Industrial Chemicals Exposure Claims

If your life, or the life of a loved one, has been affected by exposure to hazardous industrial chemicals, we can help.

If your injuries were caused by someone else's actions or negligence, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

You can make a compensation claim for exposure to industrial chemicals with the help and support of a specialist solicitor.

In this article

Introduction

A very wide range of hazardous chemicals and other potentially-harmful substances are used in industrial and agricultural processes across the UK.

Extensive legislation exists to protect workers and the public from exposure to harmful chemicals, and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) ensures that companies and government agencies meet their legal obligations regarding the handling and storage of hazardous substances.

HSE data shows that an estimated 13,000 deaths occur each year as the result of work-related ill health, primarily past exposure to harmful substances.

If you have been harmed or become sick after exposure to industrial chemicals, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Do I have an injury claim?

It should be possible to make an injury claim for industrial chemical exposure if:

  • you were diagnosed in the last 3 years and;
  • someone else, such as your employer, was to blame.

Even if these two points don't apply to you, you may still be able to make a claim.

To get impartial advice on whether you have a claim, speak to injury claims expert on 0800 376 1001.

A brief phone consultation will tell you exactly where you stand. There is no obligation to start a claim.

How much compensation can I claim for chemicals exposure?

The amount of money you could claim for your injury will depend on:

  • the seriousness of your injury, and
  • any financial losses or costs you have incurred.

At the start of your claim, your solicitor will consider the many ways your injuries have affected your life. Your solicitor will take these considerations into account to calculate the correct compensation award.

Injury Compensation
Calculator

Get an accurate compensation estimate (including for multiple injuries), confirm your legal position, and check if you have a No Win, No Fee claim.

Updated March 2024 Compensation Calculator v3.04

General damages

General damages are awarded for pain, suffering and loss of amenity (PSLA).

Awards for general damages are set by the Judicial College (judiciary.uk) and published in their guidelines for personal injury awards.

Special damages

Special damages are for financial losses and expenses you have incurred as a result of the accident.

What types of chemical exposure can I claim for?

There is no definitive list of what types of exposure you can and cannot claim compensation for. This section lists some of the more common industrial chemicals that can cause injury.

Arsenic poisoning

Arsenic is a toxic substance used in many industries. The most commonly used arsenic compounds are arsenic trioxide, (a white solid) and arsenic trichloride (an oily liquid). These are used in a variety of manufacturing processes - pesticides and herbicides, fireworks, and coatings for photocopier drums.

Inorganic arsenic is a by-product from refining and smelting of ores such as copper and lead. It has applications in the production of special alloys and in glass and ceramics manufacturing.

Chromated Copper Arsenate (CCA) is used in the industrial preservation of wood.

Arsenic metal is used in electronic components (as gallium arsenide), and non-ferrous metal alloys.

Arsine (arsenic hydride or arsenic trihydride) is a colourless, non-irritating, flammable, toxic gas with a mild garlic-like odour. Formed when arsenic or arsenic-containing compounds react with acid or water, it is used in the semiconductor industry in the production of microchips.

Short-term effects of arsenic exposure may include irritation of the eyes and nose, skin damage and inflammation, and stomach upsets. In more severe instances there may be internal bleeding from the stomach and intestines.

Longer-term effects of arsenic poisoning include damage to peripheral nerves, with numbness and loss of vibration sense in particular; inflammation of the lungs, skin colour changes and prolonged skin inflammation problems, as well as heart and heart rate/rhythm problems.

Repeated exposure to arsenic and arsenic compounds over a period may cause cancer, particularly in the lungs, skin and liver.

Arsenic poisoning symptoms such as excessive sweating, seizures and shock, stomach cramps and vomiting, are all considered indicators of arsenic poisoning. The diagnosis may be confirmed through blood or urine tests.

Arsenic exposure may also occur outside of the workplace, due to a spillage or inadequate safety measures during disposal or incineration of industrial waste and by-products.

