Legal Advice for Industrial Disease Claims

Exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working conditions can lead to serious illnesses, sometimes many years after the exposure first took place.

Industrial diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, occupational asthma and other work related conditions can have a significant impact on your health, your ability to work and your quality of life.

If you have developed an illness because of the conditions in which you worked, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Our industrial disease solicitors advise clients in Holywood, Belfast and throughout Northern Ireland on claims involving asbestos exposure, occupational illnesses and diseases caused by unsafe working environments.

At Hunt Solicitors, we understand that dealing with a serious diagnosis can be difficult. We aim to offer a sympathetic but constructive service, keeping you informed of progress at regular intervals so you understand where your case stands.

Industrial Disease Compensation Claims

Employers have a legal responsibility to take reasonable steps to protect employees from risks to their health and safety while at work.

This includes assessing workplace hazards, providing appropriate protective equipment and taking precautions to prevent exposure to harmful substances.

Where an employer has failed to meet these responsibilities and an employee develops an illness as a result, there may be grounds for a compensation claim.

Industrial diseases can develop gradually, and symptoms may not appear until many years after the exposure occurred. This is particularly common with asbestos related illnesses.

Our solicitors can help you understand whether your illness may be connected to your employment and advise on the options available to you.

Our Industrial Disease Claims Services

Our industrial disease solicitors advise on a range of work related illnesses and conditions, including:

• Asbestosis: A serious lung condition caused by breathing in asbestos fibres, often following prolonged exposure in the workplace.
• Mesothelioma: A form of cancer commonly associated with asbestos exposure, which may develop decades after the original exposure.
• Asbestos related lung cancer: Claims involving lung cancer linked to exposure to asbestos during employment.
• Occupational asthma: Breathing difficulties caused or made worse by exposure to dust, chemicals, fumes or other substances at work.
• Occupational dermatitis: Skin conditions caused by repeated contact with chemicals, cleaning products or other irritants in the workplace.
• Noise-induced hearing loss: Hearing damage or tinnitus caused by prolonged exposure to excessive workplace noise.
• Other occupational illnesses: Diseases or medical conditions caused by exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working practices.

Making an Asbestos Compensation Claim

Asbestos was widely used in construction, manufacturing, shipbuilding and other industries across Northern Ireland.

Workers who were exposed to asbestos in the past may now be experiencing serious health problems, even if they have not worked with asbestos for many years.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, it is important to get legal advice as soon as possible.

• Employment history: Details of where you worked, your duties and the circumstances in which you were exposed to asbestos can help establish a potential claim.
• Medical evidence: Medical records and specialist reports may be needed to establish your diagnosis and its connection to asbestos exposure.
• Former employers: You may still be able to bring a claim if the employer responsible is no longer trading, depending on the circumstances and whether relevant insurance arrangements can be traced.
• Time limits: Industrial disease claims are subject to legal time limits. In Northern Ireland, personal injury claims generally have a three year limitation period, although special rules apply to when that period begins in cases involving illnesses that develop over time.
• Compensation: Depending on your circumstances, compensation may include an amount for your illness, loss of earnings, medical expenses, care requirements and other financial losses.

Our solicitors can review the circumstances of your case and explain the steps involved in pursuing a claim.

What to Do If You Have Developed an Industrial Disease

If you believe your illness may have been caused by exposure to harmful substances or conditions at work, there are several steps you can take to help protect your position.

• Get medical advice: Speak to your GP or specialist about your symptoms and any possible connection to your previous employment.
• Keep employment records: Where possible, retain details of previous employers, job roles, dates of employment and working conditions.
• Identify potential witnesses: Former colleagues may be able to provide information about workplace conditions and exposure to hazardous substances.
• Keep records of expenses: Retain receipts and details of financial losses resulting from your illness.
• Get legal advice early: Industrial disease claims can involve complex medical and employment evidence, so it is important not to delay seeking advice.

Industrial Disease Solicitors in Holywood and Belfast

At Hunt Solicitors, we understand that an industrial disease diagnosis can affect every aspect of your life, including your health, employment and financial security.

We take the time to understand your circumstances, review the available evidence and provide practical advice about your legal position.

Where appropriate, we can help investigate the circumstances of your exposure, identify potentially responsible parties and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Contact Our Industrial Disease Solicitors

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma or another illness that you believe may be connected to your employment, contact Hunt Solicitors to discuss your circumstances.

We can advise on whether you may have grounds for a claim and explain the process involved.

Hunt Solicitors offers a free initial consultation to help you understand your legal position and decide whether you would like to take your case forward.