Diagnosed With an Industrial Disease? You Could Be Owed Thousands.
Industrial disease claims arise when a worker develops a serious medical condition as a direct result of their working environment. Unlike accident claims — where a single incident causes an injury — industrial diseases develop gradually over months or years of exposure to hazardous substances, excessive noise, vibration or other workplace risks.
Scotland has a rich industrial heritage in shipbuilding, mining, construction, engineering and manufacturing — industries that exposed generations of workers to asbestos, coal dust, silica, excessive noise and other harmful agents. Many of those workers, or their families, are only now seeking compensation for conditions caused decades ago.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles industrial disease claims across Scotland on a no win no fee basis. There is no financial risk to you. If your claim is unsuccessful, you pay nothing.
How Much Could You Receive?
Compensation varies significantly depending on the condition and its severity:
| Condition | Typical Award |
|---|
| Mesothelioma | £80,040 - £152,210 |
| Asbestosis / Pleural Thickening (severe) | £82,290 - £125,010 |
| Asbestosis / Pleural Thickening (moderate) | £34,680 - £82,290 |
| Pleural Plaques (Scotland only) | £8,350 - £17,380 |
| Industrial Deafness (severe bilateral) | £42,730 - £82,030 |
| Industrial Deafness (moderate) | £14,900 - £42,730 |
| Silicosis / Occupational Lung Disease | £34,680 - £125,010 |
| Occupational Asthma | £34,680 - £125,010 |
Based on Judicial College Guidelines for general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity).
That's not all. Most industrial disease claimants also receive substantial special damages for lost earnings, loss of pension, care costs, medical treatment, travel to appointments and other out-of-pocket expenses. For serious conditions like mesothelioma, total settlements including special damages frequently exceed £200,000.
Who Can Claim?
Any worker who has developed an industrial disease as a result of their employer's failure to protect them can claim. This includes retired workers, those who have changed jobs, and even the families of workers who have died from an industrial disease. Claims can be brought against employers who have ceased trading — their employers' liability insurers remain liable. The Employers' Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) database helps locate former insurers for defunct companies.
Industrial Disease Claims — Frequently Asked Questions
An industrial disease claim is a compensation claim for a medical condition caused by your working environment or working practices. Unlike accident claims, industrial diseases develop gradually over months or years of exposure to hazardous substances, noise, vibration or other workplace risks. Common examples include mesothelioma, asbestosis, industrial deafness and occupational asthma.
Yes. Employers were legally required to hold employers' liability insurance under the Employers' Liability (Compulsory Insurance) Act 1969. Those insurance policies can still be traced and claimed against today, even if the employer ceased trading decades ago. The Employers' Liability Tracing Office (ELTO) database and Companies House records help locate former insurers.
3 years from the date of knowledge under the Prescription and Limitation (Scotland) Act 1973. The date of knowledge is when you first knew or ought reasonably to have known that your condition was caused by your work. This means claims can often be brought for exposures that occurred many years or even decades ago. Do not delay — contact us as soon as possible after diagnosis.
Compensation varies significantly by condition. Mesothelioma claims typically attract £80,040–£152,210 in general damages. Industrial deafness ranges from £6,970 to £82,030. Asbestosis and pleural thickening range from £34,680 to £125,010. All figures are from the Judicial College Guidelines for general damages only — special damages for lost earnings, care costs and expenses are paid on top.
Scottish Claims Helpline handles claims for mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, asbestos lung cancer, silicosis, industrial deafness, noise-induced hearing loss, vibration white finger, hand-arm vibration syndrome, occupational asthma, and other work-related conditions. If you are unsure whether your condition qualifies, contact us for a free assessment.
Yes. You need to show that your employer failed to protect you from the hazard that caused your condition — for example by failing to provide protective equipment, adequate ventilation, health surveillance, or by exposing you to known hazardous substances without proper controls under the COSHH Regulations 2002 or the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005. Your solicitor gathers this evidence on your behalf.
How Do I Start My Claim?
It takes 2 minutes. Fill in our short form and one of our specialist Scottish solicitors will call you back at a time that suits. They will listen to what happened, tell you straight away if you have a claim, and explain exactly how much you could receive — all completely free and with no obligation. If you decide to go ahead, everything is handled for you on a no win no fee basis from start to finish. You pay nothing unless you win.
About this page: Written by the Scottish Claims Helpline editorial team. Reviewed by a qualified Scottish solicitor specialising in industrial disease litigation. Last reviewed February 2026. Scottish Claims Helpline is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (
FRN 830381).