Poisoning by arsenic is a prescribed disease in the UK. Anyone affected may be entitled to Industrial Industries Disablement Benefit.

Benzene poisoning

The World Health Organisation has declared that exposure to benzene is 'a major public health concern'.

People are at risk of ingesting benzene in some working environments, and in their own homes. Industrial environments include those involved in the production of petroleum products and coal. Other working environments that can cause people to absorb benzene include factories that produce chemicals such as toluene.

The way that your body reacts to benzene poisoning is dependent on several variable factors. This includes:

  • The duration of exposure
  • The frequency of exposure: was it a single occasion or have you been at risk for some time?
  • Your general health prior to being poisoned, particularly any pre-existing weaknesses

A single incident in which you are exposed to a large amount of benzene can cause you to feel sick and disorientated. You might also find that you are suffering from a headache, and feeling generally exhausted.

If you have been inhaling benzene through the air in your working or home environment for a long period of time, there could be serious consequences for your long term health. The presence of benzene in the bloodstream interferes with blood cells. This can cause a variety of disorders, including anaemia and white blood cell abnormalities.

Breathing air that contains benzene over time will stop the bone marrow from functioning properly. This can result in leukaemia, a form of cancer which is debilitating and life threatening.

If you are in any doubt about potential exposure to benzene, particularly over a sustained period of time, you should visit your doctor as soon as possible. If you were exposed to benzene at work, you are likely to have a claim for compensation.

Carbon Monoxide poisoning

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an odourless gas, and can cause serious health issues if inhaled. If you have been injured or become sick following carbon monoxide exposure, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Read more:

Carbon monoxide poisoning claims

Dioxin poisoning

Dioxin poisoning is a recognised cause of industrial disease and of resulting claims for hazardous substances compensation. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified the most toxic forms of dioxin as carcinogenic.

Industrial sectors at risk of harmful dioxin exposure include:

  • People who work in paper mills
  • Those employed at water treatment plants
  • Employees of chemical manufacturing plants
  • People who work near industrial incinerators
  • Those whose work involves coming into contact with burning coal, oil or wood
  • Miners and people who work or live near mining activity
  • Recycling plant workers
  • Firefighters

Dioxins are a by-product of some industrial processes, such as chlorine bleaching and drinking water treatments.

Dioxin poisoning can occur when harmful levels are swallowed or inhaled. Dioxins can also enter the bloodstream via skin contact, which is particularly relevant if you work in and around these chemicals.

Everyone is exposed to small levels of dioxins over the course of their lives, often with no ill effects. However, if your work or living environment results in prolonged exposure, toxicity can reach dangerous levels.

In the immediate aftermath of being exposed to harmful levels of dioxin, individuals may experience severe pain in the stomach and vomiting, and a general feeling of being unwell.

The most common indicator of dioxin poisoning is a condition known as 'chloracne'. Chloracne results in a break-out of lesions on the face and upper part of the body; and can include a rash, discoloured skin and an excess of body hair.

Dangerous levels of dioxin in the bloodstream can also cause deterioration of the kidneys. In addition, your immune system may be compromised, making you vulnerable to many kinds of illness and infection.

Male fertility can be affected by dioxin poisoning. There have been suggestions that harmful levels of dioxin can be attributed to some cancers, as a cumulative effect of exposure over time.

Read more:

Hazardous substances compensation claims

Kidney injury claims

Hydrocarbon poisoning

Hydrocarbons are produced by vehicles, in the mining industry, during refuse incineration and in the oil refining process. The hydrocarbons cited in harmful exposure claims include:

  • Benzene
  • Toluene
  • Propane
  • Butane
  • Methane
  • Ethylene
  • Acetylene
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons

Exposure to hydrocarbons can result in varied symptoms which can be severe. If you have been made ill following exposure to hydrocarbons, a compensation claim may be possible.

