Allergic Contact Dermatitis Compensation Claims

Are you suffering from allergic contact dermatitis contracted at work? Did you know we can get the compensation you are entitled to?

At Injuries Direct, our vast experience and knowledge means that you are in the safest hands possible. We can get you the maximum amount of compensation available.

Unsure if you can claim? Our friendly team will be happy to offer advice and guidance. Call 0800 2800 979 or fill in our simple online Contact Form for more information on allergic contact dermatitis compensation claims.

Occupational Dermatitis Explained

Dermatitis is the term used to describe all types of inflammatory skin condition. In cases where the cause of skin inflammation is work related, this would be referred to as occupational dermatitis. It can be acute (short term flare ups) or chronic (symptoms over a longer period) and may caused by an irritant substance that has come into contact with the skin and provokes an irritant reaction or by contact which causes an allergic reaction. The most common form of work related dermatitis is eczematous dermatitis (also known as contact eczema), which causes redness of the skin, small blisters, dryness and itching. This can result in irritation, cracks and weeping.

Dermatitis Contracted at Work

Most instances of industrial dermatitis are contact based, where the skin has come into direct contact with an irritant. This is called irritant contact dermatitis and is most likely to affect the hands. People with asthma, hay fever or other types of eczema are more likely to develop contact dermatitis. Some cases however, come about where a person’s immune system reacts to an irritant and becomes sensitive to it over a period of time. A sudden skin reaction can then occur, even if the person has been in contact with the substance many times before. Once an individual becomes sensitised to a substance it can be permanent. People in certain occupations are more at risk of being exposed to irritants that may cause dermatitis, for example:

• Hairdressers
• Construction Workers
• Cleaners
• Factory Workers
• Healthcare Providers

Speak to one of our trained advisors on 0800 2800 979 to find out if you can make a claim, or fill in our simple online Contact Form.

Causes of Occupational Dermatitis

There are many known substances and environments that can irritate and inflame the skin, a number of which can cause dermatitis with prolonged or repeated contact. In some cases even minimal contact can cause dermatitis. Employees in some industries, that are required to work with or use certain chemicals or substances, can develop work related dermatitis if not properly protected. It is an employer’s responsibility to take measures to ensure that this does not occur. Examples of the kinds of substances that can cause dermatitis are: ingredients in cosmetics, toiletries, cleaning products or detergents, and chemicals found in lubricants, adhesives, solvents and resins. Latex, particularly from gloves worn whilst working, is also a common cause. Even regular contact with water (unprotected by suitable gloves) can have this effect.

What to Expect From Your Employer

Employers have certain responsibilities under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (or COSHH) Regulations, which they must adhere to. They have to assess the risks presented by any chemicals or substances in their workplace, eliminate the hazard altogether if possible and if not, either:

• Provide a less hazardous alternative
• Supply employees with adequate personal protective equipment and ensure that it is correctly worn and used When appropriate your employer should also make regular checks of employees' arms and hands to ensure that any problems can be recognised and treated at the earliest opportunity.

You must report immediately to you employer any skin condition which you think may be related to your work.

Contact Us here to find out if you can make a claim.

Dermatitis Compensation

There are two elements to a compensation award.

The first is for the pain and suffering you may have gone through and what is known as loss of amenity. This is called general damages and can include an award for your inability to do things after your condition developed that you used to be able to do before, eg, wash your car, look after your garden, walk the dog, etc. The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period after you develop dermatitis or for ever if that is what the medical evidence supports.

The second element of a compensation award is for your losses and expenses and is known as special damages. It is important to keep receipts for any expenditure you have related to your condition, so that these can be reclaimed. The aim is to put you back in a position financially as if the dermatitis had never developed.

Making a Compensation Claim

In every case, medical evidence will be required. Detailed expert evidence is often also required in disease cases to show that the condition suffered by a claimant was caused by exposure to a particular substance.

In any personal injury claim it is necessary to show that the person you are making a claim against owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty of care (were negligent), and that the injury you sustained was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of that negligence.

If you or a member of your family is affected by occupational dermatitis, our specialist personal injury team may be able to help. At Injuries Direct our solicitors have handled many cases on behalf of victims of work related dermatitis, so can offer expert legal advice and assistance on a cost free basis. Call 0800 2800 979 alternatively fill out our Contact form and one of our claims handlers will contact you.

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