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Latex Allergy

If you are suffering from a latex allergy caused by your working conditions, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Our personal injury lawyers are specialised in all areas of employers’ liability claims and can provide expert claim advice and assistance, so contact us on 0800 032 8511 or by completing a claim enquiry form.

What Causes an Allergy to Latex
Types of Latex Allergy
Common Symptoms
Employers' Liability
Latex Allergy Compensation
Specialist Lawyers

What Causes an Allergy to Latex?

There are certain proteins in natural latex rubber to which some people can become sensitised through prolonged contact, leading in some cases to the development of an allergy. Those most at risk include medical staff such as nurses, or those that regularly have to wear gloves, such as caterers, cleaners, hairdressers or laboratory workers.

The exposure can either be through contact with the skin or through inhalation, which can occur when powdered gloves are used. Those with certain other food allergies may also be more susceptible to latex allergy.

Some latex products have a greater potential for causing sensitisation than others. Where possible, employers should provide low-protein, powder free gloves, or in suitable circumstances a latex free alternative. If your employer does not take reasonable measures to protect their staff from allergic reactions to latex, and you are injured as a result, a personal injury claim may be possible.

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Types of Latex Allergy

The first and most serious type of latex allergy is known as type I. It will cause the sufferer to experience respiratory trouble and an allergic rash known as ‘hives’. This sort of reaction will usually occur immediately after contact with latex and, in serious cases, can even cause life-threatening anaphylaxis.

Another form of latex allergy is known as type IV. The reaction is normally slower and comes out within a day or two, causing an itchy, flaky rash beginning in the area that came into contact with the latex.

Irritant contact dermatitis can also occur when a person comes into contact with latex on a regular basis. This is a condition of the skin which can cause irritation, pain and discomfort.

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Common Symptoms

Sufferers of latex allergy will commonly experience some form of skin irritation or rash and can also develop respiratory problems, such as asthma.

An ongoing concern with latex allergy is that reactions tend to become progressively worse with each exposure. A sufferer has to be careful to avoid any further contact with latex, both in the workplace and in everyday life.

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Employers’ Liability

As with any hazardous substance in the workplace, there are regulations regarding latex which any employer must adhere to. These are known as the COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health) Regulations 1988. They are designed to ensure that all reasonable care is taken to protect employees from work related illnesses and injuries.

If your employer fails to comply with these regulations, putting your health at risk, they could be held liable for any resulting condition, including latex allergies.

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 (what is known in law as negligent), and that the injury you sustained was a reasonably foreseeable consequence of that negligence.

It is important to seek the advice and assistance of an expert personal injury lawyer, who will be able to compile all the necessary evidence to put forward your claim.

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Latex Allergy 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 that you used to be able to do before (eg household chores, look after your garden, play sports etc). The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period 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 your condition, so that these can be reclaimed. The aim is to put you back in a position financially as if the latex allergy had never occurred.

If you are no longer able to continue in your present occupation because of a latex allergy, it may also be possible to claim compensation for loss of your chosen (or congenial) employment and expenses such as retraining.

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Specialist Lawyers

The Legal Line lawyers are experts in all types of personal injury compensation claims and industrial disease cases, with extensive experience in latex allergy. They can provide legal advice to anyone suffering from an injury caused by another party and assist in pursuing a claim to the best possible outcome.

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