An occupational disease (sometimes known as a workplace or industrial disease) can have a devastating impact on someone’s life, often causing long-term health problems. This can be extremely traumatic, not only physically but financially and emotionally. That is why if you have suffered (or are continuing to suffer) from an occupational disease, you need to know what action you can take.
What Is An Occupational Disease?
An occupational disease is an illness or condition caused by the environment in which you work. This can cover a variety of different ailments, many of which have the potential to lead to a successful work accident claim. Some of the most common examples of occupational disease include:-
• Asbestos related injuries (such as mesothelioma or asbestosis);
• Repetitive strain syndrome [RSI];
• Respiratory diseases, including occupational asthma;
• Deafness caused by exposure to excessive noise;
• Raynauds Disease, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome or HAVS.
• Dermatitis;
• Bursitis;
• Occupational stress.
Occupational Disease: A Breach of Duty
Thousands of people suffer from an occupational disease every year, despite the fact employers have a legal obligation to protect the health and safety of their staff. This is known as a duty of care, and requires an employer to:-
• Maintain a safe working environment;
• Implement a safe working procedure;
• Provide the correct equipment, which must adhere to safety standards;
• Provide adequate training and supervision.
Employers, therefore, have a responsibility to protect their staff from harm. As such staff should never be subject to such hazardous conditions that their health is compromised as a result.
Thus should an employer fail to comply with health and safety legislation and an employee suffers as a result, then there has been a breach of duty. In such an event, it may be possible for an employee to make a personal injury claim.
Occupational Disease – Making a Compensation Claim
If you believe you are suffering from an occupational disease, it is important to seek medical assistance without delay, as prompt treatment is often vital when dealing with such injuries. Should it be confirmed by medical professionals that your health has indeed been affected by the conditions in which you work, you need to contact a legal expert to discuss what action you should take next.
We are specialists in this area of the law. We will be happy to talk about the nature of your case with you, explaining the different options available to you at this juncture. If you wish to pursue a claim, we will be there every step of the way, guiding you through the process and keeping you informed at each stage.
We understand that suffering from an occupational disease can have a detrimental affect on your life, not only physically but also financially and emotionally. Indeed, it is likely your injuries have prevented you from working, which in turn can be extremely distressing – particularly if you are expecting to suffer in the long-term. That is why we are here to fight hard on your behalf, helping you to get the sum of compensation you deserve. This will ensure you receive recompense not only for the pain and suffering you have experienced, but also for any damages you have sustained financially.
Want To Know How to Claim Compensation for an Occupational Disease? We can help
If you have contracted an occupational disease and you feel that your employer was to blame, our Solicitors could help you win a compensation payout.
- Call us on 0800 1404544
- Or complete our contact form to get in touch.
