We are personal injury solicitors claiming compensation for loss of taste and smell caused by a work injury and loss of earnings. Catherine Smith has experience in obtaining compensation for loss of taste and smell injuries, and introduces our services in this short video.

Read more about loss of taste and smell below, or use our free legal advice service opposite to ask us a question or to get started making a claim.

Solicitors Claiming Compensation For Loss Of Taste & Smell

Chemosensory disorders refer to the disfunction or loss of two of the five senses, taste and smell. There are many reasons why people lose their sense of taste or smell, either temporarily or permanently, including head trauma, respiratory infections, nasal / sinus diseases, and botched surgery. The results of the loss of these senses can be profoundly traumatic on an emotional level, and will also pose a variety of practical problems in everyday life. A person without a sense of smell for example will have lost one of nature's most important defence mechanisms, and will be unable to detect possible dangers such as gas leaks, smoke and the ability to distinguish rotten food. It is estimated that the sense of taste is 90% made up of smell, and for this reason a high percentage of people suffering from a chemosensory disorder will lose both senses at the same time. A decline in quality of life is also inevitable in such cases, where good food cannot be tasted or pleasant smells enjoyed. Psychological issues and depression are often the natural result. A person may be forced to change or give up employment due to the loss of taste or smell. Chefs, fireman and laboratory workers all depend on these two senses to perform their jobs. Factory workers may also rely on taste and smell across a range of industries.

Typical Causes Of Loss Of Taste & Smell Injuries

Experts agree that head trauma and resulting brain injury is one of the primary causes of loss of taste and smell. Where such conditions are permanent, it is likely that the frontal lobes of the brain, especially the first cranial nerve have sustained damage. Serious head injuries at work statistically affect males aged between 20 and 50 years old more than any other demographic group. This is the section of the population that is mostly likely to be employed in physical, demanding industries such as construction and warehouse work. These jobs involve regular working at height, and work within confined spaces filled with tools and equipment. Head injuries may be caused by falls from ladders, scaffolding and machinery onto hard surfaces below. They may also be the result of a simple slip or trip, where the head bears the impact of the fall. Workers face the risk of being struck by objects falling from height, and collisions with work vehicles. Employers must provide staff with hard helmets and similar protective equipment in these types of industries, to reduce the risk and incidence of head injuries as far as possible.

Loss Of Taste & Smell - Infections, Toxic Fumes & Surgery

The loss of sense of smell and taste may be caused by nasal / sinus diseases, mouth infections and respiratory illnesses. In the workplace these conditions are often related to chemical pollutants, toxic fumes, and industrial dust present in the environment. When inhaled in excessive quantities these substances may cause breathing difficulties and related illnesses, or trigger an allergic reaction. In both cases severe symptoms may include loss of taste and smell. Any form of invasive surgery may also cause damage to the primary senses. Dental work or rhinoplasty (nose job) surgery for example may damage nerves in and around the mouth and nose, leading to loss of taste and smell. Surgery in other areas can have the same impact, as nerves in different parts of the body affect the senses, and their interrelation is still little understood. Patients may also experience an allergic reaction to anaesthetic used during surgery, with the potential side-effect of loss of taste or smell.

Claiming Compensation For Loss Of Taste & Smell

Compensation awards for the loss or disfunction of the senses of taste and smell vary widely, as they affect each individual in differing degrees. Where an injury has resulted in the total loss of both taste and smell, compensation will be in the region of £22,650. Where smell has been lost entirely, and taste partially, awards will be between £19,100 and £22,650. Loss of sense of smell on its own will lead to awards between £14,500 and £19,100, while compensation for loss of taste independently will be between £11,200 and £14,500. Compensation awards will also reflect the cost of medical care, and the impact that the loss of these senses may have on current and future employment possibilities.

Bartletts Solicitors are specialists injury compensation claims on behalf of workers who have lost their sense of taste and/or smell. We operate on a no win no fee basis meaning if you win your case your employer's insurance company will pay all of your legal fees, and if you lose you will not pay a penny.