How much compensation you receive after being exposed to chemicals at work will depend on a few factors related to the illness as a result of the type of chemicals, the accident circumstances, and the support and rehabilitation you need.
The amount of compensation you could claim is based on:
- Current and future loss of earnings
- Medical and travel expenses you've had to pay
- Your care and support needs – both now and in the future
- Modifications to your home
- Mobility aids
- Your pain and suffering
For more information, call us on 0800 056 4110 and we'll be happy to discuss your options in a free initial consultation.
Many of our chemical poisoning cases are funded with a No Win No Fee agreement. This means that there’s no financial risk* to you when making a compensation claim.
At the start of your case, we'll discuss funding options with you, advising you which we think is most suitable. If you have legal expenses insurance (LEI) or are covered by a work trade union policy, these may be best for you. Legal expenses insurance is included in many household or car insurance policies, so it’s always worth checking whether you’re already covered.
If we think you're best supported by a No Win No Fee* agreement, we'll explain the process clearly. You'll only have to pay anything if your claim is successful – your opponent will pay most of our fees, with the remaining costs coming out of your compensation settlement.
Please visit our No Win No Fee page for more information on how it works.
Usually you need to make a compensation claim within three years of becoming aware that your illness might be linked to exposure to chemicals at your work.
In fatal cases, the family of the deceased has three years to make a claim, starting from either the date your loved one died, or the date you received the post-mortem results.
If the chemical exposure occurred while working outside of the UK, then the time limit can be shorter. In this instance, it's vital that you contact us as soon as possible.
If you have any concerns or questions about the time limit for claiming compensation, call our team today on 0800 056 4110 for free initial advice and to talk through your options.
Early compensation payments, also known as interim payments, are made in advance of any final settlement. They’re only made in an agreement with your opponent, if they admit that they're responsible for your illness.
Interim payments can be used to replace lost earnings, so you can afford to pay essential bills if your illness has meant you’ve been absent from work, as well as covering the cost of specialist medical care or mobility equipment.
We'll work hard to get an early admission of fault, and also to obtain early compensation payments to relieve any immediate financial pressures you’re feeling.
Yes, even if your employer has gone out of business you could still make a claim. The company will have been insured to deal with claims like this, so it will be the insurer’s responsibility for any compensation payments.
For more information, please visit our page on claiming if your employer has ceased trading.
If you wish to make a claim against your current employer, then any compensation would be paid by their insurer. It has been compulsory to have insurance for many years, so it’s highly likely that they will have this in place. There are also legal safeguards in place to protect you from unfair dismissal.
This basically means that your employer must be able to justify their reason for dismissing you in relation to your claim, which is highly unlikely. If you want to discuss this subject in more detail, our workplace illness solicitors will be able to talk you through your rights and what you can expect.
