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An office accident can leave you injured, stressed, and unsure about your next steps. If your injury happened because of unsafe working conditions or employer negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. Claims 24 Hours provides clear advice and no win, no fee support to help you claim with confidence and focus on your recovery.
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What Are Occupational Cancer Claims?
Occupational cancer claims are made when a person develops cancer as a result of prolonged or repeated exposure to carcinogenic substances during their employment. These substances are scientifically recognised as increasing the risk of cancer when proper safety controls are not in place.
Unlike accident claims, occupational cancer often develops slowly. Symptoms may appear many years, or even decades, after exposure. This delay does not remove your right to claim compensation if your illness can be linked to your work.
What Is Occupational Cancer?
Occupational cancer refers to any cancer caused primarily by exposure to harmful substances or conditions in the workplace rather than lifestyle or genetic factors alone. A substance is classed as an occupational carcinogen when medical evidence shows that repeated exposure significantly increases the likelihood of developing cancer.
Workers in construction, manufacturing, engineering, mining, oil and gas, transport, healthcare, and industrial cleaning are particularly at risk due to regular exposure to known carcinogens.
How Occupational Cancer Develops
Occupational cancer usually develops through long-term exposure rather than a single incident. This exposure typically occurs in one of three ways:
Inhalation of hazardous dust, fibres, fumes, or gases such as asbestos, silica, or diesel exhaust.
Skin contact with toxic chemicals including solvents, oils, or industrial compounds.
Exposure to radiation or radioactive materials in specialist work environments.
Because the damage accumulates over time, workers may not realise they are at risk until serious illness develops.
Common Workplace Carcinogens
Many dangerous substances are still present in UK workplaces today, particularly in older buildings or high-risk industries. These include asbestos fibres, silica dust, diesel exhaust fumes, radon gas, chromium and nickel compounds, benzene, coal tar, vinyl chloride, and certain industrial solvents.
Employers are legally required to identify these risks and take reasonable steps to limit exposure.
Types of Occupational Cancer
Mesothelioma
A rare and aggressive cancer almost exclusively caused by asbestos exposure. It affects the lining of the lungs or abdomen and often develops decades after exposure.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
Caused by prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibres. The risk increases significantly when employers fail to provide adequate protective measures.
Lung Cancer
Can develop after exposure to substances such as silica dust, radon gas, diesel fumes, or toxic industrial chemicals.
Skin Cancer
Linked to long-term exposure to ultraviolet radiation, mineral oils, coal tar, and certain chemicals in outdoor and industrial jobs.
Bladder Cancer
Often associated with exposure to benzene, dyes, solvents, and chemicals used in manufacturing and processing industries.
Prostate Cancer
Some studies suggest increased risk from long-term exposure to chemicals used in metalwork, automotive repair, and industrial manufacturing.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
May be linked to exposure to pesticides, formaldehyde, and certain industrial substances.
Symptoms of Occupational Cancer
Symptoms vary depending on the type of cancer but often include persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, ongoing pain, breathing difficulties, chronic coughs, unusual lumps, skin changes, frequent infections, or prolonged illness with no clear cause.
Because symptoms may appear long after exposure, many people do not initially realise their cancer is work-related.
Employer’s Duty of Care
Employers have a legal duty to protect workers from foreseeable harm. This includes identifying carcinogenic risks, carrying out risk assessments, providing appropriate training, supplying protective equipment, monitoring exposure levels, and complying with health and safety legislation.
If an employer knew or should have known about the risks and failed to act, they may be legally responsible for the harm caused.
Making an Occupational Cancer Claim
An occupational cancer claim is brought when an employer’s failure to control exposure has caused or contributed to a cancer diagnosis. You do not need to prove intent or negligence beyond doubt. Instead, the claim focuses on whether reasonable steps were taken to protect you.
Claims can often be made even if the employer no longer exists or if exposure occurred many years ago.
Evidence Used to Support a Claim
Evidence may include medical records confirming diagnosis, employment history, job descriptions, workplace safety documents, witness statements, and expert medical opinions linking exposure to cancer.
