Occupational cancer lawyers

What is a cancerous disease?

Cancer is a term for a group of diseases where some cells can grow uncontrollably and spread.

Some cancers are caused by, or exacerbated by, workplace exposure to dust, chemicals and other toxins. 

Cancerous diseases and workplace exposure

Safe Work Australia compiles a list of "deemed diseases", which means that there is a high liklihood that the diseases have arisen as a result of exposure in the workplace. 

The list includes cancers including:

• Nasal cancer
• Cancer of the larynx
• Lung cancer
• Mesothilioma
• Ovary cancer
• Kidney and bladder cancer
• Leukaemia
• Non-hodgkin's lymphoma 
   

These can have a range of contributing factors, and some of the potential workplace exposures that can cause cancer include:

• Asbestos
• Ionizing radiation
• Silica dust
• Soot and coal dust
• Benzene
• aluminium production
• Welding fumes

Claiming compensation for a cancerous disease

If exposure to dust or another toxin during work has caused, or significantly contributed to your cancer diagnosis, you may have the right to claim compensation.

Occupational cancer claims can be made on a no-fault basis, which means you don't need to be able to prove your cancer was directly and only caused by workplace exposure. Workplace exposure must be a contributing factor, but it doesn't have to be the main factor. For example, if you are a smoker and you develop lung cancer as a result of a workplace exposure, you could still be eligible to make a claim. 

Our specialist workplace disease lawyers can help you claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain, and suffering. 

Depending on the state you live in and where the exposure occurred, there are varying time limits for making your claim. Therefore, it's important that you seek legal assistance as soon as possible after a diagnosis.