Industrial Disease
Compensation Claims

What Counts as an Industrial Disease?

An industrial disease is an illness or condition that develops gradually because of the work you do, rather than resulting from a single accident. It is usually caused by prolonged exposure to a harmful substance, repetitive physical strain, excessive noise, or unsafe working conditions over months or years. Because these conditions often take a long time to appear, they can be harder to link back to your job than a workplace accident, but that does not make them any less deserving of compensation.

Conditions we regularly help with include asbestos-related illnesses such as asbestosis and mesothelioma, industrial deafness caused by prolonged exposure to loud machinery, occupational dermatitis from contact with irritant chemicals, vibration white finger (also known as hand-arm vibration syndrome) from years of using vibrating tools, occupational asthma triggered by dust, fumes or chemicals, and repetitive strain injury from repeated movements or awkward postures.

How Much Compensation Can You Claim for an Industrial Disease?

The amount you could receive depends on the severity of your condition, how much it has affected your daily life and ability to work, and the financial losses you have incurred as a result. Compensation is usually made up of two parts: general damages, which cover the pain, suffering and loss of quality of life caused by the condition, and special damages, which reimburse financial losses such as lost income, private medical treatment, prescription costs, travel to appointments, and any care or support you have needed. Because every case is different, the best way to get an accurate idea of what you could claim is to speak to one of our specialist advisors, who can assess your circumstances free of charge.

Is There a Time Limit to Claim?

Generally, you have three years from the date you became aware that your condition was caused or made worse by your work to start a claim. This is often called the “date of knowledge” rather than the date of diagnosis, which matters for industrial diseases that can take decades to develop, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma. If you are unsure whether you are still within the time limit, it is worth getting in touch as soon as possible, as exceptions can sometimes apply.

How Does No Win No Fee Work for Industrial Disease Claims?

Most of our industrial disease claims are handled on a no win no fee basis, formally known as a Conditional Fee Agreement. This means you will not pay any upfront legal fees, and if your claim is not successful, you will not pay your solicitor’s fees at all. If your claim succeeds, a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation goes towards covering the costs, and this will always be explained clearly before you agree to anything. This arrangement means you can pursue the compensation you are entitled to without taking on any financial risk.

Frequently Asked Questions

What counts as an industrial disease?

Industrial diseases include conditions such as industrial deafness, dermatitis, asbestos-related illnesses, vibration white finger and other conditions caused by exposure to harmful substances or conditions at work.

Can I claim for an industrial disease if I no longer work for the employer?

Yes. You can still make a claim even if you have left the job or the employer has closed down, as claims are usually made against employer liability insurance rather than the employer directly.

Is there a time limit to claim for an industrial disease?

Generally you have three years from the date you became aware your condition was caused by work to start a claim, though this can vary depending on individual circumstances.

If you think you may have grounds for an industrial disease claim, get in touch with our team today for a free, no-obligation assessment of your case.