Thousands of UK workers develop serious health conditions each year, not from sudden accidents, but from long-term exposure to harmful work environments. Toxic fumes, loud noise, poor equipment, or weak safety standards can wear your body down. That’s where work-related illness claims come in, giving you the right to seek justice and compensation.
You should never sacrifice your health for a pay cheque. If your job has made you ill, you may be entitled to justice and compensation.
That’s where we come in. At Claim Time Solicitors, we simplify the legal process so you can focus on your recovery. We are aware that this journey may seem too much to bear, especially if you’re already dealing with the physical and emotional weight of an illness. But you won’t be facing it alone.
We are not just here to process your work-related illness claims; we are here to fight for you. Think of us as your strongest legal ally.
An estimated 12,000 deaths each year in Britain are linked to occupational lung disease from past exposure at work.
2,257 mesothelioma deaths were recorded in 2022 due to past asbestos exposure.
1 in 40 UK workers (4.94%) reported work-related illness in 2023/24.
So take a breath. You’re in the right place. We will walk you through it, no jargon, no pressure, just results.
What are work-related illness claims?
Most people don’t realise the long-term toll their job can take on their health. However, some workplaces carry hidden risks that gradually erode your well-being. These are more prevalent than you might imagine and are referred to as work-related illness (or occupational diseases if we are being formal).
Work-related illness doesn’t come with flashing warning lights like an unexpected accident does.
These illnesses build up over months or years. If you have a rash, chronic cough, or joint pain, your job could be to blame.
So, what does this look like in the real world? Here are some typical offenders:
- Breathing issues: caused by dust, fumes, asbestos, or chemicals
- Hearing loss: after years in noisy workplaces without protection
- Skin conditions: rashes or dermatitis, from industrial chemicals
- Muscle and joint pain: from repetitive tasks or poor posture
No one should become ill just by performing their job, whether they are working behind a desk, on a construction site, or in a factory.
If your health has taken a hit because of your working conditions, don’t just put up with it. You may have the right to make a work-related illness compensation claim, and we are here to help you figure it all out.
Because at the end of the day, your job is replaceable. Your health isn’t.
10 Common conditions that may qualify for work-related illness claims in the UK
Making a living and maintaining your health shouldn’t have to be mutually exclusive, but for many UK workers, that line gets blurred. Work-related illnesses take time to manifest. They gradually intensify, frequently in silence, until your body starts waving the white flag.
Let’s examine ten of the most frequent causes of work-related illness claims, and what they mean for regular employees like you:
1. Asbestos: Caused by long-term exposure to asbestos fibres, this lung disease leads to scarring and breathlessness. Common in construction, shipbuilding, and industrial work, it often appears years after exposure.
2. Mesothelioma: A rare but aggressive cancer almost exclusively linked to asbestos. It can take decades to develop, but once diagnosed, seeking legal action is urgent.
3. Industrial asthma: If your job exposes you to dust, fumes, or chemicals, and you are struggling to breathe, it may be more than a minor wheeze. Occupational asthma can limit your ability to work and disrupt daily life.
4. Noise-induced hearing loss (NIHL): If years around loud machinery have led to hearing loss or ringing in your ears, it’s not just age; it could be NIHL, and it’s claimable.
5. Vibration white finger (VWF): Caused by regular use of vibrating tools, this condition affects blood vessels and nerves in your fingers. If your grip is weak or fingers go numb in cold weather, VWF may be the reason.
6. Repetitive strain injury (RSI): Constant typing, lifting, or scanning can cause pain, weakness, or numbness. RSI is often preventable with the right workplace setup, and you may be entitled to claim if your employer failed to protect you.
7. Occupational dermatitis: Red, itchy, or cracked skin from contact with chemicals, dyes, or cleaning agents? That’s not just sensitive skin, it’s a recognised work-related condition.
8. Silicosis: Common among workers in stone, brick, or concrete industries, silicosis is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, even in tiny amounts.
9. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): You don’t need to be a smoker to develop COPD. Long-term exposure to fumes, vapours, or dust at work can also cause this chronic lung disease, and it’s compensable.
10. Work-related stress & mental health issues: Toxic environments, bullying, and unrealistic workloads can lead to anxiety, burnout, and depression. These are real injuries, now increasingly recognised in UK workplace illness claims.
It’s time to stop second-guessing and start asking yourself, “Did my employer do enough to protect me?” if you have gone through any of the aforementioned situations.
Because you might be entitled to compensation if they didn’t. Additionally, you will have a team that fights, listens, and takes each claim personally when working with Claim Time Solicitors.
Who can make work-related illness claims?
The key question is whether you can claim that your work has caused you to become ill. The good news is that you most likely can.
It’s not just factory workers or heavy machinery operators. If your job harmed your health, whether recently or years ago, you could be eligible for compensation.
Here’s a breakdown of who can make a claim:
- Current employees: Still on the job but suffering due to poor safety standards? You don’t need to wait. You can file a claim while still employed.
- Former employees: Left the job years ago, but symptoms appeared later. That’s common. Many illnesses have long latency periods, and your right to claim still stands.
- Self-employed workers: Were you technically self-employed but working under someone else’s direction or on their site? You may still qualify for a claim. Your legal rights still matter.
- Family members (claims after death): If you lost a loved one due to a workplace illness, you can still pursue justice. Bereaved family members or dependents have the right to claim on their behalf.
