Industrial cancers

A diagnosis with cancer is devastating news and this is often the reason that possible industrial causes are overlooked.  However, it is well known that some particular cancers are caused by occupational or environmental factors and it may be the case that the victim is entitled to state benefits, or to bring a legal claim.

For example, responsibility for lung cancer commonly comes before the court.  Whilst asbestos is well-known as a cause of lung cancer from the inhalation of asbestos fibres, other known industrial hazards include silica dust and arsenic dust or vapours.  Silica dust can also be a cause and Leigh Day & Co’s Richard Meeran is presently representing 10 African miners bringing claims for silicosis in the Johannesburg High Court. 

Some particular nasal cancers are known to be caused by exposure to wood dust, or exposure to solvents in shoe production.  Angiosarcoma of the liver can be caused by exposure to products in the PVC industry.

“Legal cases for industrial diseases can be complex due to the issues in proving that somebody was exposed to significant quantities of the hazardous substance.  One particular issue is that many cancers have a “latency period” meaning the symptoms do not develop for many years after the exposure.  However, there are procedures in place to assist claimants through the courts to ensure that cases are heard quickly and effectively by an experienced judge.”