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Personal Injury Claims

Occupational Cancers Claims

Helping to guide you through

There are several cancers that can be caused in the workplace, usually due to exposure to organic chemicals, oils, or solvents, many used or formerly used in the old heavy industries in the North East.

If you or a loved one suspect that you have contracted cancer through your occupation, particularly lung, skin, bladder, nasal or oesophageal cancer then Browell Smith and Co Solicitors may be able to assist you. Our specialist lawyers have assisted many clients through the legal process.

The causes of occupational cancers can be wide-ranging but are often caused by exposure to certain carcinogenic agents, like asbestos or silica dust; radiation and industrial processes involving oils, solvents, or other organic or inorganic chemicals

At Browell Smith & Co, we pride ourselves on working closely with our clients, helping, and guiding them through what is a difficult process.

Contact our expert team today to arrange a free initial consultation at any of our offices, in Newcastle, Cramlington, Ashington, and Sunderland, or alternatively at your home, to discuss your particular requirements.

 

What is Occupational Cancer? 

The term occupational cancer is used to describe any cancer caused by carcinogens in the workplace. 

Common Carcinogens:

  • Asbestos 
  • Arsenic 
  • Benzene
  •  Beryllium 
  • Vinyl chloride  

If you think you have been wrongly exposed to any of these carcinogens by your employer we may be able to make a compensation claim on your behalf. 

Dawn Bagley

Solicitor - Director of Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Kathryn Shingles

Senior Associate Solicitor - Personal Injury

Hayley Watson

Legal Clerk - Personal Injury

John Muxworthy

Costs Director and Solicitor

Kirsty Dockerty

Legal Clerk - Personal Injury & Medical Negligence

Lauren Gray

Solicitor - Personal Injury

Occupational Cancer Compensation Claims – The Time Limits

As with all claims for personal injury compensation, there are time limits within which a claim must be lodged with the Court.

For accident claims, court proceedings must be started within three years from the date of your accident, but for occupational disease cases, Court proceedings must be started within three years from the date when you first had reasonable grounds to believe that you may be suffering from a condition which has been caused by a third party.

This may be your employer, or it could be another organisation with whom you worked, as a contractor, or who operated in premises close by.

In the event that court proceedings are not started within three years from the relevant date, the negligent party may be able to escape paying compensation on the basis that your claim is out of time.

The law surrounding the time limits for industrial disease compensation is extremely complex and issues will differ from case to case, particularly when seeking compensation on behalf of a former family member. It is not always necessary to have a firm diagnosis from a medical practitioner for the time limit to commence. In these circumstances you must seek legal advice from a specialist as soon as possible, delay will damage your claim.

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