Have you fallen ill and believe that someone else's negligence was to blame? Slater and Gordon are leading illness compensation specialists offering a No Win No Fee service to the majority of clients.
An illness compensation claim allows you to make a legal claim for compensation if you’ve fallen ill due to someone else’s negligence, such as when an organisation or business owner who owed you a duty of but failed to take reasonable steps to prevent exposing you to harmful substances.
Where land or a business is open to public use, the landowner or business owner has a duty of care to their visitors. This means that they must take all reasonable steps to ensure protect their health and wellbeing from injury or illness. If they fail in this duty, and you or a loved one has been made ill as a result, you may be entitled to make a claim for illness compensation. Controllers of private premises, such as landlords of private homes, also owe their tenants this duty of care.
Our dedicated team of specialist illness lawyers have supported countless clients in achieving justice and securing the best possible compensation award after being made ill in public. From food poisoning to carbon monoxide poisoning, if you’ve suffered an illness due to someone else’s negligence, we’re here to help.
What are the types of illness compensation claims?
Illness claims can cover a wide range of conditions, from respiratory diseases to skin conditions and infections. Slater and Gordon has extensive experience in illness compensation claims for a wide variety of different illnesses caused by negligence, such as:
Whether your illness was work-related or caused by a hazard in a public or private place, if it was due to someone else's negligence, you can claim illness compensation.
Work-related illnesses often start with minor symptoms, and the full extent of your illness may only be diagnosed after you've retired. However, you can still claim illness compensation from your former employer. You generally have up to three years from the point your illness was diagnosed to start work-related illness claims at court (this is known as the limitation deadline).
Limitation dates in work-related disease claims can be complex to calculate, especially when an illness have developed over a period of time. We recommend contacting one of our experts as soon as possible, if you believe you have suffered a work-related illness.
We have successfully helped clients claim compensation for the following illnesses:
Responsibility for your illness depends on who owed you a duty of care at the time you were exposed to the dangerous conditions. In many illness claims, this will be a business or landowner, or a manufacturer. For instance, if you’ve suffered from food poisoning after eating at a restaurant, it may be the restaurant, or a supplier who is liable. Similarly, if you’ve suffered from carbon monoxide poisoning due to a faulty appliance, the manufacturer will be liable.
When you reach out to our dedicated illness solicitors, we’ll talk through the specifics of your case in detail, including how your illness occurred and who could be liable. We’ll let you know if we think you have a claim and can support you through each step of the process.
To start your illness compensation claim, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to speak to a member of the team, who will discuss the details of your case with you.
We’ll assess your case and, if we think you have a claim, we’ll submit a Letter of Claim to the responsible party. Your solicitor will keep you up to date with your claims progress and will handle all negotiations, ensuring you get the maximum compensation possible.
To support your claim, we’ll help you gather all the relevant evidence, including accessing your medical records (with your permission) and arranging for you to have a medical examination with an independent expert who specialises in providing medical evidence in on the illness you have suffered.
As part of your claim, our expert lawyers will advocate for you to have access to the best quality treatment, rehabilitation and support where needed to maximise the chances of you achieving a full recovery. This includes support from our in-house rehabilitation coordinator and relationship manager
In most cases, negotiations will lead to a successful conclusion of a claim. However, there are occasions when a settlement cannot be reached, and the matter must go to court to be decided on by a judge.
Shahida Shahid was just 18 years old when she was served a buttermilk chicken burger at Almost Famous restaurant in Manchester, despite making her server aware of her allergies to dairy and nuts. Our experts helped her family claim fatal injury compensation after a long wait for an inquest.
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Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service.
Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case.
David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon.
Kenny Jackson
The evidence needed for illness claims depends on the type of illness and the circumstances in which it developed.
Medical evidence is central to all cases. This includes your medical records, specialist reports and documentation showing when symptoms began and how they progressed. A medical expert will be instructed to examine you and provide an independent report for the court, commenting on what was likely to cause your illness, the illness you suffered and your prognosis.
We will also need to collect witness evidence and a record of any financial losses you’ve suffered due to your illness. Witness evidence could include the details of anyone who saw the dangerous circumstances that caused your illness (for example, unsafe or unhygienic working practices or food storage and preparation). Witness evidence from people who developed similar illnesses may also be useful, as well as family, friends and loved ones who have seen the impact of your illness. Financial records could include payslips or receipts for any travel costs or medical treatment you’ve had to have because of your illness.
In cases of occupational illness, employment evidence also plays an important role. This can include your job description, health and safety records, risk assessments, training logs, workplace policies, accident books and any records of exposure to hazardous substances. If the illness relates to toxic exposure, materials safety data sheets and maintenance records may also be relevant.
You don’t need to gather this evidence yourself. Our leading illness solicitors will explain exactly what is needed and guide you step‑by‑step. Get in touch online or call on 0330 041 5869.
