Industrial Disease.
If you believe you could be suffering with an industrial disease, contact our Personal Injury Solicitors, who will be able to discuss with you a potential claim for compensation.
Industrial disease may sound like something from another era, but for many workers and families its effects are still being felt today.
Britain’s industrial past left a lasting legacy of illness, and despite major advances in workplace safety, industrial diseases remain a serious issue in the modern day. Conditions such as asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, respiratory illness, vibration white finger and occupational skin disease continue to affect workers across a range of industries, sometimes many years after the original exposure took place. In the most serious cases, the consequences can be devastating, not only for the person diagnosed, but for those close to them as well.
When an illness has developed because of harmful exposure at work, it can be difficult to come to terms with the fact that it may have been preventable. A diagnosis often raises painful questions about the work you carried out, the risks you were exposed to, and the impact the condition will now have on your health, your independence and your future. If that has happened to you or someone in your family, you may be entitled to bring an Industrial Disease Compensation Claim. These claims can help provide financial support and a greater sense of security at a time when your focus is likely to be on treatment, day-to-day wellbeing and the wider effect the illness is having on your life.
Explore your options with our specialist team.
At Lanyon Bowdler, we have years of experience helping people affected by industrial illness pursue the support they need after workplace exposure has caused lasting harm. Recognised by Chambers UK and The Legal 500 for our personal injury expertise, our Industrial Illness Solicitors provide clear legal advice with the care, sensitivity and practical support these cases demand.
Contact our Solicitors to discuss your claim. We listen and we care.
Dawn Humphries is a leading Industrial Disease Solicitor. She is a Partner in our Personal Injury Department, and leads a specialist team of Industrial Disease Compensation experts.
She has built an impressive repuation for compensation cases involving Health & Safety liability at work, achieving six-figure settlements for claimants who suffered injury or illness at their workplace.
The Chambers UK and Legal 500 recommendations she has received in 2025 highlight her committment to client care, as well as industry-leading legal expertise in work accidents and diseases. Dawn is an expert in mediation, and always aims to avoid stressful litigation when possible, while achieving the compensation her clients deserve.
Our experienced Personal Injury Solicitors can help you with a wide range of industrial disease and occupational illness claims.
Our friendly and approachable team will take the time to understand your employment history, the conditions in which you worked and the effect your illness is having on your life.
Our Personal Injury team can help establish where and when harmful exposure took place, investigate former employers and their insurers, obtain relevant employment and medical records, and work with independent medical experts where specialist evidence is required.
We understand the legal issues which can arise when an employer has ceased trading, when more than one employer may have contributed to an illness, or when historic working practices need to be reconstructed from limited records.
Our approach combines:
We know that compensation is only one part of what may matter to you. Depending on your circumstances, a claim may also need to consider future loss of earnings, treatment, rehabilitation, care, equipment or other support required because of your condition.
As a full-service law firm, we can also work alongside colleagues in other specialist teams where your illness creates wider legal or financial issues. This helps keep advice joined up and reduces the number of separate conversations you and your family need to manage.
Funding options will depend on your circumstances, and many Personal Injury claims can be handled through a Conditional Fee Agreement, commonly known as a no win no fee agreement. We will explain the available options, including any costs or deductions which may apply, before you decide whether to proceed.
Lanyon Bowdler’s Personal Injury team is recognised in Tier 2 for the West Midlands in The Legal 500 2026.
The team is also ranked in Band 1 in the Midlands by Chambers UK 2026, which states:
“Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors is a leading Shropshire firm advising on an extensive breadth of personal injury cases, including high-value RTA and accident-at-work claims. The firm is particularly experienced in acting for clients with spinal and cerebral injuries. The team is skilled in handling military cases and accidents abroad. It also works alongside clinical negligence and Court of Protection teams to fully support clients.”
Lanyon Bowdler is also an APIL Accredited Personal Injury Practice and holds the Law Society Personal Injury Accreditation, providing further independent recognition of the standards of expertise within the team.
Industrial disease covers a broad range of work-related conditions. The circumstances surrounding each illness are different, which means the evidence and relevant legal duties can differ considerably from one claim to another.
Exposure to asbestos can cause serious illnesses including mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and pleural thickening. The effects of exposure may not become apparent until many years after somebody worked with or around asbestos.
Historic asbestos cases often require investigation into workplaces and employers from decades ago. Where a former employer is no longer trading, it may still be possible to identify its employers’ liability insurer and pursue a claim.
There are also specific statutory payment schemes which can be relevant to some people affected by asbestos disease. These operate separately from an ordinary civil compensation claim and eligibility depends upon the individual circumstances.
