Workplace Illness and Injury

Thousands of workers develop illnesses and diseases every year through their workplace environment. Some conditions, including those caused by exposure to asbestos, can take years or even decades to develop, long after the victim has been removed from harm. It is often difficult to trace the employer responsible for the damage after such time.

Our clients have included factory workers, rail workers, service personnel, seafarers and oil-rig workers. The Coles legal team have extensive experience in attending inquests and pursuing successful claims for compensation on behalf of the families of victims in fatal cases. With a network of expert doctors, engineers and barristers at the ready, Coles solicitors will endeavour to achieve the best and quickest possible results for anyone who has been diagnosed in the last three years with an illness caused by conditions at work, even though the victim may have retired years before the illness developed.

Industrial accidents and injury

Our solicitors are experienced in handling a variety of industrial based cases throughout Yorkshire and The North-East. This included the 2001 Selby (Great Heck) rail tragedy where Coles were the lead solicitor and the first to issue court proceedings acting on behalf of 12 victims one of whom received an award of £5,000,000. We have also acted for all injured parties in the 2006 Tebay rail disaster including the families of four workers who lost their lives.

Armed Forces and MoD support staff

“Crown immunity” used to mean that military personnel (or their relatives) were excluded from claiming damages from the government in respect of death or personal injuries even when the injury was caused by other members of the British Armed Forces. However, the bar was removed by the Crown Proceedings (Armed Forces) Act 1987.

Law for heroes!

This legislation suspended that immunity, thereby allowing servicemen and women to pursue civil claims for damages in the same way as other workers who are injured during the course of their employment where someone else is at fault.  Members of the Armed Forces are still a special case however, and this can affect the prospects of success in personal injury actions by service personnel. The Coles team include solicitors with military service as well as experience of handling claims on behalf of Armed Forces and Military personnel and MoD support staff.

Accidents at sea

Warning!  The laws and regulations governing accidents at sea are quite separate from the position on shore. Make sure you instruct the right law firm to deal with your claim.

An accident at sea during the course of employment is covered by a different set of health and safety regulations. The time limit for bringing claims for accidents to passengers is 2 years and not 3 years (as on land) – this can be missed by inexperienced claims executives, with claims going out of time as a result.

The health and safety regulations that apply on land are not applicable on ships and few solicitors have the experience to argue these cases correctly. Court actions must be pursued through the specialist Admiralty Court in London.

Our successful cases have included slips on wet decks, injuries causes by defective cabin doors, exposures to diesel fumes, injuries while handling heavy objects and through exposure to asbestos. Everything from minor injuries to fatal accidents.

Coles solicitors have the expertise and experience to achieve the best and quickest results for all victims of accidents at sea whether this is at work or at leisure.

No win no fee – our pledge to you

You can pursue your claim with Coles without any charges whatsoever if your claim is unsuccessful. If you win, you will be charged a success fee based on the time spent on your case. This will never be more than 25% of the compensation you receive.

Coles are proud to be a member of the Motor Accident Solicitors Society (MASS) We are also accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). Several of our solicitors are also members of the Law Society Personal Injury Panel. This gives you the reassurance that your claim will be handled by experts with experience of looking after people just like you, winning you the compensation you deserve. You can be sure you will receive the very best in terms of care and legal advice for your claim.

Our Experts In This Area

Laurence Daniels

Mingus Menzies-Baird