Work Related Claims 

Industrial Disease Claims  

Expertise And Understanding From Irwin Mitchell

Employers have a responsibility to protect the health and safety of their employees. When this protection is inadequate, the results can be serious, including a wide variety of industrial illnesses.

At Irwin Mitchell we fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for your workplace illness claim. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family due to an industrial disease and we know what positive action to take to make a difference. 

Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise, combined with dedication and sensitivity.

Above all, we put you first.

Handling Industrial Disease Claims With Expertise And Sensitivity

While respiratory disease in miners is well publicised, there are many, many more types of work-related illness that are equally as debilitating.

From asbestosis to vibration white finger, occupational asthma to industrial deafness , if you’re suffering from an illness that is related to your working conditions, contact Irwin Mitchell about a possible industrial illness claim.

Irwin Mitchell has represented over 200,000 people with workplace disease claims.

If we can prove there’s a link between your work environment and your medical condition, and that your employer failed to protect you, our specialist solicitors will pursue a workplace illness claim on your behalf.

We’ll also guide through the process while we gather evidence and compile a detailed work and medical history in support of your case.

Under English law, in most cases you must make an industrial disease claim within three years from the date that you first realise or suspect that your illness is a result of your employment, or three years from the onset of your symptoms.

This doesn’t mean that an illness triggered several years ago cannot be claimed for now. In the late 1990s, we handled a series of claims against British Coal resulting in 40,000 former miners receiving £500 million for their vibration white finger, whilst to date over 100,000 men received approximately £1.5 billion having suffered chronic bronchitis and emphysema caused by their time down Britain’s pits. Similarly, workers for BMW claiming for industrial deafness caused on the production line in the 1960s and 1970s, recently received £8 million in compensation, some 25 years after their employment.

Finally, and importantly, we’ll ensure that your care and rehabilitation needs are fully met, with interim payments in the meantime wherever possible.

Proven Expertise In Industrial Disease Claims

We act on behalf of several trade unions and their members as well as individuals who are not in a trade union. As leading, well experienced practitioners in this field we’re able to quickly identify evidence and precedents to bolster and support your claim.

Irwin Mitchell is also one of the largest and most experienced personal injury law firms in the country.

Our team includes many of the country’s finest personal injury lawyers. They operate in highly specialised teams, offering the highest level of legal expertise in industrial disease claims.

Irwin Mitchell’s Commitment To Making A Difference

Irwin Mitchell’s first commitment is to you, and to achieving the best outcome for your work related illness claim.

We also have a long history of campaigning with leading organisations in numerous personal injury fields. Together with those organisations we seek improvements in health and safety, prevent accident and injury where possible, and improve the quality of life and levels of compensation for those who have suffered injury.

We have also pursued many leading legal cases in order to improve the prospects of success of claims for various forms of personal injury, and to obtain fairer compensation.



71 Year Old Former Council Worker Receives Vibration White Finger Compensation

A man has received compensation after he was diagnosed with vibration white finger.

Mr Thompson of Nottingham worked for Nottingham City Council from 1979 to 1992 as a Sewer Worker.

He was exposed to vibration from operating Jigger Picks and Whacker Plates. These tools were used to break up the tarmac and gain access to the sewer pipes.

Mr Thompson noticed tingling and numbness in his fingers and a Court Appointed Expert diagnosed Vibration White Finger.

Alison Gregory of Irwin Mitchell’s specialist Work Illness Team, who handled the claim, said, "I am pleased that Mr Thompson has received compensation for his vibration white finger.

"Mr Thompson was not warned of the dangers or risk of injury from operating vibratory tools nor was his exposure reduced. His employers should have been aware of the risk of injury and because of their failings he now has an irreversible condition."

We have lawyers with the expertise and experience needed to help you with your claim. Choose from the list below to learn more about our experts in this area.

Name Location Job Title Telephone
Ian Bailey Leeds Partner 0870 1500 100
Jonathan Betts Manchester Partner 0161 838 3055
Colin Ettinger London Partner 0207 421 3889
Roger Maddocks Newcastle Partner 0191 279 0095
Andrew Tucker Sheffield Partner 0870 1500 100
Mark Allen Sheffield Associate Director 0870 1500 100
Sarah Brumpton Leeds Associate 0113 394 6777
David Bell Glasgow Solicitor 0870 1500 100

Guidance With Strength And Sensitivity

We understand that contacting a lawyer might seem like a big step - especially if you have not done so before and we have therefore made it easy for you to contact us for free initial advice about your claim.

At Irwin Mitchell we understand the real impact of personal injury. Our team of specialists have the skills and experience to give you clear advice about the chances of pursuing a successful claim and to guide you through the claims process. You can then decide if you want us to pursue your claim on your behalf.

We are renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

At Irwin Mitchell we will fight fearlessly to give you the greatest chance of winning your case, with the best possible outcome, and we will support you every step of the way.

Awards and accreditations

Investors In People    Endless LLP St Nick Awards Winner 2009Personal Injury Pro Claim Award Winner Action Against Medical Accidents - Clinical Negligence SpecialistsYorkshire Lawyer Awards Winner 2009Diversity ChampionRehabilitation First Awards 2010 The Law Society Personal Injury Accreditation The Law Society Clinical Negligence Accreditation ISO 9001:2008 AccreditationISO SGS 27001 AccreditationSGS ISO 14001 with UKASHeadway Personal Injury SolicitorA conformance icon, W3C-WAI Web Content Accessibility Guidelines 1.0