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Personal Injury Claims for Mercury Poisoning

If you are suffering from an illness or disease caused by mercury, 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 Mercury?

Where can Mercury Exposure Occur?
Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning
Claiming Compensation
Mercury Poisoning Compensation
Specialist Legal Advice

What Is Mercury?

Mercury is a naturally occurring metallic element.  It appears in various forms, the most well known of which is as a shiny, silvery liquid.  When heated, mercury produces a colourless, odourless vapour and when combined with certain other elements it may form crystalline or powdery substances, known as mercury salts.

It has been used in various ways in the past, including in pesticides, as a catalyst in chemical reactions and even in medicine.  As it has become widely known that mercury is toxic and can cause various health problems however, it has now been phased out of use in most industries.

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Where can Mercury Exposure Occur?

We all know that mercury is present in some thermometers, batteries and dental fillings, however it is also used in the chemical industry.  Processes including the production of fungicides and chlorine often involve mercury.

Exposure can occur if employees in these industries are not correctly protected when dealing with mercury, however it is not limited to the workplace.  If exposure does occur at work, there are regulations that apply, including the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1988 (or COSHH).

It is possible to develop mercury poisoning if the skin comes into contact with mercury or its vapour is inhaled, as it is easily absorbed by the body.  It is therefore important to ensure that anyone working with or around mercury takes sufficient health and safety precautions.

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Symptoms of Mercury Poisoning

There are various illnesses that can be caused by mercury poisoning, some of them severe.  Symptoms of mercury poisoning include:

• Kidney damage
• Tremors of the hands and feet
• Malaise / Fatigue
• Insomnia
• Neurological damage
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Gum inflammation
• In some cases, symptoms similar to multiple sclerosis.

If you believe that you may be suffering from a mercury related condition, it is essential that you seek medical advice immediately.  A doctor will be able to ascertain from a urine test whether or not you have been exposed recently.

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Claiming Compensation

If you are unfortunate enough to be affected by mercury poisoning, you may be able to take legal action against the responsible party in the form of an injury claim for compensation.

Anyone who has been exposed to an irritant or hazardous substance and suspects that this may have caused a personal injury or disease, should seek medical advice immediately.  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 mercury, it may still be possible to make a claim posthumously.

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Mercury Poisoning 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 DIY projects, caring for children, walking the dog etc).  The award for loss of amenity can be for a short period after 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 mercury poisoning, so that these can be reclaimed.  The aim is to put you back in a position financially as if the illness had never occurred.

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Specialist Legal Advice

At The Legal Line, our lawyers specialise in all areas of personal injury, including industrial disease.  They have extensive experience in recovering compensation for victims of mercury poisoning and can provide expert advice and assistance in reviewing your case and working towards the best possible outcome.

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