Repeated exposure to excessive workplace noise can cause permanent hearing damage. This may have occurred in factories, engineering works, construction, manufacturing, agriculture or other noisy working environments.
An occupational deafness claim may involve examining the type and level of noise you encountered, how long you were exposed, what hearing protection was provided and whether appropriate steps were taken to reduce the risk.
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 now impose specific responsibilities on employers to assess and reduce risks from workplace noise, provide hearing protection where necessary, give information and training and undertake health surveillance in appropriate circumstances. Earlier exposure will need to be considered according to the duties and standards applying at the relevant time.
Regular use of vibrating tools and machinery can result in hand-arm vibration syndrome, often shortened to HAVS. The condition can cause numbness, tingling, reduced grip strength and problems with circulation. Vibration white finger is one recognised manifestation of vibration-related injury.
The Control of Vibration at Work Regulations 2005 require employers to assess vibration risks, reduce harmful exposure and provide health surveillance where appropriate.
A claim may involve looking at the equipment you used, how frequently you used it, the duration of exposure, maintenance arrangements, working practices and whether symptoms were recognised and acted upon.
Dust, fumes, chemicals and other substances encountered at work can contribute to respiratory conditions.
The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 2002, usually referred to as COSHH, require employers to assess risks from hazardous substances and prevent exposure or, where prevention is not reasonably practicable, adequately control it.
Industrial respiratory claims can require careful medical evidence because breathing difficulties may have several possible causes. Establishing the relationship between workplace exposure and the condition is therefore an important part of the investigation.
Repeated or prolonged contact with chemicals, cleaning products, oils, solvents, dusts and other irritants can cause occupational dermatitis and other skin conditions.
Depending upon the circumstances, employers may need to control exposure through safer working methods, suitable protective equipment, appropriate training and health surveillance. A claim will consider both the nature of the substance involved and what precautions were reasonably required at the time.
Termed as medical conditions resulting from prolonged exposure to an occupational hazard in the workplace, industrial diseases have an enormous impact on their victims – physically, emotionally and financially. This occupational hazard varies according to the type of work carried out. It could be due to exposure to a hazardous substance, such as dust or fumes, a harmful activity such as using a vibrating tool or even a dangerous environment, such as one that is excessively loud.
Many industrial disease claimants are unaware that their health problems stem from their occupation and an industrial injury claim often involves the detailed investigation of an individual’s work history. For example, those who have worked with vibrating tools may suffer numbness and reduced dexterity in their fingers and hands and workers who experience a chronic shortage of breath may not attribute their condition to their occupation.
Employers are legally obliged to take responsibility for the safety of their staff and may be proved to be negligent if they have not provided a safe working environment, or neglected to enforce the mandatory requirement to wear protective clothing and eliminate any occupational hazards.
Therefore, if you have developed an illness or disease because your employer exposed you to something harmful, you could be entitled to compensation. Furthermore, you may also prevent someone else from becoming ill in the same way.
Potentially, yes.
The gap between exposure and diagnosis is one of the defining features of many occupational illnesses. Some conditions only become apparent years or even decades after somebody left the workplace in which the exposure occurred.
The important issues include when you became aware of the illness and its possible connection with your work, the applicable time limit and whether sufficient evidence can be obtained to establish what happened.
Do not assume that an old exposure is automatically too old to investigate.
There is no reliable single timescale.
A claim involving a recent employer, clear exposure records and an accepted diagnosis may progress differently from a case requiring several decades of employment history and historic insurer tracing. The seriousness and progression of the illness can also affect how the claim should be handled.
We will explain what needs to happen in your case and keep you updated as evidence is obtained. Where there is an urgent need for support and the legal circumstances allow it, we will consider what options are available while the wider claim continues.
Due to their nature, industrial disease claims are often more complicated than pursuing personal injury litigation. The cause of the illness or injury may have occurred years earlier and expert medical advice may be needed to prove a link between employment and the illness. However, you don’t have to go through this on your own. As specialists in this area of law, we have helped countless victims of various industrial diseases to make that link and secure the compensation needed to improve their personal circumstances.
Speak to one of our solicitors who will be happy to explain your available options, which include a ‘conditional fee agreement’. This means, if your claim is unsuccessful; you won’t have to spend a penny. If your compensation claim is straightforward, your claim could be resolved in months. More complex industrial disease claims typically take months, sometimes even years. However, we will always endeavour to ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation in the shortest possible time whilst keeping court costs to an absolute minimum.
As with any compensation claim, the severity of your condition, any loss of earnings due to time off work and fees spent on medical treatment will determine the amount of compensation you receive. Whatever your personal circumstances, we will always be open and transparent about the likelihood of your case being successful and fight your corner every step of the way.
There is no single document which proves every industrial disease case.
