Chemical Related Accident at Work Solicitors in Sunderland, Newcastle, and the North East

What Counts as a Chemical Related Accident at Work?

A chemical related accident at work occurs when you are injured, develop an illness, or suffer harm as a result of exposure to hazardous substances in the workplace. Your employer has a legal duty under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations to protect you from such risks.

Chemical accidents at work can include:

• Chemical burns from acids, alkalis, or solvents
• Respiratory conditions caused by inhaling toxic fumes or dust
• Skin disorders such as dermatitis or contact eczema
• Eye injuries from chemical splashes
• Poisoning from ingestion or absorption of toxic substances
• Long-term illnesses such as occupational asthma or cancer
• Neurological damage from prolonged chemical exposure
• Injuries from chemical fires or explosions
• COSHH regulation breaches leading to illness or injury

Steps to Take After a Chemical Accident at Work

If you have been involved in a chemical accident at work, it is essential that the incident is reported and recorded immediately – typically in the workplace accident book. Make sure the entry is accurate and includes full details of the chemical involved and how the accident occurred.

Seek prompt medical attention, even if your symptoms seem minor at first. Some chemical injuries or illnesses take time to develop and having a medical record from the outset will support your claim.

You should also gather the contact details of any witnesses to the accident and note the location of any COSHH data sheets or risk assessments relating to the chemicals involved. The sooner you contact a specialist personal injury solicitor such as Thompson & Co Solicitors, the stronger your claim is likely to be.

Chemical Accident at Work Compensation

If your chemical accident at work claim is successful, you may be entitled to claim compensation for the pain, suffering, and distress caused by your injuries. You may also be able to recover other financial losses arising from the accident, such as:

• Cost of specialist medical treatment or medication
• Loss of earnings during recovery
• Future loss of earnings if your ability to work is affected
• Travel costs to and from medical appointments
• Care and assistance provided by family members or carers

Keep a record of all losses and retain any receipts as these will be needed to support your claim.

The compensation awarded in chemical accident at work cases varies considerably depending on the severity and long-term impact of the injury. Serious cases involving chronic illness or permanent disability could result in a payout well in excess of £400,000. Every case is assessed individually, so we recommend speaking with our specialist solicitors to get an accurate estimate for your circumstances.

What is the Time Limit for Chemical Accident at Work Claims?

In most cases, you have three years from the date of your chemical accident – or from the date you first became aware that your illness was linked to a workplace chemical exposure – to issue Court Proceedings. This is known as the limitation period.

If Court Proceedings are not issued within this time, your claim will usually be time-barred and you will lose the right to pursue compensation. However, there are limited circumstances in which the Courts may exercise their discretion to extend this time limit.

For cases involving occupational diseases or conditions that develop gradually, the three-year period may run from the date of knowledge rather than the date of first exposure. If you are unsure whether you are within time, you should seek legal advice immediately to protect your position.