The Harland & Wolff shipyard, located on Queens Road, Belfast, has long been one of Northern Ireland’s largest employers, specialising in shipbuilding and heavy engineering.

Throughout its history, many workers were exposed to hazardous conditions, including prolonged noise from construction tools and asbestos exposure. We understand the health impacts that can arise from working at Harland & Wolff, and our specialist solicitors are here to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Inadequate working conditions at Harland & Wolff Shipyard have led to serious health risks for many workers and their families. Our firm has represented numerous employees suffering from various industrial diseases linked to their work environment.

Below are some of the most common conditions workers can face:

• Industrial Hearing Loss – Prolonged exposure to high noise levels from heavy machinery and tools, without adequate protection, can cause permanent hearing damage, including tinnitus and hearing loss, which significantly affects daily life.
• Asbestos-Related Diseases – Asbestos was widely used for insulation in shipbuilding, and workers often inhaled harmful fibres, leading to conditions like asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma. These fibres could also be brought home on clothing, exposing families to the same risks.
• Vibration White Finger (Hand-Arm Vibration Syndrome) – Regular use of vibrating tools, such as drills and grinders, can damage blood vessels and nerves in the hands, causing numbness, pain, and reduced grip strength, impacting work ability and daily activities.
• Occupational Dermatitis – Contact with industrial chemicals and materials can lead to occupational dermatitis, causing painful rashes and skin irritation, which can become chronic without proper protection and care.

Our specialist solicitors have extensive experience in helping those affected by these conditions, and their families, pursue claims against Harland & Wolff and secure the compensation they rightfully deserve.

If you are a current or former worker at Harland & Wolff, or a family member who has been affected by a loved one’s work-related illness, you may be eligible to make a compensation claim. This includes individuals who have suffered directly from industrial diseases or injuries, as well as families of workers exposed to hazardous conditions such as asbestos, which can have health impacts beyond the workplace.

In Northern Ireland, claims for work-related injuries or industrial diseases must typically be made within three years from the date of diagnosis or when the injury or illness was first discovered.

However, exceptions can be made in certain circumstances, such as cases where symptoms took years to appear or where the full extent of the illness was only recently understood.

If you believe you may have missed the time frame or are unsure about your eligibility, please get in touch. We can provide you with free advice and help you understand your options.

Our straightforward process for making industrial disease and work-related claims in Northern Ireland ensures that you have the support needed to pursue compensation against employers like Harland & Wolff.

Step 1: Contact Reid Black
Get in touch with our team for a free consultation about your potential claim against Harland & Wolff. Our solicitors will listen to your situation and provide initial advice on how to proceed.

Step 2: Gathering Information
We will gather evidence, including your employment history, medical records, and details of the conditions at Harland & Wolff. This information helps us build a strong case to support your claim.

Step 3: Medical Assessment
You will attend a medical assessment with an independent specialist to confirm the extent of your illness or injury. This assessment is crucial in determining the impact of your condition on your life and the compensation you may be entitled to.

Step 4: Compensation Negotiations
Our solicitors will negotiate directly with Harland & Wolff representatives or their insurers to secure a fair settlement. We handle all communication, ensuring your rights are protected throughout the process.

Step 5: Compensation Payout
Once a settlement is reached, you will receive your compensation payout. We aim to ensure you get the compensation you deserve as quickly as possible.

Compensation for claims against Harland & Wolff is typically paid by the company’s insurance provider, covering both “general damages” for pain and suffering and “special damages” for financial losses, such as lost earnings and medical expenses.

The total compensation for a claim against Harland & Wolff depends on several factors, including the severity of the condition, the impact on your daily life (such as physical limitations and emotional distress), loss of earnings due to the inability to work (covering both past and future income), and any medical expenses for treatments, therapy, and ongoing care.

In Northern Ireland, specific guidelines exist for compensation amounts for “general damages” related to industrial diseases.

Here are some typical ranges:

• Hearing Loss and Tinnitus: Awards can range from up to £20,000 for mild cases to £350,000 for total deafness or severe tinnitus.
• Asbestos-Related Diseases: Payouts for conditions like lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis vary, from £34,000 for mild cases to £250,000 for severe, life-limiting illnesses.
• Occupational Dermatitis: Compensation ranges from up to £17,500 for short-term cases to £100,000 for severe, long-lasting conditions that impact daily life and work.
• Vibration White Finger: Awards can vary from £15,000 to £42,500, depending on the severity of the condition and its effect on hand function.

Compensation can be provided as a lump sum or through structured payments, depending on the specifics of the case and the agreement reached. Our solicitors will guide you through the process to determine the best approach for your needs.