Caitriona Hargan

Senior Industrial Disease and Accident at Work Solicitor

Caitriona is an experienced industrial disease and accident at work solicitor based in Thompsons NI Belfast office.

She has experience of dealing with different types of industrial disease compensation claims including asbestos related diseases such as pleural plaques, asbestosis and mesothelioma. She has worked with the Derry Justice for Victims of Asbestos Group and local trade union officials to raise awareness of health and safety rights at work.

Over many years of practice Caitriona has also gained the specialist knowledge and experience necessary for the successful negotiation and litigation of accident at work cases.

Caitriona places a strong emphasis on client care and realises the importance of delivering a client focused service. She helps injured people throughout Northern Ireland to make industrial disease and accident at work claims and is known for recovering the maximum amount of compensation to which her clients are entitled within the shortest possible time.

Successful Industrial Disease and Accident at Work Compensation Claims

Below you will find a few of the successful industrial disease and accident at work compensation claims that Caitriona has dealt with from Thompsons NI office in Belfast.

Fitter exposed to asbestos in Belfast shipyard

A fitter / turner was exposed to asbestos when he worked in the shipyard in Belfast in the 1950s for about ten years. He worked near a number of laggers who were mixing and applying asbestos in the engine rooms of the ships which were being built or repaired. He was not provided with any mask or breathing apparatus, nor was he warned of the dangers of asbestos.

When he was diagnosed with pleural plaques, Caitriona issued court proceedings but was able to settle the case before it came to trial for £12,500.

Exposure to asbestos during routine maintenance shut downs

During plant shut downs for routine maintenance work, Caitriona’s client was exposed to dust from asbestos that was being removed from pipes and machines in order to carry out repairs. He was not provided with suitable protective clothing, nor was he advised of the risk of injury to his lungs.

He subsequently developed asbestosis. Caitriona issued court proceedings and the case was listed for a two day hearing, but she managed to reach a settlement of £25,000 on behalf of her client shortly beforehand.

Mesothelioma after working on building sites

While working on building sites in the 1960s and 70s, Caitriona’s client was exposed to harmful asbestos fibres. He was not provided with a mask or any type of breathing apparatus and subsequently died from mesothelioma.

Court proceedings were issued against the contractor responsible and ultimately Caitriona was able to settle the case before it came to trial for £270,000. She also arranged for her clients to have specialist financial advice to ensure that their settlement was properly invested and managed.

Fall from inaccessible shelving units at work

An electrician at a food processing factory required some parts which were stored on top of shelving units. His employer had not provided steps or ladders despite the fact that the top level was inaccessible without standing on an adjacent unit which was awkward to climb on and off. Staff had complained about this but the employer took no action to sort it out.

Caitriona’s client was trying to step backwards off the unit when he lost his balance and fell sustaining a fracture to his right wrist. He was off work for 10 weeks and suffered a loss of earnings. The fracture was a significant one and he was left with a slightly restricted range of movement. Caitriona issued court proceedings but managed to settle the case before hearing for £22,500.

Professional Membership

Caitriona is a member of The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and the Belfast Solicitors Association.

Chambers

Thompsons NI (formerly Thompsons McClure Solicitors) is rated a band one firm by Chambers - a directory of leading law firms - for its personal injury work in Northern Ireland.

Industrial Disease and Accident at Work Compensation Claim Advice

If you or anyone you know has suffered an injury or disease due to someone else's negligence, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim; therefore it is important to act quickly if you have been injured.

Thompsons NI are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation and your initial consultation will be free of charge. 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. Telephone us now on 0800 138 6880 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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