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Industrial Illnesses & Industrial Diseases

Introduction to Workplace Illnesses and Workplace Diseases
   Information about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases
Who is responsible for your Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease
   Employers' responsibility to protect staff
News about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases
News stories published on this site about Industrial Diseases and Industrial Illnesses
Comments from clients who have suffered Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases
   Letters and testimonials from clients we have helped with compensation claims
Making a claim after sustaining an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease
   How to make a claim if you have developed an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease
Helpful Links
   Organisations which may be able to help you further

Introduction to Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Information about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Unfortunately, it is quite common for people to develop an illness or disease after coming into contact with a harmful substance in their workplace.

If your employer has exposed you to a harmful substance and you have developed an illness or disease, you may be able to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

On this website we have split the industrial illnesses and industrial diseases into two separate sections. The first section is for Asbestos Related Illnesses and the second is for other Industrial Diseases.

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Who is responsible for your Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease?

Employers' responsibility to protect staff

It is your employer's duty to protect you from hazardous substances and hazardous situations whilst you are in work to minimise the risks of you developing an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease.

For example, if your working environment is very noisy, it is your employer's duty to reduce the noise to an acceptable level or, if this is not possible, to provide you with ear defenders to prevent Industrial Deafness or Noise Induced Hearing Loss. As long as your employer provides you with these ear defenders, it is your responsibility to wear them.

If your job brings you into contact with dangerous chemicals your employer should have already investigated the possibility of replacing the dangerous chemicals with less harmful ones and ensured that you have the minimal amount of contact with them as possible. If your employer has concluded that there is no way around you working with the dangerous chemicals, they should then provide you with protective clothing to wear. Again, it is your responsibility to wear the protective clothing once it has been provided.

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News about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

News stories published on this site about Industrial Diseases and Industrial Illnesses

We have published many news stories on our website about industrial diseases and industrial illnesses in the past. To read these visit our News Desk or follow the links below:

2005

19th December 2005 - Asbestos cancer drug postcode lottery victory
14th November 2005 - Insurers try to overturn 20 years of case law to halt asbestos payouts
27th October 2005 - Shambolic smoking ban won’t prevent litigation, lawyers warn
11th October 2005 - Family of mesothelioma victim wins compensation
12th September 2005 - Nationwide survey reveals employees' lack of awareness of their rights: government, trade unions and employers need to work together and take a lead
2nd September 2005 - Smoking bans a red herring, leading law firm warns
20th July 2005 - Desperate bid to trace co-workers of tragic victim of asbestos
20th June 2005 - NASAG recovers over £1 million in compensation for asbestos victims
15th February 2005 - Insurers fail in bid to stop compensation for thousands of asbestos victims
11th February 2005 - Desperate bid to trace co-workers of tragic victim of asbestos
25th January 2005 - Landmark ruling against Corus UK for vibration exposure

2004

29th December 2004 - Thompsons urges staff to support ASH petition
20th December 2004 - Asbestos tragedy for wife who washed husband's clothes
23rd November 2004 - Desperate bid to trace colleagues of tragic victim of asbestos
16th November 2004 - Asbestos warning for firefighters
1st November 2004 - Insurers' second challenge on asbestos compensation
24th March 2004 - Miners urged to claim what is rightfully theirs - before it's too late

2003

9th May 2003 - Royal and SunAlliance ruling partial victory for asbestos victims
13th March 2003 - Landmark settlement brings justice for thousands of SA former asbestos miners

2002

16th May 2002 - Lords restore justice to thousands of asbestos victims and widows

2001

11th December 2001 - Judges rob thousands of asbestos victims and widows of compensation
10th May 2001 - Asbestos campaigners welcome compensation deal
23rd January 2001 - Collapsed insurance firm bounces asbestos victims' compensation cheques - future asbestos claims in jeopardy

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Comments from clients who have suffered Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Letters from clients we have helped with compensation claims

The following stories are extracts from our Clients Comments Section. They are thank you letters from clients we have helped claim compensation after they have developed an industrial illness or industrial disease. You can also read testimonials from our clients.

