To receive your free consultation with one of our hazardous substances exposure claims solicitors in Manchester, contact us today on 0845 555 0606 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk. If you prefer, you can complete our contact form here.