How Much Compensation For Dermatitis Claims?

If you have suffered dermatitis as a result of your workplace, we may be able to help you claim compensation. Have a look at our dedicated page on industrial dermatitis claims for answers to questions you may have about dermatitis claims or contact us. You may also be able to make a claim if you have existing dermatitis, such as eczema, that has been made worse by conditions in your workplace.

Call us today on 0333 358 3034 or get in touch online for a confidential conversation about your circumstances

Causes of dermatitis

There are numerous workplaces where employees are exposed to the dangers of dermatitis. Often these places are industrial settings like factories and plants where there are harmful chemicals in use or other causative agents such as:

• cement
• oils
• detergents
• paints
• flour
• bleaches
• glues

Contact dermatitis is sometimes caused by contact with rubber or latex gloves, coins, chemicals and cleaners and some alcohol-based hand sanitisers.

Employers are duty-bound to ensure that all employees are protected in terms of health and safety in the workplace. They must take steps to reduce any risks in your working environment that might cause dermatitis. For instance, if you work in an at-risk environment, your employer should give you protective equipment such as gloves and overalls. If they fail to do this and you develop occupational dermatitis, you may be able to pursue a compensation claim.

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Dermatitis Symptoms

Dermatitis symptoms can vary greatly depending upon the severity of your condition. Dermatitis symptoms can also vary differently depending upon who is afflicted by the condition. However, some of the more common and general symptoms of dermatitis include: 

• Blisters. 
• Rashes. 
• Redness to the skin. 
• Dry and cracked skin. 
• Itchy skin. 
• Painful skin, with a slight sting or burning feeling. 
• Swelling. 

As stated, there are many different types of dermatitis. Some of the most common types include atopic dermatitis, commonly known as eczema, and dyshidrotic dermatitis – which mostly occurs on the feet and the hands. 

 If you develop symptoms of dermatitis whilst at work or you have pre-existing dermatitis that gets worse when at work it is important that you let your employer know as soon as possible and report this to your occupational health department so that they can identify the cause and help to prevent any further exposure.  You should also contact your GP. Symptoms of dermatitis can include.   

• Burns  
• Blisters  
• Redness  
• Itchiness  
• Dry and/or cracked skin  

YOUR EMPLOYER’S LEGAL OBLIGATION

Legally, your employer must comply with the law on hazardous substances that could lead to dermatitis. They must take all necessary steps in reducing and preventing the risk where possible.
According to the Health and Safety Executive, employers must ensure they adhere to the following under the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations 2002.

• Protective clothing and equipment are provided to employees where possible.
• Assessments and monitoring of the exposure to harmful substances must be carried out regularly and documented with exposure being controlled where possible.
• Information and training must be delivered to employees.

Read about Industrial Dermatitis Claims

Occupational dermatitis claims

The figures below will give you an indication of how much you might receive in a successful dermatitis compensation claim.  However, it is important to note that every case is different and the amount of compensation you might receive will depend upon your individual circumstances. The figures we have supplied are based on the latest version of the Judicial College general damages compensation guidelines.

Severity of dermatitis	Potential compensation
Dermatitis affecting both hands to the point of cracking and soreness with no sign of a full recovery. This level of dermatitis often has a psychological impact. It can also impinge upon employment prospects and affects an individual’s ability to carry out everyday tasks like housework.	£11,730 – £16,380
Dermatitis which has affected one hand for a prolonged period of time but has been resolved with treatment or the use of gloves for tasks that pose a risk to the condition.	£7,380 – £9,740
Itching and skin irritation as well as rashes on either or both hands, which have resolved within a matter of months.	£1,460 – £3,370

Most cases of dermatitis at work relate to the hands. However, there are some instances where the head can be affected too. If your dermatitis is on your face, compensation amounts are likely to be higher as this is a very visible part of your body.

 

If you have suffered a loss of earnings or had to pay for medical treatment, this will be also included in any settlement.

With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

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AMOUNT OF COMPENSATION FOR DERMATITIS CLAIMS

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. The amount of compensation that is awarded is determined by looking at two distinct factors – general damages and special damages.

GENERAL DAMAGES

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused is the main factor that is used to determine how much compensation you are owed.

SPECIAL DAMAGES

However, compensation also takes into account any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries, such as a loss of earnings due to being unable to return to work.

DERMATITIS CLAIMS, START TODAY

If you contact us about an injury that wasn’t your fault, we are here to assess your accident claim.

You can either call us free on 0333 358 3034 or enquire online and one of our team will be in touch with you to discuss your potential personal injury claim in more detail, on an informal and confidential basis.

Where next? Read

Industrial Dermatitis Claims