Widow receives £190,000 after her husband dies of mesothelioma

Thompsons Solicitors' specialist personal injury lawyers helped a widow from Cheshire recover £190,000 compensation after her husband died of mesothelioma. Years before, her late husband had been employed at various different power stations throughout the North West of England and had been exposed to asbestos dust and asbestos fibres whilst working in the same area as colleagues disturbing asbestos.

Her thank you letter said "This is a little card to you to say such a big thank you for all the hard dedicated work you have done for me and the family during these years since we lost (husband's name removed at widow's request). It has not just been a friendly informed voice on the telephone but a dedicated person, so easy to talk to."

Firefighter's widow is awarded £175,000 compensation

Robin Cambell was employed as a firefighter when he was exposed to asbestos dust and years later he went on to develop the fatal asbestos cancer, mesothelioma.

His widow had to cope with his premature death and decided to make a claim for compensation on his behalf for the loss of his income. The insurers dealing with the claim for compensation hoped that Mrs Cambell would settle the claim for less than she deserved; however, she was determined to obtain justice for her husband and proceeded to court with her case. With help from Thompsons' specialist personal injury lawyers, she received £175,000 compensation.

Her thank-you letter read "I want to thank you for all your help and guidance during Robin's case and I am very grateful for all you did for me. I'd also like to thank Clare for being with David (her son) and I on April 5th when we came up to London for the Court case. She was very kind and looked after me so well".

Widow receives £112,000 compensation after husband dies of fatal asbestos disease, mesothelioma

Thompsons Solicitors' specialist personal injury lawyers helped a widow to recover £112,000 compensation when she lost her husband to the fatal asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. His ex-employers were responsible for exposing him to the dangerous asbestos fibres years before.

Her thank you letter read "On behalf of my family and myself, I want to thank you and your staff for bringing successfully to an end, the case for my late husband. I will be writing to the Widnes and Runcorn asbestos support group and also St Rocco's Hospice (Warrington) to tell them how pleased we have been with your firm".

Compensation of £85,000 for widow after husband's death from mesothelioma

Mrs Selby's husband was exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres by his employers many years before he became ill and died. As a result of his exposure to asbestos dust he went on to develop asbestosis and the fatal cancer, mesothelioma.

With help from Thompsons' specialist personal injury solicitors, his widow was awarded £85,000 compensation.

Mrs Selby was very happy with the service she received from Thompsons and her thank you letter read:

"Thank you for the cheque of £85,000 which I received in settlement of my late husband's claim for asbestosis mesothelioma. The amount received far exceeded my expectations and gave me the security and peace of mind for the future that my husband would have so wanted me to have. Already, there are several improvements to my property that I will now be able to carry out without worry.

I would like to thank you most sincerely for the work you have done on my behalf to achieve this excellent result. Throughout the claim I have found you and your staff to be extremely understanding and courteous, you have kept me informed every step of the way and have explained matters in a way that I have been able to understand. This has certainly greatly helped me through a difficult time.

I would ask you to please pass on my thanks to all in your office who have been so kind and helpful to me and I wish you all a very happy and successful year ahead."

Plumber exposed to asbestos

Mr Hines worked as a plumber for Birkenhead Corporation and then Cammell Laird Shipbuilders. He was regularly required to work with asbestos and no protection or warnings were given. He died of the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.

An extract from his widow's thank you letter said "I would like to thank Amicus sincerely for their help and support during this difficult period, and for appointing Matthew Tollitt of Thompsons Solicitors (Liverpool) and the barrister who represented me at court. Mr Tollitt worked hard to bring about this result, I am indebted to him, and to my husband’s fellow trade union members for statements made in support of my case".

Mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos at Power Station

Whilst working as a boiler cleaner at a power station in Burton on Trent, Mr Doherty was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis. He wasn’t provided with protection and was not warned about the dangers of exposure to asbestos dust. His case was referred to Thompsons specialist personal injury solicitors by the Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team.

