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Effects of Trike

If you are suffering from an illness or disease caused by trike, you may be entitled to claim compensation.  Our specialist personal injury solicitors can provide expert claim advice and assistance, so contact us on 0800 032 8511 or by completing a claim enquiry form.

What is Trike?
Illnesses Caused by Trike
Industrial Illness Claims
TCE Exposure Compensation
Specialist Claim Advice

What is Trike?

Trike, TCE, or tetrachloroethylene is the commonly used name of perchloroethylene (PCE).  It is also known by other names, such as trichloroethylene.

It is most often used in dry cleaning and as a metal degreaser, as it is a solvent, however it is also an irritant when in contact with skin and can cause a number of health problems when inhaled. 

TCE must therefore be carefully controlled when used and those in contact with it should be provided with adequate protection.  At workplaces, the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (COSHH) apply, amongst others.

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Illnesses Caused by Trike

If trike comes into contact with the skin, it can cause contact dermatitis and severe irritation.  When inhaled through insufficient ventilation or protection, it can cause other conditions.  It is therefore important that anyone working with trike is provided with sufficient personal protective equipment.

Dependent upon the level of exposure, the symptoms of TCE exposure include headaches, nausea and dizziness, ranging up to disorientation, motor function impairment, liver damage and even death.

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Industrial Illness Claims

If you believe that you are suffering an illness or injury as a result of exposure to trike, the first and most important step is to seek medical attention.  In every case, medical evidence will be required.  Detailed expert evidence is often also required in disease cases to show that the condition suffered by a claimant was caused by exposure to a particular substance.

In any personal injury claim 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 (were negligent), and that the injury you sustained was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of that negligence.

If a family member has died from a disease caused by exposure to TCE, it may still be possible to make a claim posthumously.

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TCE Exposure Compensation

There are two elements to a compensation award.  The first is for the pain and suffering you may have gone through and what is known as loss of amenity.  This is called general damages and can include an award for your inability to do things after the trike exposure that you used to be able to do before, eg, wash your car, look after your garden, walk the dog, etc.  The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period after you develop a condition or for ever if that is what the medical evidence supports.

The second element of a compensation award is for your losses and expenses and is known as special damages.  It is important to keep receipts for any expenditure you have related to the problem, so that these can be reclaimed.  The aim is to put you back in a position financially as if the trike related illness had never occurred.

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Specialist Claim Advice

             

At The Legal Line, our lawyers specialise in all areas of personal injury, including recovering damages for the innocent victims of industrial diseases.  They can provide expert advice and assistance in reviewing your case and working towards the best possible outcome.

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