Industrial Disease claims are fundamentally different from standard accident claims. They relate to illnesses that develop over a long period due to exposure to harmful substances, dangerous noise levels, or unsafe working practices. Even if the exposure happened 20 or 30 years ago, you can still claim today.

Types of Industrial Disease

We work with solicitors who specialise in complex occupational health claims. While we handle all types of work-related illness, the most common categories include:

Industrial Deafness (NIHL)

Noise Induced Hearing Loss and Tinnitus caused by loud machinery.

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Serious respiratory diseases caused by exposure to fibers in the 60s, 70s & 80s.

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Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome from using pneumatic drills or grinders.

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Dermatitis and eczema caused by chemical exposure or irritants.

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Detailed Condition Guide

Many industrial diseases have complex medical names. Click below to learn more about specific conditions we cover:

What is COPD?
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a lung condition often caused by inhaling dust, fumes, or coal smoke over many years. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema.
What is RSI (Repetitive Strain Injury)?
RSI affects muscles, nerves, and tendons. It is caused by repetitive tasks, forceful exertions, or awkward postures (e.g., assembly line work or typing). Conditions include Carpal Tunnel Syndrome and Tenosynovitis.
What is Occupational Asthma?
Asthma caused by breathing in "sensitisers" at work, such as flour dust (bakers), wood dust (carpenters), or isocyanates (spray painters).
What is Pleural Thickening?
A lung disease where the lining of the lung (pleura) thickens due to asbestos exposure, causing breathlessness and chest pain.

The 3-Year Rule: "Date of Knowledge"

It is NOT too late to claim

In standard accidents, you have 3 years from the date of the incident. However, industrial diseases often take decades to show symptoms. The law acknowledges this. Your 3-year time limit only starts from your Date of Knowledge—the day a doctor diagnosed you and linked the illness to your past work.

"My employer went bust 20 years ago"

This is the most common concern we hear. Fortunately, it rarely stops a claim. We do not sue your old boss personally; we sue the insurance policy that was in place at the time.

How We Trace Old Insurers
1
We use your National Insurance records to prove you worked at the company during the relevant years.
2
We search the Employers' Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) database, which holds records of millions of historical insurance policies dating back to the 1900s.
3
Once the insurer is found, we direct the claim to them. They are legally obliged to pay out if they held the policy, even if the original company no longer exists.

State Benefits vs Civil Compensation

Did you know you can claim government benefits alongside your legal compensation claim?

IIDB (Industrial Injuries Benefit)

A weekly tax-free payment from the government. You can claim this even if you are still working. We can advise you on how to apply for this alongside your civil claim.

Civil Compensation

A larger lump sum payout from the insurer to cover your pain, suffering, and financial losses. This is what our solicitors handle for you.

The Legal Test: Proving Your Case

To win an industrial disease claim, your solicitor must prove three things:

  • Duty of Care: Your employer had a legal duty to keep you safe (e.g., providing ear defenders or masks).
  • Breach: They failed to provide safety equipment or training.
  • Causation: This failure directly caused your illness (proven via a medical report).
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