Occupational cancer affects the lives of thousands of people in the UK. Slater and Gordon is one of the UK's leading occupational cancer compensation legal firms, with specialist solicitors who could help you on a No Win No Fee basis.
Our team of legal experts have a wealth of experience and expertise across a wide range of industrial disease cases and are considered leaders in the field.
Occupational cancer is the term used to describe any cancer that has been caused by carcinogens in the workplace. Asbestos is one of the prime carcinogens responsible for occupational cancer diagnoses, but there are many others. Naturally, your lifestyle or genetic makeup can affect your chances of developing cancer, but all of these carcinogens are also recognised to cause work-related cancers:
Arsenic
Asbestos
Benzidine
Cadmium
Formaldehyde
Leather Dust
Rubber production
Trichloroethylene
UV Radiation
Vinyl Chloride
Wood Dust
So if a current or previous employer has negligently exposed you to any of these carcinogens - or another that's specific to your industry - we may be able to claim compensation on your behalf.
What are the most common occupational cancers?
It's important to understand that 'cancer' isn't a single disease. It develops when cells in the body grow in an abnormal and uncontrolled manner. One of the reasons that the cause of an occupational cancer can be proven is that certain carcinogens lead to specific cancers. A few examples of these are:
Lung Cancer: commonly caused by exposure to asbestos, but also by carcinogenic chemicals such as cadmium
Bladder Cancer: sometimes caused by exposure to benzidine as well as other aromatic amines used in dyes and pigments
Throat/Laryngeal Cancer: linked with exposure to acid mists
Nasal/sinus Cancer: often associated with exposure to leather and wood dust
Liver Cancer: exposure to vinyl chloride used to make PVC
Skin Cancer: associated with exposure to mineral oils and coal-tar distillation
If you've been diagnosed with cancer and believe it may have been caused by exposure to carcinogens in the workplace, talk to a specialist occupational cancer solicitor today.
How common is occupational cancer?
According to figures from Cancer Research UK, cancer caused by workplace hazards account for 4 in every 100 cases of cancer in the UK, though they do note that many of these cancers would have been caused before more stringent health and safety laws were introduced.
Certain professions are considered to be higher risk, as employees can come into frequently contact with harmful materials. These include:
Construction and manufacturing
Painting
Mining
Agriculture, forestry and fishing
Military
If you believe that you or a loved one has developed cancer due to employer negligence in allowing exposure to carcinogens, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your occupational cancer to assist with medical bills, loss of earnings and other expenses.
The law says that every employer has a duty of care to protect employees from suffering harm in the workplace. Where your employer failed to protect you from exposure to carcinogens, they could be said to have failed in their duty of care.
Read more on the health and safety regulations designed to keep you safe in the workplace and talk to an occupational cancer solicitor to find out if your employer - past or present - failed in their duty of care.
Why choose Slater and Gordon’s occupational cancer solicitors?
Occupational cancer claims are a very specialised area of the law, particularly as it may be necessary to prove a link to carcinogenic exposure that occurred many years ago. Slater and Gordon employ occupational cancer solicitors who understand all the complexities and difficulties of these industrial disease cases.
Just as importantly, we understand the devastating impact that a diagnosis of occupational cancer can have on those diagnosed and their families and strive to be as considerate and supportive as possible throughout the claims process and beyond.
We are an award winning law firm and have a dedicated team of industrial disease solicitors to advise and guide you – no matter how complex your situation may be.
Affordability and advice
We're able to offer affordable expert legal advice and can provide guidance on all aspects of asbestos claims. Our Initial Consultation provides tailored advice on your situation giving you clear guidance and options regarding next steps.
Tailored advice
We understand that every claim is different – so we are able to provide tailored advice and guidance to suit your individual needs.
Local access
We are a national law firm, with legal experts available locally across the UK. Meetings can be arranged via telephone or video call, to suit your requirements.
Speak to one of our industrial disease experts today
Frequently asked questions about occupational cancer claims
How much does it cost to make a claim?
We know that the cost of pursuing legal action can be daunting, which is why most of the occupational cancer claims we take on are done so on a No Win No Fee basis. This means that there are no upfront costs to you, and no fees to pay if your case is unsuccessful.
To learn more about how to start a claim, contact our occupational cancer specialists today on 0330 041 5869 or reach out online.
Is there a time limit for making an industrial cancer claim?
Under UK law, any claim for industrial diseases, including workplace cancer, must be submitted within three years of the date you first became aware of your illness. In some cases, there may be an exception, though it is always best to speak to a specialist solicitor as soon as possible as they will be able to advise on any deadlines that pertain to your case.
How much compensation will I receive for a workplace cancer claim?
Every claim is different, so it can be difficult to predict how much compensation you could be entitled to without first reviewing the details of your case. Generally speaking, the level of compensation awarded will be determined based on the severity of your condition and its impact on your quality of life.
Really helpful and always on the other side of the phone if needed. Quick and easy service. Ashley
Everything is moving along quickly and smoothly. Good professional service I'm glad I chose Slater and Gordon. Kenny Jackson