February is Raynaud’s Awareness Month, a time to raise awareness of Raynaud’s disease, a condition that affects millions of people worldwide.
It’s also an opportunity to highlight the importance of understanding the condition’s impact and, for those affected by work-related factors, the possibility of making an industrial disease claim.
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we are committed to supporting individuals who are living with Raynaud’s and helping them navigate the legal avenues for seeking compensation if their condition is work-related.
What is Raynaud’s Disease?
Raynaud’s disease is a condition that affects blood flow, usually in the fingers and toes, causing them to change colour, become numb, or feel cold.
The episodes of constricted blood vessels are often triggered by cold weather or emotional stress, and the skin can appear white, blue, or purple during an episode.
There are two types of Raynaud’s:
- Primary Raynaud’s: Occurs without any underlying health condition. It is generally less severe but can still impact daily life.
- Secondary Raynaud’s (also called Raynaud’s phenomenon): Linked to other diseases such as lupus or scleroderma, secondary Raynaud’s can cause more significant complications.
In cases where Raynaud’s is triggered or worsened by workplace conditions, it may be considered an industrial disease. The cold environment, exposure to chemicals, or repetitive stress in certain occupations can increase the risk of developing Raynaud’s or exacerbate existing symptoms.
Work-related factors that can contribute to Raynaud’s Disease
Certain industries and work environments are more likely to expose employees to conditions that may trigger or worsen Raynaud’s disease. These include:
Workers in industries like construction, warehousing, agriculture, and food processing may be regularly exposed to cold temperatures, increasing the likelihood of developing Raynaud’s disease.
Employees who use vibrating tools, such as those in construction, mining, or manufacturing, are at higher risk of developing a related condition known as vibration-induced Raynaud’s phenomenon, or vibration white finger (VWF), which causes symptoms similar to Raynaud’s disease.
Some chemicals, such as solvents, can cause blood vessels to constrict, contributing to Raynaud’s episodes, especially for workers in industries like painting, cleaning, or the automotive sector.
If your occupation has exposed you to any of these risk factors and you’ve developed Raynaud’s disease as a result, you may be entitled to make an industrial disease claim.
Making an Industrial Disease Claim for Raynaud’s Disease
If you believe your Raynaud’s disease is related to your work, making an industrial disease claim can help you seek compensation for the physical, emotional, and financial impact of the condition.
An industrial disease claim could cover the following:
- Medical costs – If you need ongoing treatment or prescriptions to manage your condition.
- Loss of earnings – If you are unable to work or have reduced earning capacity due to your condition.
- Pain and suffering – Compensation for the pain, discomfort, and emotional toll Raynaud’s disease can have on your life.
- Care costs – If you require additional care or support due to the impact of the disease.
How Oakwood Solicitors can help
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we specialise in helping individuals make industrial disease claims for conditions such as Raynaud’s disease. Our expert team will guide you through every step of the claims process, providing clear advice and offering support to ensure the best possible outcome.
What you need to know when making a claim
Industrial disease claims typically need to be made within three years from the date of diagnosis or when you first became aware that your condition was work-related. It’s important to act as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
To support your claim, we’ll need to gather evidence. This may include medical records, a history of your employment and the conditions you worked under, witness statements from colleagues, and expert reports. The more evidence we can gather, the stronger your claim will be.
At Oakwood Solicitors Ltd, we offer a “no win, no fee” service for industrial disease claims. This means you can pursue your claim without the worry of upfront legal costs. If we don’t win your case, you won’t have to pay our fees. Get in touch today.
Further reading
Vibration injuries – Oakwood Solicitors
Raynaud’s – What it is and its symptoms
Raynaud’s – NHS
WHAT TO DO NEXT
Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on the right-hand side of this page, or call us on 0113 200 9720 to find out how we can help you.
Natasha Hardy is a Solicitor and Head of the Industrial Disease Department, specialising in Industrial Disease matters and has experience in handling a wide range of cases including claims for Noise-I…
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