If you’ve been diagnosed with an industrial disease or illness in Northern Ireland, it could be linked to your current or former workplace. Our local solicitors can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
Industrial Disease in Northern Ireland
Industrial diseases develop when someone is exposed to harmful conditions or substances at work, often over many years. In Northern Ireland, our community is built on industrial work, so these illnesses are sadly all too common.
But that shouldn’t be the case. If employers fail in their duty and you become ill, you have the right to claim compensation.
Types of Industrial Disease and Illnesses
Industrial diseases are common in jobs like shipbuilding, construction, engineering, and factory work. Many of these illnesses take years to develop, which means retired workers are often left dealing with serious health problems.
Here are some of the most common types of illnesses our team has helped clients claim for:
- Hearing Loss
Caused by long periods of loud noise without proper protection. - Silicosis
Caused by breathing in fine dust, often from stone cutting, quarrying, and construction. - Vibration White Finger, HAVS, Carpal Tunnel
Linked to long-term use of vibrating tools and machinery. - Occupational Cancer
Linked to exposure to harmful chemicals or asbestos at work. - Asbestos Illnesses
Conditions like asbestosis and mesothelioma caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. - Occupational Dermatitis
Skin problems caused by contact with chemicals or irritants. - COPD and Emphysema
Linked to dust, fumes, and chemicals in workplaces. - Occupational Asthma and other respiratory illness
Triggered by chemicals, dust, or fumes. - Chemical Poisoning
Caused by working with or around dangerous substances without proper safety measures.
Who Can Make an Industrial Disease Claim?
Industrial disease claims can be made by anyone who has developed an illness linked to their work. This includes current and former employees, as well as self-employed workers. It also includes family members of someone who has died from an industrial disease – this would be classed as a wrongful death claim.
In Northern Ireland, claims usually need to start within three years of finding out about the disease and its link to work.
To help build a claim, it’s useful to have:
- Medical records showing the diagnosis
- Details of past jobs and possible exposure
- Evidence of symptoms and how daily life is affected
- Proof of employer failures in health and safety, if available
Our solicitors can help check if a claim is possible, free of charge.
How Much Industrial Disease Compensation Could You Claim?
Industrial disease compensation is usually awarded under general damages and special damages. General damages are for the pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Special damages take into account lost income and medical costs.
Every case is different, but here are some example ranges based on guidelines and settlements in Northern Ireland:
- Mild respiratory conditions that resolve within a few months: up to £12,500
- Occupational asthma impairing function and quality of life: £45,000 to £140,000
- Mild to moderate asbestos-related diseases: £4,500 to £125,000
- Lung cancer/mesothelioma with inevitable death in a few years: £125,000 to £250,000
- Severe occupational dermatitis: up to £100,000
- Mild hearing loss or tinnitus: up to £20,000
- Moderate to severe vibration white finger: £15,000 to £42,500
Please note, these are general figures only. We’ll give you a more accurate estimate once we’ve reviewed your case.
How Our Solicitors Help You Claim
We’ve helped people across Northern Ireland, including areas like Belfast, Antrim, and Carrickfergus, who have developed industrial diseases linked to their work.
Just like them, your claim will start with a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options clearly.
If you decide to go ahead, we’ll:
- Gather medical records and occupational history to show how your illness developed
- Find evidence of exposure to harmful substances or conditions
- Deal directly with insurers or compensation schemes on your behalf
- Arrange medical assessments if needed to support your case
- Keep you informed throughout, with clear updates at every stage
- Work to reach a fair settlement without unnecessary delays
Garret McCann – Specialist Industrial Disease Solicitor
- Garret qualified as a Solicitor in 2010 after graduating from Queens University Belfast in Law.
- Garret also has gained significant experience in the area of Personal Injury Law and has secured millions in damages for clients.
- For expert legal advice call Garret on 028 9446 1509
FAQs
Is there a time limit for making an Industrial Disease Claim?
Yes. In Northern Ireland, the usual time limit is three years from when you first knew your illness was linked to your work.
However, there can be exceptions. Sometimes a court may allow a claim outside this time if there’s a good reason for the delay, such as if you were too unwell or didn’t know your illness was work-related. We can advise you about your specific situation and help check if your claim is still in time.
What is the Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB)?
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) is a government payment for people who become ill or disabled because of their work. It’s separate from a compensation claim through a solicitor. Depending on your condition and how severe it is, you might be able to claim both IIDB and compensation. We can advise you on how these might work together.
Can I claim on behalf of a deceased family member?
Yes. A spouse, child, or another representative of the estate can claim compensation if someone has died from an industrial disease. There are time limits for these claims, so it’s important to get our advice as soon as possible.
Can I claim it if the employer is no longer in business?
Yes. Even if your former employer has shut down, it may still be possible to claim. Many claims are made against the company’s insurers rather than the business itself. We can help trace old employers and find insurance details to support your claim.
Contact Our Industrial Disease Solicitors Today
If you’re suffering from an industrial disease or illness in Northern Ireland, contact us for free to check if you’re owed compensation.
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