The evidence may include medical records, employment records, details of the jobs you performed, information about the machinery or substances you worked with, occupational health records and accounts from former colleagues.
Independent medical evidence is usually important in establishing diagnosis, causation, prognosis and the effect of the illness.
Do not worry if you no longer possess records from an employer you worked for many years ago. We can investigate what other sources of evidence may be available.
Potentially, yes.
Some people spend many years within the same trade while moving between employers. If several workplaces exposed you to the same harmful substance, noise or vibration, more than one period of employment may need to be considered.
The legal approach can depend upon the disease involved and the available evidence. We will investigate each relevant period rather than asking you to decide which employer was responsible.
A closed or dissolved employer does not necessarily prevent a claim.
It may be possible to identify the employers’ liability insurer which covered the business when you were exposed. ELTO’s Employers’ Liability Database can be one source of historic insurance information.
Other steps may also be available depending upon the circumstances, and particular statutory compensation schemes exist for some asbestos-related conditions.
The answer depends upon the illness.
For some people diagnosed with diffuse mesothelioma following occupational asbestos exposure, the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme may provide a route to payment where the relevant employer or its insurer cannot be traced and the scheme’s other eligibility requirements are met.
The scheme has its own rules and time limits, so it should not be treated as a substitute for taking advice about a possible civil claim.
No.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit is a state benefit for people who satisfy the rules relating to certain prescribed occupational diseases. A civil industrial disease claim is a legal claim seeking compensation from the party responsible, usually through an insurer.
Different eligibility rules apply and the financial consequences are different. If both may be relevant, we can explain how they interact.
Depending upon the circumstances, the deceased person’s estate and certain dependants may be able to pursue compensation.
Different legal provisions and time limits can apply after a death, so families should seek advice as soon as reasonably possible. We understand that discussing legal proceedings following a bereavement can feel difficult and will explain the options sensitively and at a pace that is manageable for you.
Phillip Roberts handled my claim in a professional and knowledgable way and I would like to thank him very much for all the work he has done for me.
After my experience using LB 15 years ago and being very impressed I had no hesitation in using them again on a totally different matter and I was not disappointed. Excellent service once again with a successful secondary victim claim.
First Class experience from start to finish with this company.
One hundred percent happy with my claim and the outcome my solicitor was brilliant all through my case.
First Class Service
I was injured in a terrible accident whilst working on a farm, I was left with extensive injuries to my arm which impacted all aspects of my life including my ability to go back to work. Once I had instructed Lanyon Bowdler they instructed medical experts who were able to recommend rehabilitation for me which was arranged, and this meant that I could go back to work and start living independently again. They secured compensation of £45,000 and gave me all the advice and support I needed to accept the offer made.
After a horrible road traffic accident I was left with minimal physical injuries but a significant psychological injury which affected all aspects of my life including my ability to go back to work. Lanyon Bowdler handled my claim whilst also securing crucial rehabilitation for me. They secured £85,000 in compensation for me just after a year after my accident.
After a serious motorbike accident in which my Dad sustained significant head and life changing injuries I instructed Lanyon Bowdler to assist me with making a claim on his behalf. As part of his claim they ensured that he received an appropriate care package to support him in living independently and access to appropriate rehabilitation. They secured for him a settlement of £3.1m together with PPOs for his care and case management for the rest of his life which means that all of his needs can be met.
Dependable, thoughtful and sound advice. Professional, personable and accessible. A stalwart presence with good advice throughout – thank you.
I am very happy with the services. Excellent communication and knowledge. Very professional. Everything was well explained and there was nothing hidden. Highly recommended.
Used Lanyon Bowdler for a personal injury claim regarding a trip in a supermarket. I found the service very helpful and would use again.
From the first contact, the team at Lanyon Bowdler gave a fast & efficient service. They were very friendly & gave me the confidence that I had found the right solicitors. The advice given & the fast responses were beyond my expectations. The matter was resolved in no time at all.
It is a pleasure to act as a case manager for clients represented by the personal injury team at Lanyon Bowdler Solicitors. Lanyon Bowdler PI team are proactive and truly client centred. They understand the clients they represent and work tirelessly to achieve the best they can for them. Through collaborative working we have been able to achieve the best outcomes possible for our clients.
As a case manager I work closely with litigation teams to ensure our clients get the expertise, support and care they need to bring them back to as close to their life pre-injury as possible. This is very often not an easy journey, and balancing the desires of the client to live their best life with collating and presenting the facts of how that life is altered, can be very challenging. Having worked alongside Lanyon Bowdler’s team for many years, I have noted it is always easier to strike this balance, when they are involved.
