Derek Kane

Senior Workplace Accident and Industrial Disease Solicitor, Belfast

Derek is a senior workplace accident and industrial disease solicitor based in Thompsons NI Belfast office.

He has a vast amount of experience in dealing with all different types of personal injury claims, but mainly specialises in dealing with compensation claims relating to injuries at work including industrial deafness cases and asbestos related diseases as well as workplace accidents.

With over 15 years’ experience, Derek has a wide knowledge of the various, relevant workplace regulations. He is used to chasing insurers of insolvent companies in order to recover compensation for his clients. He prides himself on his ability to resolve difficult cases without the need to issue proceedings.

Successful Workplace Accident and Industrial Disease Claims

Below you will find a few examples of the successful workplace accident and industrial disease claims that Derek has dealt with from Thompsons NI Belfast office.

Lack of ear defenders led to industrial deafness

Although Derek’s client had worked in a noisy working environment for over 16 years, he was not provided with any ear defenders. He visited his GP when he realised that his hearing was deteriorating and after tests, was diagnosed with noise induced hearing loss.

This was a difficult case as the client had worked for two different companies over the years and one of them had gone into administration. In addition, the insurance company involved was unwilling to negotiate a settlement and Derek had to issue court proceedings before he was able to recover compensation for his client.

Mesothelioma claim for widow of shipyard worker

Derek acted for the widow of a shipyard worker who developed mesothelioma. He had worked in a shipyard for five years in the 1950s as a tradesman on ships in close proximity to asbestos laggers. As a result, he was exposed to asbestos dust on a daily basis. Sadly, he passed away within months of his diagnosis.

Derek issued proceedings and negotiated settlement within a few months. The widow received substantial damages from the insurer which included a significant financial loss element.

Partial amputation of two fingers

Derek’s client, who worked for a metal fabricating company, suffered a partial amputation of two of his fingers after they were caught in a metal rolling machine.

The company, which was in breach of the Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations (Northern Ireland) 1999 and the Management of Health and Safety at Work Regulations (Northern Ireland) 2000, subsequently went into liquidation and the client was not eligible for legal aid.

Derek contacted the insolvency administrators and was able to trace the employer’s liability insurers. Although they initially denied liability Derek was able to negotiate settlement of the case without the need to issue proceedings.

Professional Membership

Derek is a member of 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.

Successful Workplace Accident and Industrial Disease 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 compensation claim forms.

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