Many people suffer from illnesses caused by unsafe working conditions over time. These industrial diseases often develop gradually, and their symptoms can have devastating and long-lasting effects.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, our experienced team specialises in helping workers across the UK claim compensation for industrial diseases caused by employer negligence or breaches of health and safety laws.
If you’ve been exposed to harmful substances, loud noise, or unsafe working practices, you may be entitled to make an industrial disease claim on a no win, no fee basis.
What Is an Industrial Disease Claim?
An industrial disease claim (sometimes called an occupational illness claim) allows you to recover compensation for injuries or illnesses caused by your working environment — even if your exposure happened years ago or you no longer work for the same employer.
You may be able to claim for:
- Loss of earnings (including future losses)
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation costs
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Care, support, and home adaptations where required
We understand that many clients only realise later in life that their health problems were linked to work. Our solicitors will help you trace your former employers and their insurers, gather medical evidence, and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Types of Industrial Disease
There are many kinds of workplace illnesses that can form the basis of an industrial disease claim, including:
- Noise-Induced Hearing Loss / Industrial Deafness
- Asbestosis and Mesothelioma
- Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS)
- Repetitive Strain Injury (RSI)
- Occupational Dermatitis and Skin Conditions
- Respiratory Diseases (e.g. silicosis, occupational asthma)
- Tendonitis, Carpal Tunnel, or Back Injuries from repetitive work
- Chemical Poisoning and Toxic Exposure
These conditions are typically the result of long-term exposure to unsafe environments, inadequate protective equipment, or an employer’s failure to carry out proper risk assessments.
Employees who regularly use display screen equipment (DSE) — such as computers, telephones, or keyboards — must be protected from repetitive strain injuries (RSIs).
The Health and Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations require employers to:
- Carry out regular ergonomic risk assessments.
- Review assessments if working conditions change or the employee raises concerns.
- Act on findings promptly;
- Ensure assessments are completed by a competent person with input from the employee.
Case Study
Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome
Aston Knight Solicitors recovered £16,000 for a commercial tyre fitter who suffered HAVS and carpal tunnel injuries. Mr L worked for a number of commercial tyre fitting companies and had to use pneumatic air wrenches throughout each day. No sufficient risk assessments were undertaken to ensure he was not exposed to hazardous levels of vibration and, as a result, he unfortunately developed both carpal tunnel syndrome and Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome. Whilst his carpal tunnel syndrome was mostly cured via surgery, his HAVS was unfortunately likely to be permanent.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, we have successfully represented many employees who developed RSIs due to poor workstation setup or repetitive manual work. We offer free, no-obligation consultations to discuss your potential claim. For more information please see our repetitive strain injury guide which you can get by clicking the button below.
Industrial Deafness and Hearing Loss Claims
Many workers suffer from noise-induced hearing loss after years of working in noisy environments such as factories, construction sites, or manufacturing plants. Employers are legally required to provide hearing protection and monitor noise exposure levels — but these standards were often ignored in the past.
Symptoms of industrial deafness include:
- Difficulty hearing conversations in background noise
- Ringing or buzzing in the ears (tinnitus)
- Needing to turn up the volume on the TV or radio
A hearing test (audiogram) can usually determine whether your hearing loss is work-related or age-related — sometimes it can be a combination of both.
It’s a common misconception that hearing loss appears immediately after exposure; in reality, it often develops many years later. That’s why even if you left the noisy workplace decades ago, you could still have a valid claim.
However, you only have three years from your “date of knowledge” — the date you first realised your hearing loss may be work-related — to begin a claim.
Case Study
Noise Induced Hearing Loss
Mr S suffered permanent hearing damage whilst working as a commercial tyre fitter. His employers failed to provide him with suitable hearing protection, despite having been aware the noise levels generated by his work equipment exceeded the legal limits at the time.
Aston Knight Solicitors obtained a report from a Consultant ENT Surgeon who confirmed he had in fact suffered work-related hearing loss and then obtained a report from an engineer, which proved the noise levels he endured were above the relevant legal limits.
As the defendants refused to settle, court proceedings were started but subsequently settlement offers were made, resulting in a very positive outcome for the client.
At Aston Knight Solicitors, our industrial deafness solicitors in Bury have extensive experience with these claims and can help you access expert medical testing, identify the liable employers, and secure compensation.
Asbestos-Related Disease Claims
Exposure to asbestos can cause several serious and often fatal conditions, including:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestosis
- Pleural thickening
- Lung cancer
Many people were exposed decades ago in industries such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing. Even brief exposure can lead to illness years later.
Our solicitors have the expertise to trace old employers and insurers, gather medical and occupational evidence, and obtain justice for victims and their families — even if the company responsible no longer exists.
Why Choose Aston Knight Solicitors for Industrial Disease Claims?
- Proven expertise in occupational disease and workplace injury law
- No win, no fee funding available
- Access to leading medical and occupational experts
- Personal, compassionate service from start to finish
- Clear, practical advice with no jargon
Start Your Industrial Disease Claim Today
If you’ve been diagnosed with a condition you believe was caused by your work environment — whether recently or many years ago — contact Aston Knight Solicitors today.
Our experienced team will assess your claim, arrange the necessary medical evidence, and guide you through each stage of the process to secure the compensation you deserve.Call 0161 399 1231 or complete our online enquiry form for a free consultation.
Related Pages
- Workplace Accident Claims
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