Occupational chest-related and industrial diseases

Employers have a legal duty to protect your health and safety at work, including protecting you from exposure to harmful substances that can cause occupational chest and industrial diseases. If your employer failed to take reasonable steps to prevent such exposure and you have suffered illness as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

At Warner Goodman LLP, our Industrial Disease specialists are here to provide clear advice and supportive guidance if you have developed a chest or respiratory condition due to your work.

Call us on: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk

See what your claim may be worth with our compensation calculator.

Have you developed a Chest or Respiratory Condition due to Your Work?

An occupational chest or industrial disease claim allows you to seek compensation if you have developed an illness as a result of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. These conditions are often linked to long-term or repeated exposure to dust, fumes, chemicals, or airborne particles. In many cases, symptoms may not appear until years after the exposure has occurred.

Occupations commonly associated with respiratory diseases include construction, manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding, mining, baking, agriculture, and chemical or pharmaceutical work. However, any job involving exposure to harmful substances may carry risk.

Common conditions include:

Occupational asthma
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
Silicosis
Pneumoconiosis
Extrinsic allergic alveolitis
Asbestos-related lung disease
Industrial bronchitis and emphysema

Employers have a legal duty to reduce or prevent exposure wherever possible by carrying out proper risk assessments, ensuring adequate ventilation, and providing suitable personal protective equipment (PPE) such as masks or respirators. If your employer failed to take these steps and you have developed an illness as a result, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

A successful claim can help cover the cost of medical treatment, loss of earnings, rehabilitation, and the wider impact your condition has had on your life.

How We Can Help

If you have been diagnosed with an occupational chest or industrial disease, our specialist solicitors can support you throughout the claims process. We can help you by:

Advising whether you have a valid industrial disease claim

Investigating your work history and exposure to hazardous substances

Identifying potentially negligent employers

Gathering medical evidence and specialist expert reports

Working with respiratory consultants to assess your condition

Calculating the full value of your claim, including future care needs

Pursuing compensation against insurers or relevant compensation schemes

Representing you throughout the legal process

We understand that industrial disease claims can be complex, particularly where exposure has occurred over many years or with multiple employers. Our team will guide you through every step.

Frequently Asked Questions

What symptoms should I look out for?

Common symptoms include breathlessness, a persistent cough, chest pain, wheezing, fatigue, and reduced exercise tolerance.

What causes occupational chest and respiratory diseases?

They are typically caused by repeated or prolonged exposure to harmful substances in the workplace, including dust, silica and asbestos fibres, chemical and welding fumes, industrial gases, and particles from textile or manufacturing processes.

Do I need a diagnosis before making a claim?

A confirmed diagnosis is helpful, but we can advise you even if you are still undergoing medical investigations.

What if my symptoms developed years after exposure?

You may still be able to claim. Many respiratory conditions take years to develop, and you can still bring a claim even if the exposure happened a long time ago, provided negligence can be shown.

How long do I have to make a claim?

You usually have three years from the date of diagnosis or when you became aware your condition may be linked to your work.

Can I still claim if my employer no longer exists?

Yes. Even if your employer has closed down, you may still be able to bring a claim. Insurers can often be traced, and compensation may still be recoverable, and in some cases, government schemes may apply.

Can I claim if I worked for multiple employers?

Yes. We will investigate your work history to identify where exposure occurred and who may be responsible.

Will I have to go to court?

Most industrial disease claims are settled without court proceedings.

How much compensation could I receive?

This depends on the severity of your condition, the impact on your life, and your financial losses.

Why choose Warner Goodman LLP

Choosing the right legal team is especially important in complex industrial disease cases. Our experienced solicitors provide clear advice and practical support from start to finish.

Trusted law firm with over 170 years of legal expertise

Specialist experience in industrial disease and respiratory claims

Rated ‘excellent’ on reviewsolicitors.co.uk, based on 1,000+ reviews

No Win No Fee options available on personal injury claims

Fully regulated by the Solicitors Regulation Authority (SRA)

At Warner Goodman LLP, we are committed to helping people affected by occupational disease secure the compensation and support they need.

Speak to our Industrial Disease Team

If you have developed a chest or respiratory condition due to your work, it is important to seek legal advice as early as possible. Our team is here to provide clear, compassionate guidance and help you understand your options.

We assist clients across Hampshire and beyond, with offices in Southampton, Portsmouth, Fareham, Chandler’s Ford, and Waterlooville.

Call us on: 023 8063 9311
Email: enquiries@warnergoodman.co.uk

You can also check your potential compensation using our online calculator.