Hull-based Williamsons Solicitors has launched a new industrial disease department, becoming one of the few legal practices in the city to have a dedicated team in this area of law.
Headed by industrial disease specialist Caroline Harraway, the team will act on behalf of claimants suffering from a range of health issues including deafness, skin complaints and repetitive strain injuries to respiratory illnesses and cancers, such as those induced by exposure to asbestos.
Ms Harraway, who has joined the firm to head the department, said that although the modern workplace was dominated by health and safety, many people were still suffering the effects of industrial injury and disease from their working lives. “We are dealing with a lot of historical claims due to previous heavy industry in the local area and nationwide,” she said.
“Deafness cases are very common and audiogram technology now provides a straightforward medical test to indicate whether or not the disability is noise related.
“We’re here to represent the interests of genuine clients who have done nothing more than work hard and as a result have contracted an industrial disease that impairs them in later life,” she said. “In worse case scenarios the disease can actually shorten their life expectancy.
“We pride ourselves on really caring about our clients and working hard to achieve the best possible outcome for them.”
Williamsons’ industrial disease specialist, Caroline Harraway, left, with Bill Waddington, director, and assistant Emma White
Caroline previously worked for a firm in West Yorkshire, in one case alone winning damages of £250,000. Her new appointment at Williamsons is a homecoming for the University of Hull-educated solicitor who also grew up in the city and started her career with another Hull firm. She is joined by Emma White, who also specialises in industrial disease litigation and is a graduate of the University of Hull and Institute of Legal Executives.
Bill Waddington, who heads Williamsons’ defence advocacy department, said: “Our decision to establish a dedicated industrial disease department follows the growing number of enquiries we have received through the firm’s well established personal injury team.
“There is clearly a need for this service which is currently unmet in Hull and I believe, with their strong background in this area, Caroline and Emma can make a valuable difference to the lives of many people who are still suffering the effects of workplace illness and disease.”
For more information, contact Williamsons Solicitors on 01482 323697 or visit www.williamsons-solicitors.co.uk
The most common industrial injuries and diseases claimed for include:
- Industrial deafness
- Respiratory conditions
- Asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma (a rare form of lung cancer)
- Repetitive strain injuries
- Hand-arm vibration syndrome
- Skin complaints, such as dermatitis
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