If ingested or inhaled, hydrocarbons can cause lung problems such as pneumonia. They can also affect the central nervous system, the heart, bone marrow and kidneys. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are highly carcinogenic and can result in various types of workplace-related cancer. The symptoms may include:

  • Severe coughing
  • Stomach problems
  • Nausea
  • Drowsiness
  • Poor coordination
  • Seizures

If you have experienced any symptoms as a result of hydrocarbon exposure that result in injury or illness, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

See also:

Workplace-related cancer compensation claims

Lead poisoning

Workplace exposure is a common cause of lead poisoning in adults. Lead poisoning is known to cause a range of symptoms, including memory loss, seizures, organ damage and infertility.

If you have been harmed or become ill as the result of exposure to lead, either at work or elsewhere, you may be able to claim compensation.

Read more:

Lead poisoning compensation claims

MEK poisoning

Methyl Ethyl Ketone (MEK) is a highly flammable liquid which is used as a solvent in the paint, plastics, rubber and textile industries. MEK is also found in some printing inks, paint removers and varnishes.

However, exposure to high levels of MEK may cause a number of allergic reactions such as occupational dermatitis. Exposure usually occurs when MEK is spilled and the fumes are inhaled. MEK may also enter the body through contaminated food and water or through direct contact with the skin.

See also:

Occupational dermatitis claims

Inhaling or ingesting MEK, also known as butanone-2 or methyl acetone, can give rise to symptoms of various severity depending on the extent of the exposure. These include:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Breathing problems
  • Disorientation
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Lack of coordination
  • Dermatitis
  • Irritation of the eye, nose, mouth or throat
  • Lung damage
  • Unconsciousness.

Combining MEK with Methyl Butyl Ketone, n-hexane or other chemicals in the manufacturing process may increase the effect that MEK has on health. Exposure to these chemical combinations may cause irreversible nerve damage - a symptom that is not associated with exposure to MEK alone.

Mercury poisoning

Although low-level exposure to mercury is not considered to be a significant health threat, long-term exposure or exposure to a large amount of mercury can cause serious health problems. Mercury is used in many industries, and members of the public may also be exposed following a spillage or other industrial accident.

If you have suffered organ damage, respiratory problems, nerve damage or an other symptoms as the result of mercury poisoning, you may able to claim mercury poisoning compensation.

Read more:

Mercury poisoning compensation claims

MTBE exposure

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether (MTBE) is a flammable, colourless liquid that is added to petrol to help reduce the amount of carbon monoxide emissions. It is also used medically in the treatment of gallstones. Exposure to small doses of the chemical appears to pose no risk to human health.

At certain concentrations, however, MTBE is believed to have a poisonous effect on the body. Laboratory tests on rats have linked exposure to the chemical to cancerous tumours and leukaemia.

Ingesting, inhaling or handling MTBE can cause various symptoms, including:

  • Skin irritation
  • Eye irritation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Nausea
  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Weakness
  • Breathing difficulties.

The majority of MTBE poisoning cases occur in workers who routinely handle the chemical and who have not been issued with the proper protective equipment. As such, MTBE poisoning claims usually fall within the category of hazardous substances compensation claims against an employer.

MTBE exposure can also occur in other ways. In the worst reported incident in the UK, MTBE was mass ingested by members of the public after a spillage at an air base in East Anglia contaminated local water supplies. Where a spillage is responsible for the MTBE exposure, the company responsible for transporting the fuel will be liable.

PCB exposure

In 1986, polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) use was banned in the UK for risks to health and the environment. Despite the ban, people have since suffered exposure - most notably in the workplace.

If you are affected by a PCB-related health condition, perhaps resulting from exposure at work, you may be able to make an industrial disease claim.

PCBs are a group of man-made chemicals with stable, fire resistant properties. They comprise of 209 different chlorinated compounds. From the 1930s they were widely used as coolants, insulating materials and lubricants in electrical equipment.

Despite no longer being manufactured, PCBs can still be found in products dating before the ban. This includes paints, rubber products and plastics. In addition, they can be emitted from old electrical devices such as: refrigerators; televisions; transformers; switchgear; capacitors; and in starter units of fluorescent lights and fractional horsepower motors.

