NEGLIGENT EMPLOYERS PAY COMPENSATION FOR WORK RELATED ACCIDENT AND DISEASE CLAIMS

July 15th, 2009 Hinchliffes

To pursue an accident compensation claim following an accident at work you must prove that your injuries were caused by the negligence of another party. This will usually be your employer, but might include workers from other companies. Employers have a duty to ensure the safety of all the people on their premises, whether they employ them or not, and if they fail to do so then personal injury compensation could be awarded for successful accident claims.

Work accident claims are often made for injuries suffered because the work equipment provided by an employer was faulty, poorly maintained, defective or even dangerous.

Other accident at work claims can also arise due to slipping incidents caused by spillages, slippery surfaces or wearing footwear that is unsuitable for the job, and also due to tripping over items lying on the floor that cause a hazard. The workplace can be a dangerous place and a large number of these accident compensation claims result from issues involving the state of the floor.

Another major cause of accident at work claims is falling, when for example serious injuries are suffered as a consequence of falling from heights, or down uncovered holes, or when hit by falling objects.

The lack of adequate protective equipment, such as safety footwear, gloves, hard hats, face masks and safety goggles can also result in injuries that lead to successful accident claims.

But what about harm suffered when there has been no actual accident? It is not unusual for workers to develop an illness or disease after coming into contact with harmful substances during their employment. If this arises, the employer who negligently exposed the worker to such substances may have to pay injury compensation in a similar way to a successful work accident claim.

Where a worker’s job will bring them into contact with dangerous substances, their employer should investigate whether it is possible to replace the substances with something less harmful. If this cannot be done and contact with the substances is unavoidable, the employer should provide protective clothing and equipment, to minimise the risks.

Most people are aware of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos, which is made up of millions of fibres, substantial quantities having been inhaled into the lungs. Asbestos related diseases can take up to 40 years to develop and there are various different diseases that may result, including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. The main symptoms of these diseases include shortness of breath, chest pain, unexplained coughing and a feeling of tightness across the chest. As soon as any symptoms develop it is advisable to seek immediate medical advice, but unfortunately at present there is no cure.

There are many other work related illnesses and diseases most of which are treatable. One of these is asthma, which can be caused by exposure to various types of dust, gasses and chemicals. It is also common for bakery workers to develop this condition following the inhalation of flour. The condition may develop weeks or months after the initial exposure, and causes breathing difficulties as a result of the narrowing of airways. Sufferers may need to take medication for the rest of their lives, but the condition is not usually fatal.

Whatever the basis of the accident compensation claim, it is always prudent to take advice from experienced accident claims solicitors, who can usually offer a free, no win no fee service.

Author: Steven Hinchliffe, Principal of Hinchliffes Solicitors

14^th July 2009

ENDS

PERSONAL INJURY CLAIM SOLICITORS:-

If you have suffered any form of accident or contracted an industrial disease contact personal injury specialists Hinchliffes Solicitors for immediate legal advice, to find out if you are entitled to make claims for injury compensation. All cases are conducted on a No Win – No Fee basis, where the Client keeps 100% of the compensation recovered.

Call now on 0800 138 1348 to speak direct to a personal injury lawyer or go to our Start Your Claim Now page to submit details of your personal injury claim online.