Industrial Disease Claims
Fighting for workers’ rights & compensation when illness strikes. Speak to our expert solicitors today.
Why Choose Baker Hardman for Industrial Disease Claims?
At Baker Hardman Solicitors, we understand how life-changing an industrial (or occupational) disease diagnosis can be. If you’ve developed a condition because of your work, we’re here to help you hold the employer or insurer to account, secure the justice you deserve and obtain appropriate compensation.
We specialise in claims for workplace-related illnesses such as lung disease, hearing loss, skin conditions, repetitive strain, vibration injuries, chemical exposures and more. We operate on a transparent funding basis with no win, no fee or equivalent conditional fee arrangements wherever eligible, so you can proceed without upfront cost worries.
Our experienced personal injury and industrial disease team offers clear, supportive guidance throughout, making the process straightforward and compassionate. Contact us today to get started with your claim.
What is an Industrial Disease Claim?
An industrial disease claim arises where you’ve developed a medical condition, illness or disease because of your employment or work-environment, and your employer (or former employer) failed to take reasonable steps to protect you.
Under UK law (for example the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH) and employer’s liability obligations) employers must protect workers from such risks. When they fail, you may have a claim.
Common scenarios include:
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Exposure to asbestos, silica dust or other hazardous fibres causing lung disease (e.g., asbestosis, mesothelioma, silicosis).
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Long-term exposure to loud noise leading to industrial deafness or tinnitus.
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Persistent vibration leading to conditions like Vibration White Finger or Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS).
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Repeated chemical or solvent exposure causing dermatitis, skin cancers or neurological conditions.
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Failure to provide adequate Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), training or safe systems of work.
Who Might Be Eligible to Claim?
You may have grounds to bring an industrial disease claim if:
- You were employed in a role or workplace where you were exposed to harmful substances, repetitive physical strain, vibration, noise or other hazards.
- You developed, or have been diagnosed with, an illness or condition that is reasonably linked to that exposure.
- The condition has had a real impact on your life: pain, reduced quality of life, time off work, medical treatment, lost earnings or need for ongoing care.
- The exposure and discovery of the disease is within applicable limitation time-limits (often three years from when you became aware that the illness was work-related).
- You may still be eligible even if the employment ended years ago – many diseases manifest decades after exposure.
Compensation available can include general damages for pain, suffering and loss of amenity, plus special damages covering financial losses like lost earnings, medical costs, travel expenses and home adaptations. If the condition is permanent, you may claim for future losses affecting you and your family. In fatal cases, dependents may claim for loss of support and funeral expenses.
How We Can Help You
When you choose to work with Baker Hardman you can be assured you’re getting the best legal support you can. We treat every case with the care and attention it needs and do our very best to support you through whichever legal issue you’re facing. When you instruct us, here is what we’ll do:
Free initial review
We talk through your case, review your employment history, exposures, diagnosis and advise whether you have a viable claim.
Evidence Gathering
We assist with obtaining medical reports, specialist expert opinions, details of your employment and exposure, work history, insurer tracing (if the employer no longer exists).
Building the claim
We structure the legal argument: proving that your workplace exposure likely caused, or materially contributed to, your disease; identifying the responsible party; quantifying losses.
Funding & strategy
We explain the funding arrangement (e.g., no win no fee), any risks, timescales and options.
Negotiation or litigation
We engage with insurers/employers and negotiate settlement. If necessary, we prepare for court proceedings. We aim for a straightforward resolution, but are ready for the full process if needed.
Settlement and recovery
Once a settlement is reached (or judgment obtained), you receive your compensation and we ensure the process is handled sensitively and efficiently.
Why Act Now?
It’s important not to delay. Many industrial diseases take time to show up, but the limitation period generally runs from when you knew or should have known your illness was work-related. Wait too long and you may lose your legal right to claim. Employers or insurers may have incomplete records from decades ago, so acting earlier often makes gathering evidence much easier. Early action also means you’re better positioned to accurately capture losses, medical history and future impact.
Why Choose Baker Hardman Solicitors?
We are a trusted firm with experience in workplace injury and illness claims. We take pride in offering a personalised, transparent, and compliant service that puts your rights first.
From initial assessment to pursuing your claim, we will be with you every step of the way. Our team will ensure your case is professionally handled and that you receive the compensation you are legally entitled to.
Our No Win, No Fee Promise
If you feel like somethings gone wrong and you might have a claim, speak to us and we can help you make it right.
Supportive
Every month we help hundreds of people win their cases.
Experienced
With over 32 years of quality service we know how to get what you deserve.
Trusted
We’re trusted by winning clients all over England and Scotland.
Get Started with Baker Hardman Today
If you believe you’ve developed a disease due to your work, don’t wait. The team at Baker Hardman Solicitors is ready to help you understand your rights, assess eligibility and build your claim.
Contact us for a free, no-obligation assessment 01772 419 111.
Let us help you secure the compensation and support you deserve.
What Our Clients Say
Hear from people who’ve worked with our expert solicitors to get the outcome they deserved.
Want to speak to our team?
Fill in our form and a member of our team will get back to you as soon as possible. Alternatively, you can always call us and speak to our team at our Glasgow and Preston branches.
Got A Question About Industrial Disease Claims?
No. You do not need to stop working to bring a claim. We will advise you whether continuing to work is appropriate, considering your health and safety.
We will advise you on any risks and your rights. You have protections under employment and safety laws. Your solicitor can help manage any concerns around the workplace.
Generally we operate on a no win, no fee basis for industrial disease claims, meaning you pay nothing if the claim is not successful. We will explain all funding terms at the outset.
Timescales vary widely depending on the disease, complexity (for example, tracing insurers, gathering evidence, need for expert reports) and whether the case settles or goes to court. Some cases may conclude within months; others may take longer.