Work Related Illness Claims
Not Sure Where to Start with Your Work-Related Illness Claim?
The Industrial Disease / Deafness Department in Veritas are dedicated to ensuring individuals who have suffered from work-related illnesses, can assert their rights and seek justice. Our experienced team of solicitors can help guide you through the process of obtaining the compensation and support you rightfully deserve.
Understanding Occupational Diseases: Long-Tail vs. Short-Tail
The heavy industries which shaped the United Kingdom's history, including mining, shipping, textile, chemical, and steel sectors, have left a significant legacy for those who were employed in these fields. This legacy is the emergence of "Occupational Diseases," also known as "Industrial Diseases."
Long-Tail Diseases: The Lingering Impact
Long-term exposure to harmful agents like noise, vibration, and asbestos during the course of employment in these industries has resulted in serious, life-impacting conditions known as 'long-tail' diseases. Even though these industries have largely disappeared due to de-industrialisation, the impact of these diseases often becomes apparent many years later, a phenomenon known as 'latency.'
Employers are bound by the Health and Safety at Work Act1974 to ensure the health, safety, and welfare of employees. Breaches of this duty, leading to injuries, can result in compensation claims. However, proving claims for 'long-tail' Occupational Diseases comes with challenges, especially due to the passage of time. Our experienced specialists can assist in tracing insurance and addressing technical arguments when pursuing such claims.
Challenges include:
- Time limits under the Limitation Act 1980
- Technical defences questioning the causal link between the alleged breach and disease development
- Difficulty in pursuing claims against companies that are no longer trading
Short-Tail Diseases: Immediate Impact
Distinguished from 'long-tail' diseases, 'short-tail' diseases don't necessarily arise from heavy industry but include respiratory and skin diseases like asthma, COPD, poisoning, and dermatitis. These diseases lead to symptoms developing much closer in time to the alleged exposure, with no latency issues. While the period of exposure is shorter, the impact of 'short-tail' diseases can be severe, limiting one's ability to obtain or retain employment. Claims for these diseases may face defences suggesting causes other than work, such as pre-existing conditions. Our experts, with ample experience, can address these technical arguments when pursuing your claim.
Understanding the distinction between 'long-tail' and 'short-tail' diseases is crucial in navigating the complexities of Occupational Disease claims. Our specialists are here to guide you through the process, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Occupational Diseases
- Acoustic Shock
- Asbestos Related Disease (Asbestosis, Asbestos-Related Cancer, Mesothelioma, Pleural Thickening)
- Asthma
- Black Lung (see Pneumoconiosis)
- Bladder Cancer
- Byssinosis
- Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)
- Chrome Ulceration
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Cumulative Back Disorder Dermatitis
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- Isocyanate Poisoning
- Legionnaire’s Disease (Legionella)
- Noise Induced Hearing Loss
- Occupational Cancer (e.g., Bladder Cancer, Thyroid Cancer)
- Poisoning
- Pneumoconiosis (see Black Lung)
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Silicosis Vibration White Finger (see Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome)
- Whole Body Vibration
- Work Related Upper Limb Disorder
- Weil’s Disease (Leptospirosis)
- Occupational Stress & Harassment
Non-Occupational Diseases
The following are also examples of Diseases or conditions which are not usually strictly speaking “Occupational Diseases” (as they arise outside of the context of an Employer/Employee relationship) - but with which we can also assist you in bringing a claim.
- Carbon Monoxide (CO) Poisoning
- Toxic Mould Exposure
Our Approach
We take a client-focused, strategic approach to every matter we handle. By taking the time to understand your goals, anticipating potential challenges, and providing clear, practical advice.
Our Priority
We prioritise your needs and concerns, acting as advocates to ensure your voice is heard. Our team comprises legal professionals with extensive experience.
Your Rights
We navigate the legal complexities to protect your rights and secure the necessary remedies. Our dedicated team of experts ensures that you receive fair treatment, proper compensation, and the justice you deserve.
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How it works
In our case, we utilised an efficient resolution approach tailored to the client's specific needs and objectives. Through meticulous analysis, strategic planning, and effective execution, we guided the client towards successful outcomes while minimising disruptions.
Free Initial Consultation
Start with a free consultation to discuss your concerns. Our experts will assess your situation and provide guidance on the next steps.
Legal Advice and Representation
Receive comprehensive legal advice on your rights and let us represent you in your claim.
Evidence
Our team collaborates with qualified professionals and experts to conduct thorough evidence, documenting the issues and gathering evidence for your claim.
Negotiations
To aim for the best possible outcome, we confer with opposing parties, to narrow and seek resolution upon all outstanding issues. Veritas protects the interests of clients at every stage and through the life of the claim.
Remedy
Veritas aim to achieve fair and reasonable compensation ort resolution, factoring in our clients exposure to experienced harm or inconvenience.
Goal & Success
Why Choose Us?
With over 50 years of collective experience, Veritas offers a high quality of expertise in industrial disease laws and workers’ rights. Veritas adopts a compassionate approach, prioritising your health and well-being while tailoring our services to meet your unique needs and concerns. Our commitment to transparency means you will always be informed about the steps we are taking on your behalf, ensuring you feel supported and confident throughout the entire process.
Find out how we helped our client
Frequently
Asked Questions
The company I worked for is no longer trading, will I still be able to claim?
This is quite common with NIHL given that most clients have historic exposure to noise. Even if the company you worked for is no longer trading, or often referred to as dissolved, we are still able to pursue such companies providing we are able to retrieve the relevant EL insurance cover for period of your employment with the dissolved company. If cover is retrieved, then the onus is on the insurer to deal with your claim.
Do I have to pay anything if my claim is not successful?
The claim shall be progressed on a no win no fee agreement so providing we have the clients cooperating and honesty throughout the claim, in the unfortunate event the claim does not settle, then there shall be no adverse costs against the client.
How much compensation will I receive for my claim?
Compensation is awarded based on the injury and diagnosis of medical experts. The guidelines in relation to noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus provide an array of categories starting from slight hearing loss up to severe hearing loss alongside severe tinnitus.
Your claim shall be assessed based on the experts’ findingsand diagnosis and relayed to the client.
How long will it take to settle my claim?
There is no definitive timeframe in which a claim shall settle given all claims are assessed on their own merit, circumstances, and litigation risks. We aim to progress your claim in the most efficient and productive way and aim to settle your claim within 12 to 18 months, which is dependent on various factors. This does not mean that your claim cannot settle sooner, and claims do settle within 3 to 6 months.