Latex allergies and work accident compensation claims
Statistics show that a growing number of people are having to make accident at work compensation claims after developing a latex allergy. Many professionals come into contact with the material, but those most often exposed to it are healthcare workers, car mechanics and caterers who all use latex gloves in the course of their day to day work.
It is estimated that between one and six percent of people are sensitive to latex and may go on to develop symptoms of a latex reaction if they are exposed to the substance. However, this figure is much higher among some professions, with some studies putting the sensitivity rate of doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals as high as 17%.
Latex allergies in the workplace
There are two types of latex allergy: Type I and Type IV. The first type is the more serious and in rare cases, individuals with a Type 1 latex allergy may suffer a fatal reaction. Symptoms of this type of allergy include hay fever and asthma, along with the very serious anaphylaxis, where blood pressure drops dangerously low.
Those who suffer from the second type of latex allergy, Type IV, are unlikely to die from their allergy, although it may cause severe discomfort. The main symptom of this reaction is an itchy rash on and around the area of contact, which, among workers, is most often the hands and lower arms. Unlike Type 1 allergies, which occur almost immediately, the symptoms of a Type IV allergy may not be seen for between six and 48 hours after the exposure.
However, most of those who have a reaction after coming into contact with latex do not have an 'allergy' as such. Instead, they may well be diagnosed with irritant contact dermatitis, a skin condition characterised by a rash which may well take days or weeks to fade. Whilst it is not classed as an allergy, irritant contact dermatitis is just as uncomfortable for those who suffer from it.
If you suffer from any of the above due to exposure to latex in the workplace, you may well be able to make an accident at work compensation claim against your employer. This is a particularly important step for those with Type 1 latex allergy, who may have to give up their career as a result of their allergy.
Cost-free accident at work compensation claims
If you have suffered the effects of a latex allergy in the workplace, the personal injury solicitors on YouClaim's panel may well be able to help you.
With extensive knowledge of this kind of compensation claim, our no win, no fee solicitors provide the very finest service to our customers and have an exceptional success rate. All of our solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority.
We believe that it should be as simple as possible for people to claim personal injury compensation after a workplace accident, so we have made it that way. We will use plain English at all times, rather than complex legal jargon, and will take you step-by-step through our straightforward claims process.
What's more, there are no costs or fees to pay, no matter what the outcome of your no win, no fee compensation claim. We protect you from these at all times, ensuring that you do not have to pay a penny to anyone.
For a cost-free, obligation-free assessment for an accident at work compensation claim, get in touch with us today. You can do this by calling us free on 0800 10 757 95, requesting a call back or chatting to us online via e-chat.
