The challenges

At Watmores our lawyers have wide and varied experience of defending claims for all types of industrial disease and occupational health related matters, including mesothelioma, asbestosis, hearing loss claims, allergies and workplace stress.

Disease litigation is an area which has developed substantially in recent years, branching out from the more traditional claims relating to heavy industry, to the workplace in general.  Lawyers nowadays need to be acquainted not only with hand/arm vibration syndrome, mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, dermatitis, occupational asthma and work-related cancer, but also with  the challenges raised by claims for occupational stress related injuries, bullying and harassment and work related upper limb disorders.

We have specialists in all areas of disease so that we are able to address the particular challenges raised by each type of claim. While we know and understand the duties of employers to their staff, we consider it imperative to appreciate the responsibility of employees for their own health and safety.

Not all claims are the same

Disease claims may have huge ramifications to a workplace and we will always consider these before settlement. A successful claim may open the floodgates and a hawkish approach may therefore be required. Particularly in the case of stress or bullying claims, the impact of an investigation on existing staff can be enormous in terms of personal relationships at work; very few individuals wish to be involved in giving evidence against colleagues and so any claim will need to be handled with sensitivity.

When considering quantum of these claims we take a flexible approach. Such claims may welcome early rehabilitation and a wide range of remedies will be considered.

Contact: Jon Grunewald or Ron Mullins