Last Updated on June 3, 2025 by tanya

Compensation For Occupational Osteoarthritis

 

How To File Your Claim

 

Osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint condition but you may be entitled to compensation for occupational osteoarthritis. This is if there was employer negligence which may have caused or worsened your condition. Osteoarthritis is a condition which affects thousands of people and is commonly associated with age and genetics.

However, your type of work may aggravate or even cause the condition due to unsafe working conditions. This is known as occupational osteoarthritis. A claim for compensation typically covers medical costs, lost wages and other related expenses. So if you believe you may have work-related osteoarthritis, you may want to find out more about filing a claim.

First Personal Injury can help as we partner with highly experienced lawyers who can assess your case and guide you according

 

What Causes Work-Related Osteoarthritis?

Osteoarthritis is a condition where the cartilage in joints wears down over time. This typically leads to pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. However, occupational osteoarthritis refers specifically to cases where repetitive tasks, heavy lifting, awkward postures, or exposure to vibrations in the workplace cause or accelerate the degeneration of joints.

Common affected joints include:

 

• Knees (common in jobs involving frequent squatting or kneeling)
• Hips (occurs in heavy lifting occupations)
• Hands and fingers (seen in manual labour and assembly line jobs)
• Spine and lower back (frequently affected in construction and driving roles)

 

Workers in construction, agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and healthcare are particularly at risk. These industries often involve operating heavy machinery and tools or standing, or sitting,  for prolonged periods.

 

When is Osteoarthritis Caused by Employer Negligence?

Under health and safety laws, employers are legally required to protect their workers from foreseeable injury and illness. This includes musculoskeletal disorders such as osteoarthritis.

Therefore, if your job exposes you to repetitive strain, improper ergonomics, or unsafe working practices without proper precautions or training, you may be entitled to make a claim.

Here are some ways an employer could be found negligent:

 

Failure to Conduct Risk Assessments

Employers must regularly assess workplace risks. This includes ergonomic assessments to identify repetitive or strenuous tasks that may cause joint damage.

 

Lack of Proper Training

If employees are not trained in safe lifting techniques or how to use equipment correctly to reduce strain on joints, this could be considered as negligence.

 

Inadequate Equipment or Tools

Providing outdated or poorly maintained equipment, or not supplying ergonomic tools that could prevent strain, may all contribute to workplace injuries.

 

Unreasonable Workloads or Repetition

Excessive repetition of certain tasks without rotation or rest breaks can accelerate joint damage. You should be able to take breaks or rotate tasks to prevent harm.

 

Ignoring Symptoms or Complaints

If an employee reports joint pain and the employer does not investigate or make reasonable adjustments, they could be found negligent.

 

Can You Claim Compensation for Occupational Osteoarthritis?

Yes, but you will have to be able to demonstrate that your osteoarthritis is work-related and caused (or worsened) by employer negligence. The aim of a claim for compensation for occupational osteoarthritis is to help with medical costs, loss of earnings, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs.

However, you should start your claim as early as possible. Importantly, there is a time limit of three years to claim. Therefore, this period starts from the date you were diagnosed or became aware that your condition was work-related.

 

How to File a Personal Injury Claim

Here’s a step-by-step guide to filing a claim:

 

Seek Medical Diagnosis

The first step is to consult your GP or a specialist. You’ll need a formal diagnosis of osteoarthritis and, ideally, an opinion linking the condition to your work activities. Importantly, your medical records will form a crucial element of your evidence.

 

Document Your Work Conditions

Gather detailed information about your job requirements, including:

 

• Length of time in the role
• Daily physical tasks
• Equipment used frequently
• Shift patterns and breaks
• Any complaints made to management
• Colleagues who may support your claim

 

If your employer failed to carry out risk assessments or provide proper training, PPE or ergonomic tools, these details can all strengthen your case.

 

Report the Injury

It’s vital that you report your condition to your employer in writing. Additionally, you should ensure it’s logged in the company’s accident or illness book. So, this creates a formal record of the issue.

 

Provide Evidence of Financial Loss

Compensation isn’t just for physical pain as the goal is to help you get your life back on track. Therefore, you can also claim for:

 

• Loss of earnings (past and future)
• Medical treatment costs
• Travel expenses related to treatment
• Adaptations to your home or vehicle if necessary

 

Ensure you keep receipts, payslips, and a log of any expenses related to your condition.

 

How Much Compensation For Occupational Osteoarthritis Can You Claim?

Compensation varies depending on the severity of the condition and its impact on your life. So, your lawyer will be able to give you a more tailored estimate for your claim. It’s important to note that every claim is different and compensation is calculated for each unique case under legal guidelines.

 

Will I Lose My Job If I Claim?

It is illegal for your employer to dismiss or penalise you for making a legitimate personal injury claim. Therefore, you are protected under employment law. However, if you do face retaliation, this may be grounds for an unfair dismissal or constructive dismissal claim as well.

 

Need Help?

Osteoarthritis is often wrongly accepted as a part of aging, but if your work contributed to its onset, you may want to seek compensation. Employers have a duty of care to protect your health. If that duty has been breached, you deserve fair compensation for the pain and hardship caused.

If you suspect your osteoarthritis is linked to your work, At First Personal Injury, we work with expert lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. We’re here to help you claim the compensation you deserve.

 

📞 Call us now on 0333 358 2345 📧 Or contact us online and we’ll call you back at a time that suits you for a free, no-obligation consultation.