Because PCBs can leak into the environment, anyone is potentially at risk. However, claims relating to PCBs are typically attributed to exposure in the workplace.

Old equipment in plants, factories and industrial sites may still emit PCBs in the manufacturing process. In addition, workers involved in the removal, repair or disposal of PCB containing equipment or material are also susceptible to contamination.

PCBs usually enter the body through contact with the skin. They can also be ingested through breathing in fumes or through swallowing. Inadequate protective equipment is frequently cited as a cause of PCB exposure, and may be evidence of an employer's negligence.

People who have been exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls and gone on to make claims have been affected by a number of health conditions. These include:

  • Chloracne - which produces pustules, blackheads and cysts
  • Liver damage
  • Encotrine disorders - of the pituitary gland, thyroid gland, adrenal gland
  • Inhibited immune system
  • Nervous system disorders
  • Workplace-related cancer

If a person believes they have been affected, it is recommended they seek legal advice at the earliest opportunity. A solicitor can help arrange a medical examination to confirm diagnosis. A doctor can also assess whether PCB exposure is a likely cause by asking questions relating to employment history.

Pesticide poisoning

Pesticides are substances used to control and kill pests, including plants, insects and animals. Pesticides are manufactured using natural and synthetic chemicals to create herbicides, insecticides, fungicides, rodenticides and molluscicides.

Pesticides are widely used in agriculture as well as in textile manufacture, catering and in domestic gardens. Because pesticides are designed to kill plants, insects and animals, some pesticides can also be a danger to humans if inhaled, ingested or through direct contact with skin. If you have been poisoned by pesticides, you may be able to make a hazardous substances-related compensation claim.

Poisoning from pesticides is usually categorised into three types:

  1. Single, short-term (acute) very high level exposure. Usually from inhaling or ingesting a large quantity of pesticide
  2. Long-term (chronic) high-level exposure. This can happen to pesticide formulators and manufacturers from coming into contact with the substances
  3. Long-term (chronic) low-level exposure. Often resulting from exposure to pesticide residues in food, air, water, soil, plants and animals

The most common effects of pesticide exposure include:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Skin and eye problems

Less common long-term effects can include:

  • Cancers including leukaemia, lymphoma, brain, kidney, breast, prostate, pancreas, liver and skin
  • Neurological effects including Parkinson's disease and dementia
  • Reproductive issues including birth defects, foetal death and altered foetal growth
  • Infertility

Those who work in agriculture, textiles, or the formulation, manufacture or handling of pesticides are at the highest risk of exposure and poisoning from pesticides. Members of the public can also be affected if pesticides are used in close proximity to their home or place of work.

Pesticide spillages or improper drainage can cause water and soil contamination. If food is handled, transported, prepared or treated improperly, pesticides can be ingested.

See also:

Abdominal pain claims

Eye injury claims

Head injury claims

PVC exposure

The Health and Safety Executive states that Polyvinyl Chloride (PVC) contains a number of 'thermal degradation products' that are released when the material is heated.

PVC manufacturing-related chemicals are a common source of work-related illness and, in cases of an employer's negligence, subsequent industrial disease claims.

Many of PVC's thermal degradation chemicals are harmful and include:

  • Benzene
  • Hydrogen Chloride
  • Methylmethacrylate
  • Toluene Styrene
  • Naphthalene
  • Indene
  • Methanol
  • Methyl Chloride
  • Phenanthrene

Neither PVC nor its thermal degradation products were considered dangerous until the 1960s. Since 1974, there have been strict regulations designed to minimise exposure to PVC. High levels of PVC exposure is now thought to cause a range of serious illnesses, including liver cancer.

If you are exposed to vinyl chloride for a short period of time by inhalation, you may experience coughing and find that breathing becomes more difficult. Headaches and a feeling of extreme tiredness can also result from inhaling vinyl chloride. In extreme cases, high levels of short term inhalation can induce a coma.