Mr Doherty’s family wrote:

On behalf of my father and the rest of my family, I would like to express our grateful thanks for the professional and sensitive way my father's case was handled. The speedy and successful outcome was way beyond all our hopes at the beginning and it has certainly helped us all come to terms with the situation my father found himself in. My father has no objection whatsoever for his case to be used for publicity purposes if it will help anybody who finds himself or herself in the same position. Once again many thanks".

Painter and Decorator receives £67,500 after developing lung cancer from asbestos dust

Whilst working as a painter and decorator at Middle Docks & Engineering our client was exposed to asbestos dust. He wasn’t supplied with masks to prevent him inhaling the dust nor was he warned of the dangers of exposure to asbestos.

As a result of the exposure to asbestos he developed lung cancer. With the help of specialist personal injury lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, he received £67,500 in compensation

An extract from his thank you letter read:

"We cannot praise you enough for all the work you have done on our behalf. Your kind and caring attitude to us was a great comfort. Even if the outcome of this claim had not succeeded we are happy to have known you and we thank you most sincerely. We just wish it had been in happier circumstances".

Retired research chemist awarded £60,000 after contracting pleural thickening as a result of asbestos exposure

Thompsons' specialist personal injury solicitors helped a retired research chemist and member of the AUT Union to recover compensation after he developed the asbestos related condition, pleural thickening.

Mr W used to build asbestos furnaces at the University of Salford and he was frequently exposed to asbestos dust and asbestos fibres. His compensation claim was settled for £60,000.

He wrote to thank Thompsons after he received his compensation and his thank you letter read "I feel I should write to express our appreciation of your efforts on our behalf. I thought that the engineering reports were very professional and most critical of University safety procedures. The medical expert in my case received my wife and I with kindness and consideration and went to great lengths to explain my condition. Clydeside Action on asbestos have also been very supportive and I am writing to them as well to express my thanks."

Repetitive Strain Injury to back leads to £22,000 compensation

Diane Potts worked at a community centre as a caretaker and part of her job involved her regularly lifting tables and chairs. She went on to develop a painful repetitive strain injury to her back and Thompsons' specialist personal injury Solicitors recovered £22,000 compensation for her. Her thank you letter said "Thank you for all you have done for me and for your support over the last few years. All the best".

Victim of Pleural Thickening and Pleural Plaques is awarded £10,000 compensation

From the 1950's until the 1990's Mr Harrison was exposed to asbestos dust and asbestos fibres by many different employers. He then went on to develop the asbestos related conditions, Pleural Plaques and Pleural Thickening.

With help from Thompsons Solicitors' specialist personal injury lawyers he has received £10,000 compensation now with the right to make a further compensation claim in the future if his condition deteriorates. An extract of his thank you letter read:

"I write to thank you and your team for the successful outcome of my claim. The settlement was already above my expectations and much appreciated. Once again, many thanks".

Noise Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) victim receives £8,000 Compensation

From 1974 until 2002 Mr Whitehead was employed by Seddon Atkinson Vehicles Ltd and during his time working there, he was exposed to high levels of noise from axles being assembled and engines being tested in his vicinity.

He later went on to develop Noise Induced Hearing Loss which his doctor said had been caused by him having to work in such noisy conditions.

Thompsons' specialist personal injury lawyers recovered £8,000 compensation for Mr Whitehead and his thank you letter read:

"I am extremely grateful for all your efforts on my behalf and for the fact that you have been so very approachable. While my hearing problems persist, it is reassuring to have the money available to purchase equipment which will hopefully ease some of my difficulties in the future".

Ex-miner is awarded £6,671.03 compensation after developing Vibration White Finger (VWF)

Thompsons' specialist personal injury solicitors recovered £6,671.03 compensation for the widow of an ex-miner who developed Vibration White Finger due to his time working for the National Coal Board.

