Since 1937, when Shorts Brothers opened their factory with Harland and Wolff, thousands of dedicated workers have built careers in aerospace manufacturing here in Northern Ireland. When Bombardier took over in 1989, and later Spirit AeroSystems in 2019, many of these workers continued that legacy, often facing tough and sometimes inadequate working conditions.

Unfortunately, years of exposure to industrial hazards have led to serious health issues for some. If you or a loved one has been affected, know that you’re not alone in seeking justice and rightful compensation for the impact on your health and well-being.

Inadequate working conditions at Shorts, Bombardier, and Spirit AeroSystems factories have led to serious health risks for employees. Our firm has represented many workers from these companies who have developed industrial diseases and illnesses due to their work environment, including:

• Industrial Hearing Loss – Caused by prolonged exposure to loud machinery and equipment, hearing loss and tinnitus is permanent and affects daily communication and quality of life.
• Asbestos Diseases – Exposure to asbestos, often present in insulation and other factory materials, has led to serious conditions such as asbestosis, pleural plaques, pleural thickening, mesothelioma and lung cancer.
• Vibration White Finger – Prolonged use of vibrating tools has led to this condition, which damages blood vessels and nerves in the hands, resulting in numbness, pain and a loss of grip and manual dexterity.
• Occupational Dermatitis – Frequent contact with chemicals and other irritants on factory floors has caused skin inflammation, rashes and painful reactions, which can become chronic without proper protective measures.

If you or a loved one has experienced any illness or injury from working at Bombardier, Shorts, or Spirit AeroSystems — even if it’s not listed here — you may still be eligible to make a claim.

If you or a family member has suffered from hearing loss or any industrial disease due to work at Shorts, Bombardier, or Spirit AeroSystems in Northern Ireland, you may be eligible to make a claim. Eligibility extends to:

• Former or current employees who have experienced health issues as a result of inadequate protections or unsafe working conditions.
• Family members affected indirectly, such as those who may have developed asbestos-related health issues from exposure through work clothes brought home.

You must also demonstrate that the employer was at fault for your condition. This could include evidence of unsafe working conditions, lack of protective equipment, or failure to meet safety standards.

Claims must typically be filed within three years of diagnosis or the point you became aware of the link between your condition and your work environment. However, there are exceptions to this time limit, so contact us for a free consultation to discuss your eligibility.

We’ve developed a clear, supportive process to help you pursue a claim for health issues caused by work at Shorts, Bombardier or Spirit AeroSystems in Northern Ireland.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Begin by reaching out to our solicitors to discuss your case. We’ll review your experience and provide initial guidance on claiming against Shorts, Bombardier or Spirit AeroSystems.

Step 2: Gathering Information
Next, we’ll collect details about your employment and workplace conditions. Our team will work closely with you to compile essential documents and evidence for a strong case.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
You’ll attend a medical assessment to confirm your diagnosis and its link to your workplace exposure. We’ll arrange this appointment and ensure that the medical evidence is aligned with your claim.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Our solicitors will negotiate with the representatives or insurers for Shorts, Bombardier or Spirit Aerosystems. We work to secure fair compensation, through settlement discussions or additional legal action if necessary.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once compensation is agreed upon, we handle all the administrative details to ensure your payout is processed smoothly and promptly.

In Northern Ireland, compensation for claims against Shorts, Bombardier or Spirit AeroSystems is typically paid by the company’s insurance provider. The amount awarded is calculated based on the severity of your condition, its impact on your quality of life, loss of earnings and any ongoing medical needs.

For general damages, Northern Ireland guidelines provide ranges based on the type of condition:

• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Awards can range from up to £20,000 for mild cases, to as much as £350,000 for total deafness or severe tinnitus.
• Asbestos Illnesses: Asbestos-related conditions are compensated between £34,000 for milder cases, up to £250,000 for severe, life-limiting illnesses.
• Occupational Dermatitis: Payouts vary from up to £17,500 for short-term cases to £100,000 for severe, persistent forms that impact work and daily life.
• Vibration White Finger: Compensation can range from £15,000 for milder cases to £42,500 for severe forms that significantly impair hand function.

Compensation may be paid as a lump sum or in staged payments if ongoing medical care is needed. Our solicitors will talk you through the options, ensuring you receive a fair settlement that fully reflects your circumstances.