If PVC is swallowed, or ingested, it can cause a person to vomit and to experience pain in the stomach. If the chemical enters the body via the skin, vinyl chloride can cause skin irritation, burns injuries and dermatitis. Those who ingest harmful levels of PVC are often not immediately aware of any immediate ill-effects, which can make it difficult to establish later how the exposure occurred.

The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has classed vinyl chloride as a known human carcinogen. The EPA has reported that when some workers were exposed to PVC, they developed a condition known as 'vinyl chloride disease'. The disease has similar symptoms to Raynaud's disease: numbness and pain in the fingers; pain in the joints and muscles; and some skin changes. Long term exposure to vinyl chloride is also reported to have had various effects on the nervous system.

If your exposure to PVC was relatively recent, it may be possible to detect its presence in your body. If this is possible, the chemical would be found in your urine or body tissues.

If you have had symptoms that suggest exposure to PVC, and a medical professional considers that your condition was caused by your previous working environment, you may be able to claim injury compensation for the PVC exposure.

See also:

Burn injury claims

Solvent exposure

Solvents known as VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) are used in a wide variety of industries, including engineering, construction, footwear, textiles, rubber, dry cleaning, chemical, woodworking and printing.

If not managed with appropriate procedures, training and protective equipment, some solvents can cause serious and long-term health problems.

If you, as an employee or member of the public, have been harmed by the negligent use or storage of solvents, you may be entitled to make an industrial disease compensation claim.

Potentially harmful solvents include acetone, ethyl acetate, toluene, xylene and white spirit.

Solvents can be inhaled, ingested or swallowed, or absorbed into the skin.

Harmful exposure that may result in a claim frequently occurs as a result of inadequate personal protective equipment (PPE) and other health and safety breaches.

The symptoms experienced as a result of VOCs entering your bloodstream can vary, depending on the level of exposure and the length of time involved. In the short term, inhaling, ingesting or absorbing solvents can make an affected individual feel nauseous and dizzy, and they may experience a headache.

Because the symptoms are similar to being drunk, a affected employee is more likely to make an error in judgement that could cause further harm.

Solvents can also cause irritation of the eyes and skin, such as itching or rashes. In addition, the lungs can be affected by VOC exposure, potentially making breathing more difficult. In the longer-term, sleep problems and psychological issues can also become apparent.

If an individual is exposed to VOCs over a long period of time, they may experience symptoms such as problems with kidney and liver functions. Solvents can also cause damage to the brain and central nervous system, and affect fertility levels. Some solvents are also considered to be carcinogenic.

Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure

TCE is an industrial solvent used in several industries. Although TCE is not likely to be harmful in small doses, long-term exposure or exposure to a large amount of trichloroethylene can cause serious harm.

If you have been affected by TCE poisoning at work, you should be able to claim compensation.

Read more:

Trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure compensation claims

Teflon poisoning

Teflon® is a brand name for the polymer 'Polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE)', which is synonymous with non-stick cookware and other coatings.

Although Teflon® has been established as a generic term for PTFE, the polymer itself is a unique substance. The material does not react with many chemicals and is used in a wide range of domestic and industrial applications - including clothing, pipes and containers for chemicals.

Compensation claims relating to Teflon poisoning are rare, but if you believe that Teflon exposure has made you ill, you may be able to make a compensation claim.

When used normally, products made with PTFE are safe; however heating Teflon-containing products above 250°C causes the polymer to begin to decompose, releasing harmful fumes.

A person inhaling these fumes may experience chills, headaches, and fevers, with chest tightness and a mild cough within a few hours of exposure. Usually the symptoms subside within 24-48 hours, and may be dismissed as being an influenza-like infection.

In more severe cases, the toxic effects may cause permanent lung damage. These are often heat dependent - heated to over 450°C PTFE releases further fumes and ultrafine particles, which may result in acute lung injury.

