WEIGHTMANS has launched a new practical reference tool aimed at all those involved with disease claims.
Disease-i is aimed at claims handlers, employers who wish to broaden their knowledge of diseases and intermediaries who need to bring themselves quickly up-to-speed with current issues.
It is the brainchild of Jim Byard, partner in Weightmans Dedicated Disease Unit.
The online database was developed in conjunction with IT professionals and provides practical guidance on disease claims
It also puts a spotlight on eight of the most prevalent occupational diseases in a medical, legal and historical context.
Kieran Jones, head of Weightmans' Dedicated Disease Unit said: "Disease claims are becoming of increasing importance and concern to the claims handling community and to industry generally.
"Law and practice in this area is constantly evolving and it is hard enough for those of us engaged on a day to day basis to keep up and is therefore difficult for those not directly involved to keep abreast of developments.
"Disease-i is designed as an information point for claims handlers, risk / insurance managers and health & safety professionals to use in their day to day work.
"Our aim is to reduce the inherent complexity of disease claims by offering practical claims handling tips and guidance on how to approach the most common issues such as causation, foreseeability, breach of duty, limitation, quantum and apportionment."
Disease-i will be updated on a quarterly basis and will be accessible to claims handlers and their teams 24/7.
Mr Jones said Weightmans has received "considerable interest" from loss adjusters, insurers and corporations and have already signed up 85 users.