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Organic Phosphate Poisoning Claims

If you are suffering from an illness or disease caused by exposure to organic phosphates, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our specialist personal injury solicitors can provide expert claim advice and assistance, so contact us on 0800 0328511 or by completing a claim enquiry form.

What Are Organic Phosphates?
Health Effects of Organic Phosphate Exposure
Making an Injury Compensation Claim
Organic Phosphate Poisoning Compensation
Our Personal Injury Lawyers

What are Organic Phosphates?

Organic phosphates, often called organophosphates or “OPs”, are a group of chemical solutions most commonly used in agriculture as insecticides or herbicides. They are often used in sheep dips and crop spraying, however are sometimes used in other circumstances, including at workplaces and even in some household products.

They are toxic and kill pests by attacking the nervous system. Therefore, organic phosphates are also very hazardous to humans and can be dangerous if not handled and used with the proper care.

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Health Effects of Organic Phosphate Exposure

If a person is exposed to organophosphates without suitable protection, they can become unwell as a result. Symptoms of organic phosphate poisoning include headaches, sweating, vomiting, diarrhoea and poor concentration. In cases of acute exposure, organophosphates can cause neurological damage or even death.

Anyone who believes that their health may have been affected by OPs should seek immediate medical advice.

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Making an Injury Compensation Claim

In order to make a successful claim, it is important to seek the advice of a specialist personal injury lawyer, with experience in claming compensation for the victims of industrial injuries and diseases.

In every case, medical evidence will be required and it is necessary to show that the person you are making a claim against owed you a duty of care, that they breached that duty of care (what is known in law as negligent), and that the injury you sustained was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of that negligence.

Your lawyer will be able to collect all of the relevant evidence and information and advise on the best way to pursue your claim.

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Organic Phosphate Poisoning Compensation

There are two elements to a compensation award.

The first, called general damages, is for the pain and suffering you may have gone through and any loss of amenity (perhaps an inability to wash your car, look after your garden, walk the dog). The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period or for ever if that is what the medical evidence supports.

Whereas the first element of compensation cannot make you better and can only really apologise, the second element of a compensation award, for your losses and expenses,
is known as special damages and aims to put you back in a position financially as if the incident had never occurred. It is important to keep receipts for any expenditure you have related to your illness so that these can be reclaimed.

In serious cases, where a person may no longer be able to continue their employment, this can be taken into account. Costs for care, equipment, transport and housing modifications can also be factored into the calculations. If the person is still able to work but not in the same role as before, particularly if they held a public service role such as a doctor or police officer, an extra amount may be awarded for loss of ‘congenial employment’. A court can also make a financial award to recognise that an injured worker's prospects on the open labour market may be limited.

If a person is fatally injured, a dependent relative such as a widow and children may be able to claim a statutory sum for their bereavement and funeral expenses, but also sums for the loss of income and contribution to the household in the form of future losses.

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Our Personal Injury Lawyers

The Legal Line lawyers are experts in all areas of personal injury, with extensive experience in recovering compensation for the victims of accidents and industrial diseases. They can provide specialist claim advice, assistance and guidance in helping you to pursue your claim to the best possible outcome.

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