Although it is possible to be exposed to polymer fumes in the home, polymer fume fever is most commonly recorded through exposure in the workplace.

Employees who work in plastic and chemical manufacturing plants, or those using electronic instrument boards may be at risk.

The risk is increased where smoking is allowed in an area that may be contaminated with polymer particles.

Toluene exposure

Toluene, also known as methylbenzene and phenylmethane, is extensively used as solvent in the engineering, construction, textile, printing, woodworking and dry cleaning industries. The chemical is not necessarily toxic when used or handled correctly. However, exposure to high levels of toluene or over a long period can have an adverse effect on workers' health.

If you have been made ill after being exposed to toluene at work, you may be eligible make a claim for work-related illness or industrial disease compensation claim.

Toluene is eliminated from the body very quickly and adverse health effects are rare. However, accidents do happen and poor safety protocols and inadequate PPE can increase the risk of, and harm caused by, these accidents.

Inhaling, handling or swallowing high concentrations of toluene can give rise to a variety of respiratory and neurological illnesses, including:

  • Breathing difficulties
  • Inflammation of the throat, lungs, nose and mouth
  • Occupational asthma
  • Bronchitis
  • Confusion, hallucinations and delusions
  • Mood swings
  • Chronic fatigue
  • Nausea
  • Kidney, liver and lung damage
  • In severe cases, blindness, deafness, paralysis, coma and death.

Where toluene exposure is suspected, the injury lawyer will arrange a medical examination to establish whether toluene is present in the body and assess the extent of the damage.

The medical report is used to establish a link between the exposure and the claimant's symptoms, and as basis for negotiating the level of damages in the compensation claim.

The majority of toluene exposure cases occur in workers who are exposed to the solvents in the workplace without the proper personal protective equipment such as face masks, heavy gloves and breathing apparatus.

UK employers are expected to monitor toluene exposure and ensure that workers stay below the exposure limit of 50 parts per million averaged over an 8-hour working day.

Appropriate toluene exposure-reduction measures include:

  • Installing a suitable exhaust ventilation system to remove toxic vapours from the work area
  • Providing localised extraction equipment
  • Monitoring air quality and acting upon the results
  • Issuing equipment as defined by the PPE at Work regulations such as gloves, face masks and breathing apparatus to reduce the risk of inhalation and skin contact
  • Providing separate lockers for work and street clothing to prevent cross-contamination
  • Properly labelling solvent containers
  • Taking steps to prevent leakage and discharge of the chemical
  • Training staff on safe handling procedures.

An employer who fails to implement reasonable safety measures may be liable for any toluene-related illness that arises as a result. The Courts are very likely to find an employer negligent if the employer has breached a specific health and safety rule, such as those laid down by COSHH.

Chemical gas inhalation

Breathing in chemical fumes or gas can cause immediate symptoms of sickness, or lead to long-term health issues. Regardless of whether you were exposed recently, or some years ago, if you have recently learned that you were made ill by exposure to a harmful gas or fumes, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Read more:

Chemical gas inhalation compensation claims

Other harmful substances and chemicals

Although some types or injury or illness do have specific government schemes for compensation, such as mesothelioma, the key issue is whether or not the exposure caused you harm.

According to the latest 2024 figures from the HSE, 2,300 annual deaths resulting from mesothelioma.

Even if your illness is rare, or the circumstances of your exposure are unusual, your solicitor will gather the medical and other evidence needed to support your claim, and ensure you receive the full compensation required to fund your recovery and future care needs.

What is the law on harmful chemical exposure?

Employers have a duty to provide a safe working environment for their employees. Whenever harmful chemicals are present, the employer must take action to minimise the effect they might have on a worker's health.

