Illness can sometimes be caused by circumstances that could reasonably have been avoided.

While many personal injury claims arise from accidents, illness can also result from exposure to contaminated food or water, unsafe environments, hazardous substances or failures in health and safety procedures.

In some cases, the effects of an illness may be short-term and resolve within days or weeks. In others, symptoms can be more serious, require medical treatment or lead to longer-term health complications.

Where an illness has been caused by another person or organisation failing to take reasonable care, it may be possible to bring a claim for compensation.

When can an illness compensation claim arise?

An illness compensation claim may be possible where a person becomes unwell because appropriate standards, procedures or safety measures have not been followed.

This can arise in a variety of circumstances, including:

• Exposure to contaminated food or drink
• Exposure to contaminated water
• Unsafe workplace conditions
• Poor hygiene or infection control measures
• Failures in environmental health procedures
• Exposure to hazardous substances

Each case will depend on the circumstances surrounding the illness and how the exposure occurred.

Common types of illness compensation claims

Illness can arise in many different ways. Some of the most common claims involve:

Food poisoning claims

Food poisoning can be caused by contaminated food, poor hygiene practices or failures in food safety procedures.

Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and stomach cramps, and in some cases can require medical treatment.

Norovirus claims

Norovirus is a highly contagious viral infection that can spread quickly through contaminated environments, shared facilities and poor hygiene controls.

Outbreaks often occur in hotels, care settings, workplaces and public venues.

Legionnaires' disease claims

Legionnaires' disease is a potentially serious lung infection caused by exposure to Legionella bacteria, often linked to contaminated water systems.

Claims may arise where water systems have not been properly monitored or maintained.

Contaminated water and cryptosporidium claims

Illness caused by contaminated water can occur through drinking water supplies, recreational water facilities or other environments where water safety controls have failed.

Cryptosporidium is one of the most common infections associated with contaminated water exposure.

Allergic reaction claims

Allergic reactions can occur following exposure to substances such as food allergens, chemicals, latex, dust or workplace materials.

In some cases, appropriate precautions may not have been taken to minimise known risks.

Carbon monoxide poisoning claims

Carbon monoxide poisoning can occur where fuel-burning appliances, heating systems or equipment have not been properly maintained.

Because carbon monoxide cannot be seen or smelt, exposure is not always identified immediately.

The impact of illness

The consequences of illness can vary considerably depending on the cause and severity of the condition.

This may include:

• Time away from work
• Medical treatment and recovery
• Loss of earnings
• Disruption to family and personal life
• Ongoing health complications

In more serious cases, symptoms can continue long after the initial illness has resolved.

Claiming compensation for illness

If an illness has been caused by negligence or a failure to follow appropriate standards, compensation may be available.

A claim may take account of:

• The nature and severity of the illness
• Medical treatment received
• Financial losses
• The impact on daily life
• Any ongoing symptoms or complications

Each claim is assessed on its own facts and evidence.

How our personal injury solicitors can help

Our Personal Injury team can assist by:

• Reviewing how the illness occurred
• Identifying whether appropriate precautions were in place
• Considering who may be responsible
• Gathering relevant evidence
• Explaining funding options, including no win no fee arrangements and Legal Expenses Insurance, where available

We assess every case on its individual circumstances and the specific cause of the illness.

What happens first?

The first step is a confidential, no-obligation conversation.

We will listen to what has happened, explain whether a claim may be possible and discuss the options available.

There is no pressure to proceed, and any discussion can take place at a pace that feels right for you.

Time limits for illness compensation claims

Personal injury claims are subject to time limits. In most cases, a claim must be started within three years of the illness or the date you became aware that the illness may have been caused by another party's actions or omissions.

Because evidence relating to illness can become more difficult to obtain over time, early investigation is often helpful.

Illness compensation claims – frequently asked questions

Can I claim compensation for an illness?

A claim may be possible where an illness has been caused by another person or organisation failing to take reasonable care.

What types of illness can give rise to a claim?

Claims may arise from food poisoning, contaminated water, Legionnaires' disease, norovirus, allergic reactions, carbon monoxide poisoning and other illnesses caused by negligence.

Do I need medical evidence?

Medical records are often an important part of establishing the nature of the illness and its impact.

What if other people became ill as well?

In some cases, outbreaks or contamination incidents affect multiple people. Each claim will still be assessed individually based on the circumstances involved.

How long do illness compensation claims take?

This will depend on the nature of the illness, the evidence available and whether responsibility is disputed.

Speak to us about an illness compensation claim

If you have suffered an illness that you believe may have been caused by negligence, we understand how disruptive this can be to your health, work and daily life.

An initial conversation can help you understand your position and identify the next practical steps, with no obligation to proceed.

Contact our Personal Injury team to discuss an illness compensation claim in confidence.

Contact our Personal Injury team at Clarkson Wright & Jakes on 01689 887887 or at cwj@cwj.co.uk to discuss a defective work equipment claim. 

Alternatively, you can complete our Personal Injury Calculator here.