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Fosters Solicitors

Industrial Disease Solicitors

How we can help

Our expert Personal Injury team have acted in relation to a variety of diseases and conditions, including:

What is asbestosis?

Asbestosis stands as a grave health concern, stemming directly from the inhalation of asbestos fibres. This condition underscores the perilous nature of certain work environments, particularly within industries prone to asbestos exposure such as construction, demolition, and insulation. 

Asbestos fibres, when inhaled, lodge themselves in the lung tissues, leading to scarring (fibrosis) that impairs the lungs’ ability to expand and contract. This scarring process is progressive and irreversible, potentially culminating in severe respiratory distress and significantly impacting life quality.

Occupational exposure

The risk of asbestosis is notably prevalent in a spectrum of occupations beyond the commonly recognised sectors like construction. This includes manufacturing where asbestos-containing materials are produced or used, automotive repair for older vehicles with asbestos brake and clutch linings, and shipbuilding. The insidious nature of asbestos exposure lies in its cumulative effect, with risk escalating over time, often spanning multiple employment contexts. This multi-employer exposure complicates legal claims, as it can be challenging to pinpoint the exact source and timeline of asbestos inhalation. 

Legal and medical recourse

Upon a diagnosis of asbestosis, immediate action is crucial due to the progressive nature of the disease and the legal complexities involved in claiming compensation. At Fosters Solicitors, you will receive all the advice you need to ensure you are prepared not only for your case, but the impact beyond. That is why we have become the solicitors of choice for so many clients who rely on our depth of expertise and discretion.

Expert support

Asthma induced or exacerbated by the workplace presents a multifaceted issue, with a spectrum of symptoms ranging from mild discomfort to severe, life-threatening attacks. Occupational asthma can result from exposure to a wide array of irritants, including but not limited to dust, chemical fumes, and industrial gases. These exposures are not limited to traditionally hazardous environments like manufacturing plants or workshops but can also occur in offices, schools, and other seemingly benign settings.

Identifying work-related asthma

The fluctuation of symptoms in correlation with work patterns offers a significant indicator of occupational asthma. Improvement during periods away from the work environment points to the workplace as a likely aggravator or cause. This relationship underscores the necessity of adequate protective measures and workplace safety protocols to mitigate exposure risks.

Beyond the workplace

Asthma’s triggers are not confined to occupational settings. Environmental factors, such as damp, mouldy conditions in residential properties, also contribute to the onset or exacerbation of asthma symptoms. In such instances, legal action may extend beyond employers to landlords or housing authorities, broadening the scope of potential claims for affected individuals.

Legal expertise in asthma claims

We want to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim. We understand you will want to know how we can assist, so we offer a free of charge no obligation first meeting or chat, which we follow up with a full letter of advice. If you are in any doubt as to whether you have a claim, please do contact us, again completely without obligation.

We are also able to discuss how you can cover the cost of a claim, including through a no win no fee agreement.

Chemical poisoning in the workplace encompasses a range of conditions resulting from exposure to hazardous substances. This exposure can occur through inhalation, dermal contact, or accidental ingestion, leading to various acute and chronic health issues. Industries particularly at risk include manufacturing, agriculture, cleaning, and construction, where chemicals are frequently used. The onus is on employers to provide comprehensive training, adequate protective gear, and safety measures to mitigate these risks. Failure to do so can result in severe health consequences for employees, including respiratory conditions like asthma, skin conditions such as dermatitis, and systemic effects that can affect multiple organs.

Victims of chemical poisoning have the right to seek compensation, especially if employer negligence contributed to their exposure. Legal claims can address medical expenses, lost wages, and suffering, emphasising the importance of early legal consultation to navigate the complexities of such cases. 

Occupational dermatitis is a prevalent condition caused by exposure to irritants or allergens in the workplace, leading to symptoms ranging from mild irritation to severe skin damage. Substances like detergents, solvents, and even natural products can trigger dermatitis, with symptoms including redness, itchiness, and blisters. The condition highlights the necessity for employers to perform risk assessments on materials used in the workplace and to provide effective protective measures. Workers suffering from work-related dermatitis may be entitled to compensation for their condition, reflecting the broader implications of workplace safety and employer responsibilities.

HAVS is a debilitating condition stemming from prolonged use of vibrating machinery. Workers in construction, mining, and forestry, where equipment like pneumatic drills and chainsaws are prevalent, face significant risks. Symptoms such as numbness, pain, and loss of hand function can severely impact quality of life and work capability. The condition underscores the critical need for employers to enforce safety measures, including adequate breaks, maintenance of equipment, and provision of protective gear. Legal avenues exist for those affected, focusing on the employer’s duty to prevent such exposures and the long-term impact on the worker’s health and livelihood.

Mesothelioma is a severe form of cancer primarily linked to asbestos exposure, often occurring in construction, shipbuilding, and industrial settings. Its development can take decades after initial exposure, complicating legal claims due to the difficulty in tracing employment history and asbestos contact. The disease’s gravity and the complex legal landscape surrounding asbestos-related claims necessitate specialised legal expertise to navigate successfully. Victims, including indirect exposures such as family members of workers, can pursue compensation for this life-altering condition, highlighting the enduring impact of asbestos use in industries.

NIHL represents a significant occupational hazard, particularly in sectors where loud machinery or constant noise is a staple of the work environment. Symptoms range from difficulty understanding speech to tinnitus, profoundly affecting personal and professional life. The insidious nature of NIHL, where damage accumulates over time, often leads to underreporting and underestimation of the condition’s severity. Workers facing NIHL must confront not only the physical and psychological impacts but also the challenge of proving the work-related origins of their condition for compensation claims.

Industrial disease claims represent a specialised and complex area of personal injury law, addressing conditions and injuries directly attributed to one’s work environment. Unlike accidents at work, which are often singular, identifiable events leading to injury, industrial diseases are insidious, emerging over extended periods—sometimes spanning decades – and can be associated with multiple employers. This distinction is crucial as it underscores the prolonged and often invisible nature of workplace hazards that cumulatively lead to illness. 

Characteristics of industrial disease claims

  1. Time-extended exposure: Industrial diseases typically result from long-term exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working conditions. Unlike accidents, these exposures are cumulative, contributing to the development of diseases over years or even decades.
  2. Delayed symptom onset: Symptoms of industrial diseases may not become apparent until long after the initial exposure. This delay complicates diagnosis and attribution, making it challenging to link the disease to specific work environments or practices.
  3. Multiple employer involvement: Given the prolonged latency period of many industrial diseases, individuals may have worked for several employers, all of whom could have contributed to the condition. This aspect introduces additional legal complexities in identifying liable parties.

Helping you navigate your claim

We want to work with you to achieve the best possible outcome for your claim.

We understand you will want to know how we can assist, so we offer a free of charge no obligation first meeting or chat, which we follow up with a full letter of advice. If you are in any doubt as to whether you have a claim, please do contact us, again completely without obligation.

We are also able to discuss how you can cover the cost of a claim, including through a no win no fee agreement.

Industrial Disease Solicitors

Our Personal Injury team is made up of dedicated and compassionate legal experts who are committed to securing the justice and compensation you deserve. With vast experience in handling a wide range of personal injury claims, our team is well-prepared to navigate the complexities of your case, providing strong advocacy and personalised support every step of the way to ensure the best possible outcome for you.

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