Joanne Keeling joined Hampshire Police in 1995 initially working as a Special Constable.  She later became a regular police officer from 2000.  During her employment, she wore latex gloves for various tasks such as examining evidence at crime scenes.  She was provided with powdered latex gloves initially and then used non-powdered latex gloves.  As a result of this, she developed an allergy to latex, which worsened such that she suffered some anaphylactic attacks.  She was diagnosed with a Type I allergy to latex and instructed Leigh Day & Co to represent her in a claim for damages against her employer.

The police force admitted liability after court proceedings were commenced and Leigh Day & Co negotiated a settlement of £32,500.  Fortunately notwithstanding her allergy, Mrs Keeling has able to continue in her employment but her condition had a profound effect on her day-to-day life. 

Individuals can develop an allergy to latex proteins with prolonged or heavy exposure. Symptoms normally develop gradually and increase in severity.  Sometimes the condition is so severe that the victim experiences anaphylactic attacks.  Once sensitised, sufferers have to be cautious about the materials they come into contact with as this can permanently worsen their condition or cause further serious attack. The condition often leads to a change of lifestyle for many.  Furthermore, it can have a serious impact on their career. In some cases, sufferers have to retrain and pursue a different career.

on 020 7650 1200.