The primary piece of legislation is the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations (COSHH). Under COSHH, an employer must:

  • Ensure that workplaces where hazardous chemicals are used have adequate ventilation and extraction equipment
  • Issue personal protective clothing and equipment such as chemical safety goggles, skin protection and breathing apparatus where appropriate
  • Store chemicals properly to prevent spillages and chemical poisoning
  • Keep the concentration of harmful chemicals in the air below the maximum workplace exposure limit specified by the Health and Safety Executive from time to time
  • Offer health checks to workers who may be at additional risk of chemical exposure or poisoning.

An employer who fails in their duty to protect workers from harmful exposure may be liable for any illnesses that arise as a result. An employer almost always will be negligent if they have breached a specific health and safety rule such as those laid down by COSHH.

How long does an industrial chemicals exposure claim take?

The length of time needed to secure compensation for exposure to harmful chemicals can vary significantly.

If your employer or responsible party accepts liability, a claim can settle in a matter of weeks. If the employer denies liability, a claim can take significantly longer. On average a hazardous substance injury claim takes 6 to 9 months.

No win, no fee injury compensation claims

With no win, no fee, you can claim injury compensation without financial risk. If your claim isn't successful, you pay nothing. If you win, you only pay a pre-agreed percentage of your compensation.

Find out more about how no win, no fee claims work

How we can help you with your injury claim

Your solicitor will fight for the best possible compensation settlement for you, and the highly-experienced panel of solicitors have an excellent track record of winning injury claims.

  • Tick icon FREE consultation
  • Tick icon Find out if you can claim
  • Tick icon No obligation to start a claim

If you have any questions, or would like to start a No Win No Fee injury claim, we are open:

Mon-Fri 8am-9pm, Sat 9am-6pm, Sun 9:30am-5pm

Call us for FREE advice on 0800 376 1001, or arrange a call back from a friendly, legally-trained advisor:

Call me back
Review testimonial image
Quittance testimonial quotation marks

Handled with the utmost professionalism... extremely kind, courteous and empathetic.

The Good Solicitor Guide

Injury FAQ's

Why do most claims never go to court?

Solicitors settle the vast majority of claims out of court.

Less than 2% of personal injury claims go to court. Generally, only very complex cases, or those where liability cannot be resolved, end up in court.

Cases that do ultimately go to court are decided by a judge or magistrate, not a jury.

Even if the claim does go to court, it is very unlikely you will have to attend.

Can I claim for someone else?

Yes. In certain circumstances, it is possible to claim compensation on behalf of another person in the capacity of a 'litigation friend'.

If an injured person is either too young or vulnerable, too injured or otherwise unable to claim on their own behalf, their litigation friend can handle the claim process on behalf of the injured person.

The litigation friend will be responsible for communicating with the solicitors, and for making decisions in respect of the claim.

Read more:

Claiming on behalf of another person.

Can I claim if I feel I was partly responsible for my accident?

Yes. You may still be able to claim compensation even if your actions may have contributed to the accident.

However, if you were partly to blame (known as contributory negligence), your compensation may be reduced and it may be more difficult to prove liability.

Read more:

Claiming compensation if you were partly responsible for an accident.

How long do I have to make an injury claim?

In general, you have a time limit of up to 3 years from the date of the injury to make an injury claim.

The last date you can make a claim is known as the claim limitation date - after which your injury claim becomes 'statute barred'.

Can I claim for an injury after 3 years?

Possibly. The general rule for adults is that a claim must be started within three years.

However, the three-year countdown starts on the day you learned of your injury or illness. This will usually be the date of the accident, but could be the date your doctor gave you a diagnosis.

There other circumstances that can also impact the limitation date. Call us now on 0800 376 1001 to find out if you are still able to claim injury compensation.

In reality, there are a number of factors that can affect whether an injury claim will be taken on by a solicitor.

I need the money now - what are my options?

If you are unable to work and have bills to pay, you may be able to claim an interim compensation payment.

An interim payment is an advance on your compensation payment. Any amount you receive in interim payments would be deducted from your final compensation payment.

Read more:

How can I claim an interim compensation payment?

Read more FAQ's

Chris Salmon, Director

Author:
Chris Salmon, Director