If you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease, you may be able to make a compensation claim.
Unite Legal Services has significant expertise in running and winning industrial disease claims. Every year, we successfully secure compensation for thousands of Unite members who have developed industrial illnesses because of their working conditions.
For more information about making an industrial disease claim through Unite Legal services and how our lawyers can support you, read our answers to your questions below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT INDUSTRIAL DISEASE CLAIMS
What is an industrial disease?
An industrial disease is a work-related illness that is developed after exposure to dangerous substances in the workplace or unsafe working practices. Symptoms of an industrial disease can develop during employment or up to 40 years later.
What type of industrial diseases are there?
The most common types of industrial diseases in the UK include:
- Asbestos-related diseases, such as pleural thickening and mesothelioma
- Vibration injuries, such as Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- Respiratory and lung diseases
- Skin diseases such as industrial dermatitis
- Occupational cancer
Some industrial diseases are more severe than others, such as asbestos-related diseases and occupational cancer.
Who is responsible for my industrial disease?
Employers have a duty of care by law to protect their staff’s health and safety while they are at work. This means that employers are responsible for controlling exposure to hazardous substances and putting good health and safety practices in place to avoid workers from becoming ill.
If you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease as a result of your working conditions, you may be able to make a compensation claim against your employer.
Can I make an industrial disease compensation claim?
Yes. If you or a non-working family member have been diagnosed with an industrial disease in the last three years, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation. Unite Legal Services can offer you and your family free expert advice and support you in making an industrial disease claim.
How much will it cost to make an industrial disease claim?
Making an industrial disease claim with Unite Legal Services is free. As a Unite member, you and your non-working family can receive free, legal advice and representation from Unite Legal Services’ expert lawyers.
How much compensation will I get from an industrial disease claim?
The amount of compensation you can expect to receive for an industrial disease claim depends on your case. When calculating your compensation, our industrial disease lawyers will take into consideration the severity of your condition and the impact it has had on your lifestyle, as well as any costs incurred since your diagnosis. If you are unable to work as a result of your condition, our industrial disease lawyers will ensure your settlement includes the cost of lost earnings and any care needs.
After reviewing your case, our lawyers will give you an idea of how much compensation you are likely to receive. By making a claim through Unite Legal Services, you are guaranteed to keep 100 per cent of the compensation we secure on your behalf.
How long do I have to make a claim for an industrial disease?
You have three years from the date of your diagnosis, or when you first became aware of it, to commence court proceedings.
Can I hold my employers accountable for my industrial disease?
Yes. It is your employer’s responsibility to make sure you are protected at work. If you believe they failed to provide a safe work environment and you became ill as a result, then you may be entitled to recover compensation against them. Remember, by making a claim you will also be raising awareness of any inadequate health and safety procedures, helping ensure the necessary systems are implemented to safeguard you and your colleagues in the future.
Is making an industrial disease claim difficult?
Industrial disease claims can be more complex than others. It can take time to investigate your working history, especially if you were first exposed to hazardous substances or poor working practice a long time ago. However, our expert lawyers have decades of experience in running industrial disease claims and can help you to trace your past employers, including companies that have ceased trading, and hold them accountable for your diagnosis.
How can Unite Legal Services help me make an industrial disease claim?
Our specialist team has secured industrial disease compensation for thousands of Unite members and can help you get the compensation you deserve. Unite Legal Services has a team of specialist lawyers who can guide you through the process of making an industrial disease claim. You’ll also have access to a number of charities and support groups that can provide support for you and your family while our lawyers process your claim.
How do I make an industrial disease claim through Unite Legal Services?
If you or a non-working family member have been diagnosed with an industrial disease within the last three years, contact Unite Legal Services on 0800 709 007 for free legal advice on making a compensation claim. Alternatively, you can contact your regional Unite office for more information.
