Exposure to asbestos or other toxic substances

Exposure to hazardous chemicals, materials and substances can cause serious illness or injury. If you've suffered from chemical poisoning, exposure to materials or chemicals our solicitors could help you claim compensation. The military has a duty of care and should disclose to you that you will be working with hazardous or toxic material. 

How does exposure to toxic substances happen?

There have been circumstances where military personnel have unknowingly been exposed to dangerous chemicals and materials without being told. This is unacceptable and if you have been injured or potentially facing long standing health changes we will help you advance a claim for personal injury compensation. 

Anyone working in hazardous or toxic chemical and materials environment should have proper safety equipment and training. In many cases, exposure has happened without the knowledge of the individual

Our solicitors have experience of handling toxic chemical claims caused by number of hazardous substances, including:

  • Chemicals (or products containing chemicals)
  • Fumes, dusts, vapours and mists
  • Gases, particularly asphyxiating gases
  • Biological agents (bacteria and viruses)
  • Asbestos

The effects of poisoning or exposure will vary depending on the substance and the type of exposure, but the following conditions can be common:

  • Dermatitis
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Respiratory problems
  • Illnesses such as leptospirosis or legionnaires
  • Cancers and other fatal diseases
  • Immune system illnesses

If you've suffered exposure to chemicals or materials which were toxic to you without proper precautions being taken by the military you could claim compensation.

Navigating Life Following Injury

The consequences of using defective military equipment can be severe and life-altering, with potential risks including:

  1. Physical Injuries: Equipment malfunctions can lead to injuries ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe, life-threatening wounds.
  2. Medical care: Seeking the best medical care is crucial for your recovery. Make sure you are receiving the necessary treatment and rehabilitation.
  3. Psychological Trauma: Injuries caused by defective equipment can result in emotional distress, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and long-term psychological challenges.
  4. Financial Burden: Medical bills, lost wages due to time off work, and ongoing healthcare costs can impose a significant financial burden on injured service members and their families.
  5. Impaired Military Service: Injuries from faulty equipment can impact a service member's ability to perform their duties, potentially leading to discharge or early retirement.
  6. Rehabilitation and Vocational Training: In some cases, rehabilitation and vocational training may be necessary to help you regain independence and pursue new career opportunities.

Why bring a claim?

  1. Accountability: Bringing a military defective equipment claim is not only about seeking compensation but also about holding responsible parties accountable. It sends a powerful message that substandard equipment and negligence will not be tolerated, potentially preventing future accidents.
  2. Financial Compensation: Injuries from defective military equipment can result in medical and rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and long-term physical or emotional distress. Pursuing a claim can help you secure the financial compensation you need to cover these costs and ensure a stable future.
  3. Veterans' Rights: As a service member or veteran, you have rights, and you deserve to be treated fairly. Bringing a claim can help protect the rights and well-being of all those who serve or have served their country.

Injuries sustained in military service can have a profound impact on your life. It's essential to navigate this new chapter with the right support and resources:

Compensation Routes

If you have sustained an injury through chemical or material exposure whilst serving in the military, you might be entitled to make a claim. We take a civil claim on your behalf for compensation. There are time scales and you should contact us as soon as possible to investigate an action for you. 

If you’ve been injured by defective military equipment while serving in any capacity in the Army, Navy, RAF or Special Forces, you may be able to claim compensation. You could also claim if you were injured while serving in the Army Reserve (formerly the Territorial Army), Navy, RAF or Special Forces Reserves.

If your injury was caused wholly or partly by your service, you should also make a claim to the Armed Forces Compensation Scheme as soon as possible. There are strict time limits and we would encourage a claim be submitted as soon as possible.

Our solicitors understand the complex and long-lasting challenges posed by injuries and impact on families when a loved one dies of their injury. We are here to help military personnel and veterans navigate the compensation. We will ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and their consequences.

Contact Us

If you or a loved one has experienced a chemical or material exposure while serving in the military, reach out to Speir Buchan today. We are here to provide not only expert legal guidance but also an understanding of the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you face. Together, we'll work towards securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

 

Start here /

Discuss Your Case

Are you are seeking legal representation for "No Win No fee" complex litigation matters? Speir Buchan is your trusted partner, specialising in: Medical Negligence, Workplace Accidents, MOD (Ministry of Defence) Claims and Road Traffic Accidents.