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Asbestos and Industrial Work-Related Diseases
Asbestos related compensation claims are a worrying time for the claimant and the families. As asbestos exposure is often related to cancer and the associated risks. Not all exposure to asbestos will result in terminal illness however so there is some hope.
Often from exposure to asbestos to symptoms can be up to 40 years delay, known as the laten period.
Pleural plaques, asbestosis and pleural thickening
These conditions are cumulative, they get worse the more exposure to the asbestos dust. It is important for the solicitor to determine the extent of the exposure to asbestos at work by taking a detailed satement from the claimant and any work mates.
Mesothelioma Compensation After Death.
This is a specific asbestos related cause. A type of lung cancer that is not brought on by smoking. it can be caused from one single exposure to the asbestos dust or over time. Once contracted more exposure to the dust does not make the condition any worse. Once a diagnosis is made, sadly there is no cure. The claimant and family must take specialist medical and legal advice.
Other Occupational Work Diseases
Occupational deafness, Industrial deafness or Noise Induced Hearing Loss as it is sometimes referred to, is a deterioration of a person’s hearing over a prolonged period of time as a result of their working environment.
Exposure to noise at work can cause irreversible hearing damage. It is one of the commonest health problems and can be difficult to detect as the effects build up gradually over time.
Excessive noise exposure over a prolonged period of time can cause the following symptoms and difficulties:
- Hearing Loss
- Hearing Difficulties when there is background noise
- Difficulty conversing/communicating
- Problems when using the telephone
- Difficulty hearing the door bell
- Ringing, whistling or buzzing in the ears (a medical condition known as Tinnitus)
Thousands of workers are exposed to excessive noise at work that can give rise to hearing loss (Noise Induced Deafness). Many workers do not claim until later on in life, as the disability is insidious. The effects of the noise exposure gradually creep up on a person. It is often only when age related hearing loss coupled with the additional noise induced loss becomes apparent that a person may notice a significant problem with their hearing.
Depending on when you worked in excessive levels of noise the core regualtions governing noise exposure are The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 and the The Noise at Work Regulations 1989 and The Factories Act 1969.
Employers have a responsibility to protect all aspects of their employee’s health and safety and that includes their hearing. In recent years there has been a notable increase in the number of employees suffering from hearing problems such as acoustic shock or tinnitus.
Noise-induced hearing loss is a problem that threatens over a million people in the UK. Around 170,000 people are believed to have already developed hearing loss as a result of their work but ther emay be many more that do not realise their hearing has been damaged or have yet to be diagnosed.
It you’ve been exposed to excessive levels of noise in your employment which may have damaged your hearing, you may be entitled to make a hearing loss claim… Contact Us Now!
Further Reading
Hearing Loss Compensation Claims
Further Reading on Asbestos & Mesothelioma Compensation Claims
Complete Guide to Claiming Compensation for Mesothelioma After Death
Mesothelioma Compensation After Death
Mesothelioma Compensation After Death.
20 Questions About Mesothelioma Compensation For Families
Mesothelioma on Wikipedia
What is Asbestos and Do I Have a Claim?