His daughter, Janet Lucas wrote to Thompsons and her thank you letter said "May I take this opportunity to thank Thompsons for the way they have handled all matters relating to the initial and the subsequent 'services' claims. Throughout the process your firm has been encouraging, informative and particularly since my father died, sensitive in all communications. If he had been alive my father would have been delighted to have received this rightful compensation and it will be a great help to my mother at this time in her life. Thank you again for all your support."

Victim of Industrial Deafness receives £6,500 compensation

Mr Blewitt was exposed to high levels of noise at work and went on to develop industrial deafness. He started a claim for noise induced hearing loss and tinnitus just before the three year deadline. Thompsons' specialist personal injury lawyers acted fast and he accepted £6,500 compensation.

His thank you letter said:

"Thanks very much for all your hard work in obtaining me a settlement for my damaged hearing, its very much appreciated".

Testimonials from our clients who have received compensation

Vibration white finger injury victim secures compensation

Mr John Coggon, a production worker from Misterton near Doncaster, secured £7,000 compensation following finger vibration injuries caused by exposure to vibrating tools. Yet without the support of his union, GMB, and the expert assistance of Thompsons Solicitors, Mr Coggon believes that he would not have been successful with his claim.

Mr Coggon was diagnosed with Vibration White Finger (VWF) and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS) in September 2005 following his employment with National Power from 1977 to 1992 and then at Newells from 1992 to 2002. Despite frequent exposure to vibrating tools, Mr Coggon was never provided with adequate protective equipment or medical surveillance to monitor the safe usage of tools.

VWF is an injury caused in the workplace by the continuous use of vibrating hand-held machinery. Symptoms of the injury include pain, tingling and numbness.

Realising that he had a problem after several years of handling such equipment, Mr Coggon turned to his union for help.

"I was introduced to Thompsons because the GMB has a free legal help scheme which I could take advantage of," explains Mr Coggon. "I have no knowledge of the law; the last time I had any contact with a solicitor was several years ago sorting my mortgage out! I would not have made this claim but for the expertise and knowledge that my solicitor at Thompsons showed".

"As well as explaining everything in simple terms, she kept me completely up to date with my case, through correspondence and phone calls. No stone was left unturned and I could contact them at any time with any questions. Thompsons pressed for the right level of compensation, which included getting the right medical evidence to support my claim".

"They were absolutely brilliant. I can't recommend them highly enough."

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Making a claim after sustaining an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease

How to make a claim if you have developed an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease

If you need further information or assistance with starting a personal injury compensation claim for an Asbestos Related Illness or another type of Industrial Disease telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.

Even if you are not sure, whether you have a valid personal injury compensation claim, you can telephone us now for free advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

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Helpful Links

Organisations which may be able to help you further

The following organisations may be able to help you further with advice and support if you have developed an industrial illness or industrial disease:

Asthma UK - Asthma UK is a charity dedicated to improving the health and well-being of people whose lives are affected by asthma.

BBC Health - A BBC guide to asthma including common triggers and treatments.

Cancer Research UK - provide a free information service about cancer and cancer care for people with cancer and their families.

Deafness Research UK - is the medical charity for deaf and hard of hearing people.

HSE - Dealing with Occupational Health and Safety

JobCentrePlus - Information about benefits you may be entitled to after developing an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease

NHS Direct Health Encyclopaedia - Everything you need to know about conditions, tests, treatments, operations and services.

RNID (Royal National Institute for Deaf People) - is a charity working to change the world for deaf and hard of hearing people.

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Industrial Illnesses & Industrial Diseases

Introduction to Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Information about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Who is responsible for your Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease?

Employers' responsibility to protect staff

News about Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

News stories published on this site about Industrial Diseases and Industrial Illnesses

2008

2007

2006

Comments from clients who have suffered Industrial Illnesses and Industrial Diseases

Letters from clients we have helped with compensation claims

Testimonials from our clients who have received compensation

Making a claim after sustaining an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease

How to make a claim if you have developed an Industrial Illness or Industrial Disease

Helpful Links

Organisations which may be able to help you further