Specialist solicitors handle evidence gathering to reduce stress during an already difficult time.
Time Limits for Occupational Cancer Claims
Most occupational cancer claims must be started within three years of the date of diagnosis or the date you became aware that your illness was linked to your work. Because many cancers develop slowly, exceptions may apply. Seeking advice as early as possible is strongly recommended.
How Much Compensation Could You Receive?
Compensation is assessed on an individual basis. It may include damages for pain and suffering, loss of earnings, future income loss, medical treatment costs, care needs, travel expenses, and necessary home adaptations.
The severity of the condition, impact on daily life, age, prognosis, and length of exposure are all considered.
No Win, No Fee Occupational Cancer Claims
Claims 24 Hours operates on a No Win, No Fee basis. This means there are no upfront costs, no hidden fees, and nothing to pay if your claim does not succeed. If your claim is successful, legal fees are agreed in advance and capped by law.
Why Occupational Cancer Claims Are Important
Compensation cannot undo a diagnosis, but it can provide financial security, support treatment and care, protect loved ones, and hold employers accountable. Making a claim can also help improve workplace safety standards and prevent future harm to others.
Why Choose Claims 24 Hours for Occupational Cancer Claims
Specialist Experience in Industrial Disease Claims
Occupational cancer claims are complex and require specialist legal knowledge. Claims 24 Hours works with solicitors who understand long-term exposure cases, delayed diagnoses, and the medical evidence needed to link cancer to workplace conditions.
Thorough Case Assessment and Evidence Handling
Every claim is carefully reviewed using medical records, employment history, and expert opinions. This detailed approach ensures your case is built on strong evidence, even when exposure occurred many years ago.
No Win, No Fee – No Financial Risk
You can pursue your occupational cancer claim without worrying about upfront costs. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing. If successful, fees are legally capped and agreed in advance.
Supportive and Compassionate Approach
A cancer diagnosis is life-changing. Claims 24 Hours provides clear guidance, honest advice, and respectful support throughout the claims process, allowing you to focus on your health and family.
Claims Against Current or Former Employers
Claims can often be made even if your employer no longer exists or exposure happened decades ago. Our legal partners are experienced in tracing liability and pursuing claims in complex employment histories
Occupational Cancer Claims – FAQs
Can I claim occupational cancer compensation years after exposure?
Yes. Most claims are based on the date you were diagnosed or first became aware that your cancer was work-related.
What if my employer is no longer trading?
You may still be able to claim through insurers or historic liability records, even if the company has closed.
Do I need proof of exactly when exposure happened?
No. Claims are usually based on cumulative exposure over time rather than a single incident.
Can family members claim on behalf of a loved one?
Yes. Claims can be made on behalf of someone who is unable to act themselves or following a bereavement.
How long does an occupational cancer claim take?
Timescales vary depending on complexity, but your solicitor will aim to progress the claim as efficiently as possible.
Will making a claim affect my medical treatment?
No. Your medical care remains completely separate and will not be affected by a compensation claim.
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No Win No Fee Explained
All claims handled by Claims 24 Hours are taken on a No Win No Fee basis. This means you will not pay any legal fees upfront, and if your claim is unsuccessful, you will not pay anything at all.
If your claim is successful, your solicitor will deduct a success fee from your compensation. In most cases, this fee is 25% of the amount awarded, although this may vary depending on the complexity of your case. This will be clearly explained to you before you agree to proceed, and you will never be asked to pay more than the agreed percentage.
Your solicitor may also arrange After the Event (ATE) insurance on your behalf. This insurance covers the cost of any legal expenses or disbursements (such as medical reports or expert fees) if your claim is unsuccessful, ensuring your claim remains completely risk-free.
Please note: In certain circumstances, fees may apply if you decide to terminate your claim after it has begun, or if you fail to cooperate with your solicitor. This includes situations such as:
- Deliberately providing false or misleading information
- Refusing to attend medical examinations or court hearings
- Failing to respond to reasonable requests from your solicitor
These terms will be set out in your agreement before your claim starts, so you will always know exactly where you stand.