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Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claims
What are Organophosphates?
Information about Organophosphates
What is Organophosphate Poisoning?
Information about Organophosphate Poisoning
Am I at risk of Organophosphate Poisoning?
People at risk of Organophosphate Poisoning
What are the symptoms of organophosphate poisoning?
Health effects of Organophosphate Poisoning
Diagnosis and treatment of organophosphate poisoning
What medical treatment will I need if I have Organophosphate Poisoning?
Preventing Organophosphate Poisoning
Organophosphate Poisoning can be prevented
Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim
What are Organophosphates?
Information about Organophosphates
Organophosphate compounds or OP as they are sometimes known, are the most widely used group of pesticides and insecticides in the world. They are used in many different workplaces and also out in the open to spray crops. They are often used in sheep dips, as flea treatments for animals and on lawns and gardens. Most organophosphate pesticides are insecticides, although there are also a number of related herbicide and fungicide compounds. They are extremely toxic.
If you are injured after being exposed to Organophosphates you may be able to make an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim.
What is Organophosphate Poisoning?
Information about Organophosphate Poisoning
Organophosphates work by targeting the brain and nervous system of the pest but they can also affect other animals and humans in a similar way. Organophosphates prevent a key enzyme in the nervous system (cholinesterase) from working, and this can lead to over-stimulated nerves and muscles, paralysis, and other illnesses.
Exposure to organophosphates can occur by ingestion, inhalation or skin contact. The effects of exposure to organophosphates will depend on the type of chemical the person comes into contact with, its concentration, the length of time they are exposed to it and the method of exposure.
If you are injured after being exposed to Organophosphates you may be able to make an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Am I at risk of Organophosphate Poisoning?
People at risk of Organophosphate Poisoning
Workers may become exposed to organophosphates during their application, for example in the use of sheep dips, or during the harvesting and packing of crops. They may also be used in other industries. In some cases, employees are asked to work, surrounded by organophosphates without being issued with the necessary protective clothing or any training about how to work with organophosphates. In other cases, members of the public have come into contact with organophosphates, which have been sprayed onto crops close to their homes or places of work.
If you are injured after being exposed to Organophosphates you may be able to make an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim.
What are the symptoms of organophosphate poisoning?
Health effects of Organophosphate Poisoning
Symptoms can vary depending on the form of exposure. They can include muscle weakness and even paralysis. If organophosphates are swallowed they can cause stomach cramps, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. Symptoms will develop very quickly and they can be very serious (e.g. respiratory failure or coma) or even fatal.
Because it attacks the nervous system, other symptoms of exposure include insomnia, memory loss and anxiety.
There is some dispute about the precise health effects of long-term (chronic) exposure to organophosphates at milder levels. Research suggests that it may lead to tiredness, insomnia, depression and irritability and that it may affect mental function and performance.
If you are unfortunate enough to be injured or acquire an illness as a result of coming into contact with organophosphates then you may be entitled to make an Organophosphate Poisoning compensation claim for the pain and suffering you have endured as a result.
Diagnosis and treatment of organophosphate poisoning
What medical treatment will I need if I have Organophosphate Poisoning?
Blood and urine tests can be used to confirm exposure.
Emergency treatment may be required so seek immediate medical advice. Treatment is usually aimed at reducing the symptoms and removing the poison for example by giving oxygen or activated charcoal to treat poisonings. If contact is made through the skin affected clothing should be removed and the skin needs to be thoroughly washed. However, the success of treatment again depends upon the method of exposure.
If you are injured after being exposed to Organophosphates you may be able to make an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Preventing Organophosphate Poisoning
Organophosphate Poisoning can be prevented
There are detailed regulations in place which are designed to protect all workers from exposure to chemicals and other substances in the workplace and these are called “The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations” or COSHH for short. COSHH applies to any pesticide which meets the definition of a substance hazardous to health. There are also specific regulations concerning the use of pesticides – see the Control of Pesticides Regulations 1986 (known as COPR).
Risk assessments should be made by employers and where appropriate protective steps should be taken to safeguard workers’ health. This may include providing gloves, goggles, respiratory protection and protective clothing.
If you are injured after being exposed to Organophosphates you may be able to make an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim.
Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim Advice
How to start an Organophosphate Poisoning Compensation Claim
If you or someone you know has been injured or contracted an illness or disease as a direct result of coming into contact with organophosphates, you may wish to contact a lawyer for advice. In the meantime; however, it is important that you retain any evidence you may have which supports your exposure and ensure that when you visit your GP / Hospital for treatment you mention the cause of your injury to your doctor.
Also remember to retain evidence of any injury-related expenses such as receipts for prescriptions or medication and evidence of travelling expenses.
Providing it can be proven that your injury was caused by your exposure to organophosphates and the person / company who allowed you to come into contact with the dangerous chemical was negligent, then your claim for compensation should be valid.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
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