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Picture of Oliver Collett

Oliver Collett

Senior Industrial Disease Solicitor in Leeds

Oliver is a fully qualified solicitor based in Thompsons Solicitors' Leeds office.  He has experience of dealing with all types of personal injury compensation claims but has a particular interest in dealing with claims for industrial diseases such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS) or Vibration White Finger (VWF) as it is sometimes known.  He also has experience of dealing with claims relating to asbestos related diseases.

With claims for industrial diseases, the exposure to the hazard was often caused many years (sometimes decades) before the person becomes ill and it often takes a great deal of skill and experience to trace the negligent employer when the company may not have been operating for a long time.

Claims for asbestos-related diseases in particular require not only an experienced solicitor but also a sensitive and understanding one.  Mesothelioma for example is a terminal illness and the victim and their family will need to be treated with sensitivity.  Families of deceased asbestos victims making a claim on their behalf also need an understanding solicitor as discussing the case will be difficult.  Oliver is renowned for handling this type of case in a sympathetic and understanding manner.

Oliver is a member of The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) and works closely with asbestos support groups to try to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos.

Successful Personal Injury Claims

Below, you will find just a small selection of some of the personal injury claims Oliver has dealt with in the Leeds office.

Compensation for Vibration White Finger

In this case, Oliver's client had worked with air tools for the majority of his working life and went on to be diagnosed with vibration white finger after suffering from symptoms including numbness and tingling in his fingers.

During the 1990's the client had worked for one particular employer where he was given no training on how to minimise the risk of developing vibration white finger.  His employers did nothing to start a system of job rotation and didn't warn their staff of the dangers of working with vibrating tools.

The client's former employers settled the compensation claim before it was heard in court.

Mesothelioma Compensation Claim

Oliver's client in this case was a 70 year old man who was diagnosed with mesothelioma.  He was exposed to asbestos dust as an apprentice, 40 years earlier when he used to work alongside colleagues cutting asbestos which filled the air with the deadly dust.

Sadly the client died only a few months after being diagnosed and it was a tough case which had to go to court, therefore it was not possible for Oliver to obtain any compensation before the client died.  He carried on fighting the case; however and recovered substantial compensation for the client's widow.

Injured lifting heavy objects

In this case, Oliver's client was a young woman injured at work.  Her injury happened after she was asked to help lift a piece of equipment weighing more than 60kg up a step and into place.  The client had not done any work similar to this before and had not received any training.

As she lifted the item she felt a pain in her back and a feeling of numbness down her spine and legs.  Tests were carried out and she was diagnosed with two slipped discs.  She needed several operations but was still left with almost constant pins and needles and problems walking meaning that she frequently has to use a wheelchair to get around.

It was a difficult case to deal with and expert medical evidence was needed.  Oliver was successful in recovering damages for the client though and she was awarded £300,000.

Personal Injury Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury due to someone else’s negligence, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

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

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.