We at Claim Time Solicitors don’t assume anything. We assist anyone afflicted by a work-related illness, even if:
- You are unsure of the specific job that caused it
- You were employed decades ago
- The company has closed down or ceased operations
We do the digging and locate the evidence. We fight in your corner. Behind every claim is a person who deserves to be heard. You performed your duties. Let us do ours now.
How to claim for work-related illnesses in the UK?
Admittedly, it may initially seem overwhelming to seek compensation for an occupational illness. Timelines, medical reports, legal forms, where do you even start?
Do not be concerned. With the right legal team, claiming becomes less overwhelming and more empowering. And at Claim Time Solicitors, we make it feel less like paperwork and more like taking back control.
Here’s a step-by-step look at how work-related illness claims in the UK work:
Step 1: See a GP or specialist and get your condition diagnosed. Tell them you believe it’s work-related.
Step 2: Gather evidence: job history, witness accounts, medical records. Don’t worry if you don’t have it all; we will help.
Step 3: Talk to our solicitors for a free, no-obligation consultation. You tell your story, we handle the legal side.
Step 4: We will complete your claim form and submit it officially.
Step 5: Receive compensation for pain, expenses, lost income, and necessary adjustments.
Claim Time Solicitors is here to walk with you every step of the way. No technical terms. No judgement. Just genuine assistance from genuine, caring individuals.
Since your health matters. Your right to justice also applies.
Why choose Claim Time Solicitors for your work-related illness claim?
Let’s face it, when you are already dealing with a serious illness, the last thing you need is a cold, complicated legal process. We can help with that.
We at Claim Time Solicitors are real people who care about your future, not just professionals in work-related illness claims in the UK. We support you from the first call until you receive your last payment. We’re with you. Fully. Fiercely. Compassionately.
What makes us different?
- No-win, no-fee, no stress: Worried about legal costs? Don’t be. With our no-win, no-fee guarantee, you pay nothing unless we win your case. That means zero financial risk and total peace of mind.
- Real experience that matters: We have handled work-related illness claims across the board from asbestos cancers to repetitive strain injuries and stress-related conditions. Whatever your illness, we know how to fight and win
- We handle it all: From filling out claim forms to submitting through the industrial disease portal, we handle the process end-to-end. No jargon. No chasing. Just updates and support
- We make it personal: You are more than just a case file to us. You are a person whose health, future, and dignity were disregarded. This is where it ends.
The warning signs were disregarded by your employer. We won’t disregard your claim, though.
Don’t suffer in silence if your job has caused you to have a chronic illness. Speak with Claim Time Solicitors, a team that understands how to listen, fight, and produce outcomes.
It’s not just about getting paid. It’s about turning your life around.
Time limits for work-related illness claims: Don’t let the clock run out
There is a time limit on work-related illness claims, which many people are unaware of until it’s too late.
In most cases, you have three years from the time your illness was diagnosed, or the first time you realised your condition was related to your job, to begin your claim.
Three years might sound like plenty, but gathering medical evidence, locating employers, and proving exposure takes time.
What happens if the claim concerns a dead person?
If you are claiming on behalf of a loved one who has died, the three-year time limit usually starts from:
- The day they passed away
- The date you learnt their illness was related to their work
These claims are understandably emotional. We will handle everything with the care and respect your family deserves.
Not sure when the exposure took place?
You are not expected to recall every dusty day at work, so don’t worry. We can still assist even if your exposure happened decades ago or you worked for a company that no longer exists. To strengthen your case, our staff will look into your employment history, request documents, and conduct a thorough investigation.
The clock is running out, but with Claim Time Solicitors on your side, we will help you act before it’s too late.
You have had enough of waiting for answers. Justice must not be delayed any longer.
Can I still make a work-related illness claim if the company no longer exists?
Quick response? You certainly can. Many people believe that just because their employer has closed, they no longer have the opportunity to file a claim. The fact is, however, your right to justice doesn’t vanish simply because the doors have been closed.
Even if the company folded years ago, compensation can still be paid out because most UK businesses are legally required to have employer liability insurance.
We handle the detective work for you:
Claim Time Solicitors will go above and beyond to locate the insurers of your former employer, even if the company has:
- Changed names or merged
- Entered the administration
- Shut down decades ago
You bring your story. We will handle the paperwork, the search, and everything else.
A company may vanish, but your suffering has not.
If your lungs still remember the dust or your hands still ache from the tools, don’t let a closed business close your case. You could still make a valid claim. And we have helped many others in your exact situation.
Don’t suffer in silence
Work should never make you sick. However, for thousands of people in the UK, it has and frequently in imperceptible ways, stealing their energy, health, and peace of mind over time.
These illnesses can feel invisible and isolating. But you are not alone. And more importantly, you are not powerless.
At Claim Time Solicitors, we believe every worker has the right to protection and compensation when unsafe conditions cause harm. With empathy and expertise, we have helped countless people just like you navigate the work-related illness claims process.
You didn’t choose this illness. But you can choose to act. And we are here to help turn your story into a claim and that claim into the justice and compensation you deserve.
Get in touch: Let’s start your work-related illness claim today
You have read the facts. You have felt the impact.
Call us today on 0800 970 2727, or request a free call-back. No robots. No scripts. Just real help.
Your employer ignored the signs. We won’t ignore your claim.