Having worked with a succession of personal injury specialists at Lanyon Bowdler over the years, I have seen at first hand the top-flight legal expertise that they bring to every case and the commitment to obtaining the absolutely best result for every client. Equally importantly, I am struck by the compassion, empathy and humanity with which every client is treated. They go above and beyond to ensure their clients receive the very best representation.
The team at Lanyon Bowdler show an exceptional knowledge and understanding of their client’s needs, not just in terms of the claim that they lead, but also the emotional and personal experiences that they will have on that journey.
Lanyon Bowdler provide seamless ongoing emotional support, information and guidance to their clients over what may be many years of a PI claim. This significantly helps mitigate the “stress” of a claim for their clients, and in my medicolegal experience puts them way ahead of other legal firms.
Contacted Lanyon Bowdler six months after an injury at work. They offered me several of their services, including no win no fee which I ended up choosing. The solicitor was extremely helpful, was always keeping me updated when there was news and answered promptly when asked for any updates or when I asked any questions. I was very happy with the final settlement and the advice I received proved to be the best for my case. I felt like the extra bit of care was extended to give me a good idea of the options I had to choose from which really helped to inform any decision.
From my initial approach to the final positive outcome I felt my solicitor was expending all his energy to win the case. I was kept informed throughout and was given straightforward advice on how to proceed. The end result was an acceptable outcome and the pay-out was prompt.
Very friendly and quick to respond, highly recommend for anyone looking for legal advice.
I couldn’t be happier with the service I have received over the past six years. I would highly recommend Lanyon Bowdler for legal requirements.
Since dealing with Lanyon Bowdler they have been diligent, efficient and at all times very helpful along with being structured in dealing with matters, fees and clarity on all levels. Thank you.
I was clearly informed of progress step by step. The service you provided was very good.
All work carried out effectively and efficiently.
An excellent service with solicitors that you can talk to and who give you a clear understanding of all necessary legal implications and interpretations.
From start to finish we had excellent service. Friendly, approachable and professional.
Very clear, concise advice and guidance, easy to understand.
Good service provided throughout with clear communication throughout with all options explored.
I can thoroughly recommend the highly professional and supportive service received over the last few months.
Responsive, supportive, approachable, clear and empathetic.
Professional and prompt communication. Supportive and client focused.
Whenever I have had need to contact Lanyon Bowdler I have always received a fast, concise and friendly response.
Definitely would use Lanyon Bowdler again if I need the use of a solicitor.
Smooth and efficient service from very professional firm.
We were particularly impressed with the quality of work, the speed and excellent communication.
Very friendly and approachable. Very good advice
Great Service; Lanyon Bowdler were excellent from the outset. Straightforward and easy process. I just sat back and waited.
Everything has been professional, efficient and courteous throughout and we are very pleased, both with the service and with the eventual outcome of our case. Everything was first class and exceeded our expectations. Thank you again for providing such splendid service. It is really appreciated.
An industrial disease compensation claim is not the same as claiming state benefits.
Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit, usually known as IIDB, is a government benefit available in certain circumstances where an employed person’s work caused one of a number of prescribed diseases. The scheme covers more than 70 diseases and includes conditions such as occupational asthma, occupational deafness, pneumoconiosis, some asbestos-related diseases and prescribed vibration-related disease.
Whether you qualify depends upon the particular disease and your employment circumstances. Other statutory schemes can also apply to some dust-related and asbestos-related conditions.
Receiving, or potentially qualifying for, a state benefit does not necessarily answer whether you can bring a civil claim against an employer or insurer. The two systems are different, although benefits and compensation can interact. We can help you understand how the different routes relate to your circumstances.
If you think you may be the victim of an industrial disease, give us a call or complete our online enquiry form to see how our Industrial Disease Compensation Solicitors can help.
Please give us a call for a friendly, confidential and informal chat about the problems you are facing and we will be able to advise you on the likelihood of bringing a successful claim for industrial disease compensation. There is no commitment or charge for our initial assessment. Please contact a member of the team or complete our online enquiry form.
By choosing Lanyon Bowdler for any form of Personal Injury or Work Accident Claim, you can rest assured that you have the best legal expertise on your team. Lanyon Bowdler is widely recognised as one of the stronger full service law firms in Herefordshire, Shropshire, the Midlands and North Wales. We are committed to providing exceptional levels of client care and will work closely and considerately with you to help find the best outcomes.
We have offices in Shrewsbury, Hereford, Ludlow, Oswestry, Telford, and Conwy, so are able to act for clients all over Shropshire, Herefordshire, Mid and North Wales and across the Midlands. Our team has assisted in making Industrial Disease Claims in Birmingham, Wolverhampton and Worcester. As a leading full-service law firm, we can represent you wherever you live in England or Wales.
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