Industrial Disease Claims in the UK – No Win No Fee Compensation

You typically have around 3 years to start your personal injury claim and the time is counted from the date of your accident. If the date of your accident is approaching limitation, we can apply for an extension in most cases to ensure you do not lose the right to claim.
There are exceptions to the three-year rule in some cases, so if you think you might have a claim we advise you to contact us as soon as possible so we can determine your chances for successful compensation.

If your claim relates to an industrial disease, the three-year period generally begins from the moment you first became aware (or ought reasonably to have become aware) that your illness may be linked to your work. This is often known as the “date of knowledge,” which can sometimes be years after you last worked in the harmful environment.

If your illness occurred while working outside the UK, the time limit may be shorter, as some countries have different legal timeframes for bringing a claim. In such cases, it’s especially important to get in touch with us promptly to discuss your options.

If you are making a claim for an accident at work then there are 3 main exceptions to the three-year rule:

• Mental Capacity – if your loved one no longer has the mental capacity to make a claim themselves
• Working Abroad – if your accident happened while you were working abroad
• Defective Work Equipment – if your injury was caused by equipment that had a manufacturing defect

As limitation periods can be complex—especially where industrial disease or international work is involved—getting early legal advice is crucial. If you’re unsure whether you’re still within the time limit, our specialist solicitors can quickly clarify your position and help you take the next steps.

The amount of compensation varies depending on the type of accident, the severity of the illness or injury, and the individual situation as each person can be affected differently.

Every industrial disease claim is unique, and so is the amount of compensation awarded. Industrial disease covers a broad range of illnesses, so the final sum can depend on several factors, including:

• The specific illness you developed
• The severity and long-term impact of your condition
• Your medical and travel expenses
• Any modifications needed for your home
• Your current and future care and support needs
• Loss of earnings, both current and anticipated
• The pain and suffering you have endured
• Any mobility aids or specialist equipment you may require

As the amount varies case to case, our personal injury solicitors can assess your situation and provide you with a more accurate quote. For a quick estimate on how much you could be entitled to, why not visit our claims calculator?

What can I claim for?

Depending on your case you can claim for both general and special damages.
General damages are made up of the pain, suffering and loss of amenities due to the injury caused. This will be detailed in the medical report written by the medical expert following an independent examination.

Special damages:

• Travel Expenses
• Medical Care & Prescription Costs
• Rehabilitation
• Loss of Earnings
• Household Assistance & Adaptations
• Vehicle Damage
• Vehicle Hire, Storage & Recovery Charges
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses

To get a clearer picture of the compensation you could receive, speak to us today. Once we understand your circumstances in detail, we’ll be able to put a value on your claim and guide you through the next steps.

Depending on your case you can claim for both general and special damages.
General damages are made up of the pain, suffering and loss of amenities due to the injury caused. This will be detailed in the medical report written by the medical expert following an independent examination.

Special damages:

• Travel Expenses
• Medical Care & Prescription Costs
• Rehabilitation
• Loss of Earnings
• Household Assistance & Adaptations
• Vehicle Damage
• Vehicle Hire, Storage & Recovery Charges
• Any other out-of-pocket expenses

Yes, you may be eligible to make a claim if you were financially or practically dependent on someone who has passed away due to an industrial disease. In these circumstances, you could seek compensation for the loss of support or services that the deceased provided.

Typically, these claims are brought by the personal representatives of the deceased’s estate, but dependents can also make a claim in their own right.

If you’re unsure whether you qualify as a dependent or have questions about your eligibility, our specialist solicitors can guide you through the process and help set out your options.

Yes. You can make a claim on behalf of a child under the age of 18 and/or if the claimant lacks the mental capacity. For all other claims, you are welcome to make an enquiry via our website or our contact centre for information which may assist your friend/relative who has been involved in an accident.

