Occupational Leukaemia

Occupational Leukaemia

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Russell Worth solicitors have won compensation for workers who’ve developed an occupational cancer from their job, such as Leukaemia. The compensation they receive helps to cover any lost earning or the cost of care whilst they recover. If you or a loved one has developed an cancer such as occupational leukaemia because of the job they’ve done or the workplace they’ve worked in, then you maybe able to make a claim for compensation.

Leukaemia is a malignant progressive disease where the bone marrow and other blood-forming organs produce a higher number of immature or abnormal leucocytes. These stop normal blood cells from forming, leading to a range of painful symptoms for sufferers.

What are the different types of occupational leukaemia?

There are many different types of Leukaemia and the disease can be caused by many different things. Sadly, some types of Leukaemia can be caused by exposure to certain chemicals prevalent in many everyday jobs and these causes are what we will be focusing on in more detail below. The two main types of acute leukaemia are:

• Acute myeloid leukaemia
• Acute lymphoblastic leukaemia

The three main types of chronic leukaemia are:

• Chronic myeloid leukaemia
• Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia
• Hairy cell leukaemia

A known risk factor of acute leukaemia is exposure to a chemical called benzene. Exposure to this chemical can occur in the pharmaceutical, rubber, petrol and chemical industries and is also used in the printing industry and in shoe production. It is thought that the risk increases with a higher level of exposure over a longer amount of time. Chronic myeloid leukaemia (CML) is thought, in some cases, to be caused by using pesticides at work. A review assessed published evidence on men exposed to pesticides through their work (e.g. farmers and agricultural workers) and showed that men were 40% more at risk of developing CML compared to the general population. In addition, the Occupational Health Decennial Supplement for England found that butchers and farmers were at an increased risk of developing leukaemia as they may potentially be exposed to animal viruses.

Can I claim for occupational leukaemia?

If you or your loved one has suffered with leukaemia and you believe that this could be as a result of harmful exposure in their job, we may be able to help you make a claim for compensation. We understand that this will be an incredibly difficult time for you and your family – our clinical negligence solicitors have dealt with hundreds of cases of this nature and will act with the utmost compassion. If you would like to discuss your individual case, please call 0800 122 310 or contact us online here. You can also request a call at a time convenient for you by clicking here.