How much can I claim for an illness?
Your compensation depends on your illness and the consequences it has on your life. Some illnesses can cause long-term effects such as chronic fatigue, rheumatological conditions, or psychological problems. These are factored into the calculation of your final illness compensation settlement.
‘General damages’ refers to any physical or mental injuries caused by the accident. The amount that you will receive will be determined by the severity of your injury, and by how quickly you are likely to recover from that injury. If you are not expected to make a full recovery, your continuing ongoing difficulties are also considered. Medical expert evidence is used to support this claim.
‘Special damages’ refers to any other expenses or losses that you may incur because of your injuries. For example, it can include the loss of any wages if you have been unable to work, any rehabilitation or other treatments you may need to pay for, any adaptations to your home that may be required, or any travel costs. This part of your compensation will also include any future losses you are likely to suffer, including future loss of earnings and care costs.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s illness solicitors?
Illness claims are a specialised area of the law, so it makes sense to deal with solicitors who have extensive experience and a track record of successful illness compensation claims.
Our specialists have received high rankings from reputable independent legal guides, such as Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500
Many of our personal injury solicitors hold positions within Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), including senior litigator and brain injury specialist.
We’re accredited by The Law Society's Lexcel program, recognising that we adhere to the highest standards of professionalism and ensure our clients benefit from our expertise.
We pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to every case that goes far behind legal support, and we work with every client to secure any future care and rehabilitation they may require.
Most of the claims we pursue are funded by a No Win No Fee agreement, also known as a Conditional Fee agreement. This means that you don’t have to pay anything to start your claim and, if your case is unsuccessful, you won’t owe anything in legal fees, so there’s never any financial risk.
Can I claim illness compensation on behalf of a loved one?
In some cases, a loved one may need support to bring a claim. For example, if the injured person is under 18 or lacks the mental capacity to manage a legal claim themselves, they will require someone (known as a litigation friend) to act on their behalf.
If you have lost a loved one as a result of an illness, claims can be made by those administrating their estate, and those who depended on them financial or for services.
To learn more, or to discuss the circumstances of your case with one of our specialist illness solicitors, call us on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Is there a time limit for illness claims?
Yes, there is a time limit. In most cases, you must start a court claim within three years of the ‘date of knowledge’, which is the point you first knew, or reasonably should have known, that your illness was linked to your exposure to harmful substances. This time limit is set out in the Limitation Act 1980.
For illnesses that develop slowly, people often don’t realise the cause until they receive a diagnosis or until a specialist explains the link to their past environment. This means the clock doesn’t necessarily start when the exposure happened, but rather when you first knew about that connection.
There are exceptions. For example, claims on behalf of someone who has died can follow different rules, and in some cases the court can extend time limits if it is fair to do so. Speaking with an illness solicitor as early as possible is the simplest way to ensure you do not miss the deadline.
How do I know if my illness is caused by work‑related conditions?
Understanding the cause of an illness is not always straightforward, especially when symptoms appear slowly or overlap with other health issues. One key indicator is whether your symptoms began or worsened while you were in a particular job or regularly exposed to certain substances or working practices.
Some clues include breathing difficulties that worsen at work, skin conditions triggered by contact with chemicals, or joint pain brought on by repetitive movement. If colleagues developed similar symptoms, this may also suggest a workplace issue.
Medical experts play a vital role in determining whether there is a likely connection. Your illness lawyer will arrange for an independent medical assessment where appropriate. This assessment will help identify whether your illness is linked to your working environment and whether illness compensation may be available.
Even if you are unsure, speaking with an illness solicitor is an important first step. They will review your history, your symptoms and the available evidence to help you understand if a claim is possible. Call our team today on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online to learn more.
Will I have to go to court?
Most people are relieved to learn that the majority of illness claims settle without the need for a court hearing. Negotiations take place between your legal team and the responsible party or their insurer. If they accept responsibility and agree on the level of illness compensation, the claim is resolved without you needing to attend court.
In a small number of cases where the other side disputes liability or the value of the claim, court proceedings may be necessary. Even then, many claims settle before the final hearing.
If your case does reach court, your dedicated illness solicitor will guide you through every stage, explain what to expect and support you throughout. Our role is to make the process as comfortable and straightforward as possible, ensuring your voice is heard and your rights are protected.
Can I make a No Win No Fee illness compensation claim?
Yes, you can. Most of the illness claims we pursue are funded by No Win No Fee agreements, also known as Conditional Fee agreements. This means you won’t need to pay anything to start a claim, and you won’t face any financial risk if the claim is unsuccessful.
You can learn more about making a No Win No Fee claim here. Alternatively, speak to a member of our team on 0330 041 5869 or get in touch online.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Excellent communication, in constant contact with the latest info regarding your case. David
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson