Occupational Disease

Occupational Disease (also known as Industrial Disease) is a disease or disability resulting from conditions of employment. If you have acquired a disease or disability as a result of the conditions in which you work then you may have a claim for injury compensation.

Although there are legal time limits for making a claim, if you have developed an illness/condition either recently or some time ago as a result of your working conditions, then you may still have a claim for compensation. This should be discussed with your solicitor. 

It is an employer's responsibility to make sure that if you are working in hazardous conditions or with hazardous substances, you have the appropriate protection. Your employer should have already made the necessary investigations and provide the necessary equipment or processes to make sure that you are not exposed to any unnecessary risk that may cause you short or long term harm.

It is understandable that people who have developed an Occupational Disease are sometimes reluctant make a claim for compensation against their current employer. This is because they are worried that they could put their job in jeopardy. However, this should not deter you from making an injury compensation claim against your current employer as they should have insurance to cover them and it could prevent others suffering the same difficulties as you.

If the company you worked for at the time you believe you contracted the condition is no longer in existence, it should still be possible to make a claim. Your solicitor will advise you on how they will go about making your claim in this situation. 

Some of the conditions that can arise as a result of working conditions are:

• Hearing problems such as tinnitus, acoustic trauma and industrial deafness
• Asbestos related conditions such as pleural plaques, emphysema and mesothelioma
• Vibration white finger
• Repetitive strain injuries
• Carpal tunnel syndrome
• Miners knee

If you believe that you have developed a disease, illness or condition through a current or previous employer then contact Accident Line and we will then put you in touch with a local Specialist Solicitor who will act on your behalf to make a compensation claim. Alternatively, you can use our find my local 'Injury Solicitors' section and contact your local Accident Line solicitor directly.