An occupational disease or industrial disease is any type of chronic ailment that has resulted from the individual’s line of work. The Health and Safety executive rules that all occupational diseases must be reported whether you are the employee of a company or you are self employed. Occupational hazards are not the same as occupational diseases. Having a fall if you are a roofer for example will not come under the same category. If you are self employed it is not possible to make a compensation claim for your suffering, but if you are the employee of a firm you may wish to think about entering into the claims process, particularly if your disorder is having a debilitating effect on your life.
Thankfully the government recognises the problems industrial disease can cause the sufferers and the irritation people may feel if they have not had another option of career beyond the one which has ultimately led to health issues. Therefore benefits are provided for sufferers. The Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit covers a wide range of diseases so be sure to do your research to see whether you could be provided for. You cannot claim this benefit if you were self employed at the time when you developed the disease.
Diseases Covered Include:
– Lung issues – such as chronic asthma, bronchitis and emphysema
– Deafness
– Musculoskeletal disorders
– Any disease resulting from contact with asbestos
Assessment of the amount of benefits you will receive from the government is done on a sliding scale with more money being provided for you depending on the severity of the injury and how disabling its effect if on yourself. You will also be given a different amount depending on your age with those under 18 and with no dependents receiving less funding than those over 18 years of age. If you are on other benefits the amounts may change when you begin to receive the new benefit. Your benefits will be paid directly into your bank account.
Make sure you put in to claim for your benefit as rapidly as possible as you may lose the right to the benefits over time. You will also need to remember to notify the government should your circumstances change at all. This includes yourself or the claimant, going into or leaving hospital, going into or leaving a care home or going abroad to live or visit. You will probably continue to receive the benefits in all of these situations, even if you are going to live abroad permanently.
Contact Freeman Harris today if you wish to make a compensation claim due to your industrial disease. Call us on 020 7231 7150 or fill in an online enquiry to have your free initial consultation with us.