Lead poisoning
compensation claims

If lead poisoning has set you back, we'll help you move forward

Lead poisoning from exposure to lead in the environment or workplace can have long-term health impacts. Compensation can support detoxification treatments, ongoing health monitoring, and address any cognitive or physical injury.

If your life, or the life of a loved one, has been affected by lead poisoning, we can help. You can make a hazardous substances compensation claim with the help and support of a specialist solicitor.

You are not alone

Occupational exposure is one of the most widespread causes of lead poisoning in adults. According to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) there were 4,534 workers under medical surveillance for work with lead in 2019/20.

The Courts recognise that the severity of symptoms vary with exposure. Lead poisoning is known to cause headache, memory loss, abdominal pain, anaemia, irritability, infertility, kidney failure and seizures and any of these symptoms can form the basis of a claim.

If a person suffers lead poisoning due to exposure to hazardous substances caused by a third party, they could be entitled to make a claim for compensation.

See also:

Hazardous substances claims

If you decide to make a lead poisoning claim, your work injury solicitor will take you through every step of the claims process. Your solicitor will be with you until you win your claim and get the compensation you deserve.

Identifying lead poisoning for the purposes of a claim

Lead poisoning can be difficult to diagnose. Some of the symptoms are non-specific and can relate to a number of other illnesses. During the medical examination arranged by your solicitor, an independent medical expert will:

• Discuss medical and work history, including the work environment and role
• Ascertain any symptoms or changes in behaviour
• Explore possible routes of exposure
• Initiate testing of the blood lead level (symptoms can occur at levels above 40 µg/dL, but are more likely to occur above 50-60 µg/dL)

Where lead poisoning is diagnosed, swift action should be taken to identify the source and prevent further exposure. If blood levels are high, chelation therapy may be needed to excrete the lead. Treatment may also be needed for calcium, iron and zinc deficiencies.

A claim can include any costs incurred during treatment, including prescriptions for calcium and other deficiencies.

What are the legal requirements of employers regarding lead?

Employers have a legal duty of care to protect employees from harm - a duty provided for in a wide range of regulations, including:

• The Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974
• The Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations 1999

This includes ensuring they carry out comprehensive risk assessments of the work environment and implement sufficient health and safety measures to control them.

In relation to lead, employers are guided specifically by:

• The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002 (COSHH)

This requires employers to control substances that are hazardous to health. In the case of lead, this includes identifying its presence in the work environment and putting measures in place to control exposure. Measures could include:

• Fitting adequate ventilation
• Providing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), such as goggles, respiratory protection and gloves
• Conducting routine blood level testing for workers
• Providing effective lead removal products

If an employer failed to follow the guidance in any respect, such as providing inadequate PPE, the employer could be held liable for injuries that result from this negligence.

Read more:

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) injury claims

Am I eligible for lead poisoning compensation?

You should be entitled to lead poisoning compensation if your injury resulted from the negligence or actions of another person or organisation, or from an accident that was not your fault.

Use our injury claim calculator to find out if you can claim. Or you can call 0800 376 1001 to speak to a specialist advisor. Find out in minutes if you have a claim.

How long do I have to make a lead poisoning claim?

In most cases, you have up to 3 years from the date of your accident or injury to start a claim.

If you were injured due to someone else's negligence but didn't realise it at the time, you may have longer to make a claim. Typically, you have three years from the date you either received a diagnosis or became aware of the negligence (known as the 'date of knowledge') to start your claim.

How much compensation can I claim for a lead poisoning?

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.

General damages

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

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

How is compensation calculated if I have multiple injuries?

Special damages

Special damages is compensation for quantifiable financial losses you've incurred as a result of your lead poisoning Compensation can include loss of income, including future loss of income, and any additional expenses directly related to your injury.

These damages will also cover any medical or treatment bills, such as chelation therapy, regular blood tests and psychological support.

Read more:

A complete list of recoverable losses in a personal injury claim

Employers' liability claims claims

Work-related illness claims are also known as employers' liability claims. Click on the icons below for more information:

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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.

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Author:
Gaynor Haliday, Legal researcher

About the author

Gaynor Haliday is an experienced legal researcher and published author. She has had numerous articles published in the press and is a legal industry commentator.