Amount of Compensation

Understanding the amount of compensation owed for poisoning or exposure cases requires careful consideration of all the evidence and the extent of the illnesses that have developed. Therefore, it is necessary to talk to a personal injury solicitor to truly understand how much compensation you are likely to be able to claim.

The general damages of compensation cover the pain and suffering that has been caused by illnesses or injury. General damages also cover the impact of the injury or illness upon your ability to function and complete tasks as you normally would – what is known as a loss of amenity. However, the special damages part of compensation covers financial losses related to your illness or injury.

For example, if you have been unable to work due to your illness then you may be able to recuperate financial losses through compensation. Therefore, it can be quite useful to keep receipts that highlight any costs, such as treatment, relating to your illness.

What is MEK (Methyl Ethyl Ketone)?

MEK is a colourless, highly flammable liquid which is also sometimes referred to as butanone. MEK is used to manufacture rubber, plastics and textiles. It is also contained within some varnishes, paint removers and paints. It acts to allow substances to evaporate quickly. However, exposure to this substance can make a person very ill, with the consequences of exposure often being long-term.

Symptoms of MEK Exposure

The common symptoms of MEK Exposure include:

• Headaches
• Dizziness
• Disorientation and lack of coordination
• Nausea and vomiting
• Tiredness and drowsiness
• Breathing issues
• Eye irritation 
• Contact dermatitis
• Irritated mucus membranes within the nose, mouth or throat

Personal Injury Claims Against an Employer

While some people might worry about suffering negative consequences if they make a claim against their employer, if an employer did act negatively towards you because of a claim then this would only spell further legal trouble for them. For example, if an employer fired you due to you making a claim against them, you could claim wrongful dismissal in response.

Exposure in the Workplace

If your place of work contains MEK then your employer could be putting your health at risk if protections are not put in place and regulations are not followed. It is possible to breathe in fumes or MEK could be ingested through liquid or food. MEK can also cause irritation through direct contact with the skin.

Companies that use MEK within any of their operational processes must comply with the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health regulations. Such regulations include the use of masks, goggles and respiratory equipment when necessary. Employers must also carry out risk assessments and regularly check machinery to ensure that it is up to health and safety standards.

Workplaces should also be well ventilated to help reduce the likelihood of exposure. Regular tests to understand the breath butanone levels should also be carried out, ensuring that the level does not exceed 100 nmol/l as highlighted in the Health and Safety Executive regulations.

If your accident or illness occurred because your employer did not adhere to health and safety law then it is very likely that your claim is viable, as long as enough evidence can be collected to prove blame.

How Much Compensation?

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.

Special Damages

In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed. With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident initially occurred. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice. Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.