Some of the most common industrial diseases we handle include:

• Hand-arm vibration disorders, such as Vibration White Finger and Carpal Tunnel Syndrome
• Hearing loss, tinnitus, and industrial deafness
• Occupational cancers caused by exposure to chemicals and dust
• Repetitive strain injuries (RSI)
• Skin conditions, such as contact dermatitis caused by chemicals

There are also various lung conditions that can be linked to workplace negligence. For instance, many workers seek compensation for exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma, asthma, and silicosis—conditions that are often caused by working in dusty environments or with materials that contain asbestos or other hazardous substances.

Other Common Industrial Diseases

Industrial disease isn’t limited to just one type of illness—there’s a wide range of conditions that may be eligible for compensation, including:

• Occupational lung diseases such as occupational asthma, silicosis, hypersensitivity pneumonitis, COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), emphysema, and pleural thickening
• Chemical poisoning from substances like solvents, heavy metals, or other hazardous chemicals
• Occupational dermatitis and other persistent skin conditions triggered by exposure to irritants
• Stress-related illnesses that arise from prolonged exposure to high-pressure or unsafe working environments

Each of these conditions can develop over time as a result of daily work activities or inadequate workplace safety measures. If you believe your health has been affected by your job, our team can help you understand your options and guide you through the claims process.

Yes. If you have lost a loved one due to a work-related illness, you may be able to make a compensation claim on their behalf. The process depends on the circumstances:

• If your loved one left a valid Will, the named executors can bring a claim for the estate.
• If there is no valid Will, certain family members—following a set priority according to UK law—can act as administrators and take action.

The appointed executor or administrator (often called the “personal representative”) is the person who can make a claim after someone has passed away. This claim may cover:

• Pain, suffering, and loss of amenity the deceased experienced
• Loss of earnings up to the date of death
• Any care or medical costs incurred
• Other financial losses tied to their illness

Compensation awarded is typically distributed according to the deceased’s Will, or—as required—the laws of intestacy.

If you were financially dependent on your loved one, or relied on them for services or support, you may be able to bring a separate claim for your own losses, too. In many situations, both claims are coordinated together by the personal representative.

If you’re unsure about your circumstances or your rights, our specialist team can guide you through the process and help ensure your family gets the support you need.

Claims 24 work on a no-win – no-fee basis.
No win, No fee is a risk-free way of getting compensation for an injury or illness that wasn’t your fault.
It means there are no upfront costs, and there are no legal fees to be paid in the unlikely event that your claim is unsuccessful.

If you win your claim, we may make the following deductions:
• A success fee of between 25% for winning – could be more in some cases
• The solicitor’s fee if this is unrecoverable – this is usually capped to a success fee
• The 3rd party insurers normally cover all legal fees, disbursements and expenses but if there is a shortfall, then this may be deducted from your compensation as a success fee usually capped at 25%

We believe there should be no surprises when making a claim with us, so anything you need to know when making a decision will be made clear from the get-go. Come and talk to us for free for impartial advice.

The average time from the moment you contact Claims 24 till the moment you receive your compensation payout is 6-8 months.
However, every situation is different and the time frame depends on many factors – one of them is your co=operation with us.

By providing all the correct information and attending all of the medical appointments on time (which we arrange for you), your file handler will be able to build a strong case on your behalf resulting in a quick, efficient payout.
Therefore, we kindly ask you to help us, and we will help you – because together we can achieve more.

1. Call us on 08000786088 or fill out our contact form
The first step is simple. All you have to do is get in contact and a member of our team will discuss your accident/ injury with you. We will gather information regarding your claim and advise you on how best to proceed.

2. Complete Claim Requirements
Once we have all the details of your case, we will put together your claim and manage your case from the first day to the last. You can be assured that we will do everything in our power to get you the compensation you deserve.

3. Receive Compensation
Once your claim has been successful, we will send your compensation to you! If we don’t win, we won’t charge you a penny. You can be sure you’ll receive maximum compensation for your injuries!

