If you can prove fault on the part of your employer and you can prove that your illness is related to your work, you can claim compensation in Scotland.

Thousands of Scottish people suffer from work-related illness and may not even be aware of it.

While some work-related illnesses appear immediately, some take many years to surface often after the victim has retired or is unable to work.

Work-related illnesses produce seriously disabling or debilitating conditions which can affect your ability to continue a normal life.

If you or a member of your family is suffering from a work related illness contact Redress today.

Work-related illnesses can emerge as a result of a particular working environment (eg fumes, dust), substances (eg oils, chemicals) or a particular working practice (eg excessive periods working on a keyboard or VDU).

Types of work related illnesses

They can be summarised into various categories:

• Respiratory Diseases such as chronic bronchitis, emphysema, pneumoconiosis, asbestosis, asthma.
  
  
• Cancers can be caused by substances used at work, eg lung cancer, bladder cancer, scrotal cancer, skin cancer.
  
  
• Skin Diseases eg dermatitis, ulcers.
  
  
• Repetitive Strain Injuries eg trigger thumb, tenosynovitis, tennis elbow.
  
  
• Vibration Induced Injuries eg vibration white finger.

The law specifies about 70 different diseases that are risks in particular jobs. For one of these diseases to apply, you must have contracted it through your job.

It can be difficult for Scottish workers to bring a claim for work related illness compensation.

That’s why you need the expertise of Redress our skilled work related illness lawyers who have helped thousands of victims claim compensation they deserve in Scotland.

There are strict time limits on submitting claims against your employer for these diseases, with a few stringent exceptions. It is important to contact Redress as soon as possible.

Work related illness claims advice Tips

provided by Wendy Durie, Partner accredited personal injury specialist with extensive experience in skin diseases, repetitive strain injuries, vibration injuries, and by Frank Maguire, Partner and Solicitor and Senior Solicitor Advocate with extensive experience of respiratory injury.

1. Collect detailed information on your full work history, including any substances which you may have been exposed to during that time.
   
   
2. Consult your doctor first, but be aware that many GPs have a limited knowledge of work related illnesses. Do not accept a doctor’s diagnosis against work-related illness as the last word if you are still in any doubt.
   
   
3. Request to be referred to a specialist with experience in occupational health who is better equipped to assess your condition.
   
   
4. Gather information and look for evidence of other employees who have suffered from a similar illness and information relating to chemical substances used at work and the hazards associated with them.
   
   
5. You should also approach the Department for Work and Pensions and claim the relevant benefits available for recognised industrial diseases. In particular, irrespective of whether you are working or not, you may be entitled to Industrial Disablement Benefit for certain prescribed diseases. Your entitlement to these benefits will be an indication that your illness is work related.
   
   
6. Court proceedings must be commenced within 3 years of the date on which you first knew that you had a condition caused by your work otherwise any rights to damages you may have had will automatically be extinguished. The time limit for children and those with mental incapacity may vary. If it is a fatal case and had not been timebarred by the deceased then it will be 3 years from the date of death.
   
   
7. Contact Redress as soon as possible.

Remember, even if you’re not sure, Redress can still advise you free of charge at this stage and are here to help you with any questions you may have...