For more information on how to claim and an in-depth process, visit our ‘How To Claim’ page.

here are many types of industrial disease injuries that you can suffer and some of the most common ones are noise-induced hearing loss and vibration finger.

Vibration finger is often due to handling machinery or tools which have vibrated whilst operating them and over the years as the symptoms start to develop it may not occur to you that this is an injury due to your previous employment. However, you may begin to suffer from pins and needles or reduced dexterity (use of hands) of the hands and fingers. This type of injury can affect you more in later life and coupled with old age it can prove difficult to carry out simple tasks. It is for this reason that it is very difficult to assume and place a valuation on such claims and so at Accident Claims 24 we have a dedicated Medico-Legal reporting network with doctors who can accurately diagnose symptoms and provide a prognosis that can help determine a value for such claims.

On some occasions, a family member such as your partner or child can also contract an industrial disease if they make contact with your contaminated garments when you return from work. This can be incredibly traumatic for the individual and for yourself to see your loved ones suffering.

If this is the case with you, then they are eligible to make a claim. Do not hesitate to call us today for more advice on getting the compensation your loved ones deserve to help them on the road to recovery.

Your employer will be insured for such instances and their insurer will indemnify the claims even if the employer is no longer in business.

Call us today to speak to one of our expert solicitors who can advise you on how to begin your claim.

To support your industrial disease compensation claim, we will assist you in gathering the necessary evidence to prove both your health condition and your employer’s responsibility. Key evidence includes:

• Witness statements from colleagues, family members, or others who can support your case
• A detailed record of your work history, including job roles and any exposure to hazardous conditions
• Medical records confirming your diagnosis and linking it to your work-related exposure
• Any additional supporting documents, such as HR records indicating inadequate training or failure to provide proper safety measures

It is important to remember that, under the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974, your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you from harm while at work. This includes providing personal protective equipment (PPE), ensuring you receive the right training, and allowing adequate breaks. Failing to uphold these responsibilities can have serious—sometimes even life-changing—consequences for both you and your loved ones.

If you’re unsure about what evidence is needed, our expert industrial claims solicitors are here to guide you through the process and help build the strongest case possible.

An industrial disease refers to a condition or illness caused by exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working conditions. It can also encompass long-term injuries or health issues that arise from poor workplace practices.

Let’s take a look at a recent case that shows how industrial disease claims can unfold. One of our clients, let’s call him Mark, spent several years working in a factory where he was regularly exposed to hazardous metal dust and fumes without adequate ventilation or protective equipment. Over time, Mark began to notice persistent breathing difficulties and fatigue, but it wasn’t until years later that he was diagnosed with a serious lung condition linked to his time at work.

Understandably, Mark was unsure where to start and whether he would be able to claim—especially as the company he had worked for had long since closed its doors. Our team provided Mark with clear advice and support, helping him:

• Gather evidence of his exposure, including old job records and statements from former colleagues.
• Obtain medical assessments to firmly connect his illness to his previous employment.
• Navigate the entire claims process, even when his employer’s insurance details were tricky to find.

With the right expert support, Mark was able to secure substantial compensation, easing the financial strain of living with a work-related illness and giving him and his family peace of mind for the future.

This case is just one example—every claim is different, but no matter your circumstances, our team is here to guide you every step of the way.

An industrial disease refers to a condition or illness caused by exposure to harmful substances or unsafe working conditions. It can also encompass long-term injuries or health issues that arise from poor workplace practices.

For example, repetitive strain injuries can occur if you perform the same task repeatedly without proper precautions, or you may develop an illness if you are not provided with adequate personal protective equipment (PPE).

It’s important to understand that your employer has a legal duty of care to protect you from harm while at work, as set out in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. This responsibility includes providing appropriate PPE, ensuring you receive proper training, and allowing enough breaks to prevent injury or illness. When employers fail to uphold this duty, the consequences can be serious—sometimes resulting in life-changing or even fatal conditions for workers and their families.