Occupational Respiratory Diseases

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Industrial Disease/Respiratory Disease

Respiratory Disease Claims

In 2019, there were an estimated 18,000 new self-reported cases of breathing or lung problems caused by or made worse by conditions at work. Some of the most common breathing illnesses are industrial asthma and occupational respiratory disease.

These two conditions are specifically caused by environmental conditions at work and the symptoms include breathing issues and lung problems. Employees in certain industries are more at risk of developing these conditions than others. Occupations with the highest incidents of occupational asthma include bakers, flour confectioners, spray painters and those who work in welding.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online.

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Amount of Compensation

Compensation is decided upon an individual basis. The pain and suffering caused by the illness as well as the general impact that the illness has had upon your ability to function, such as your mobility, are taken into account when calculating compensation. Financial losses are also taken into account when deciding upon compensation amounts. For example, if you have been unable to return to work due to your illness then compensation could cover this financial loss. Therefore, it is advisable that you keep any receipts relating to your illness, such as treatment expenses, as it might be possible to claim these costs back through compensation.

For a more specific estimate of how much compensation you are likely to receive through a claim, you should speak to us.

Symptoms of Occupational Respiratory Disease

An occupational respiratory disease is an injury leading to the loss of fully functioning lungs, which can impact physical performance. Respiratory disease is an umbrella term that encompasses a lot of more specific issues associated with the lungs. Some of these more specific forms of respiratory disease include:

  • Pneumoconiosis (including silicosis and asbestos) 
  • Asthma
  • Emphysema
  • Chronic Obstructive Airways Disease

If your respiratory disease has been caused by conditions at work, then you could be able to make a compensation claim.

Duty of Care

All employers, no matter the industry, have a duty of care towards their employees’ health and safety. There are certain protections and laws regarding health and safety that much be applied by all employers and there are usually further regulations specific to certain industries. If there is a risk of an employee being exposed to certain harmful substances or conditions which could negatively impact upon their respiratory system, such as asbestos, then their employer should provide personal protective equipment (PPE). This includes masks and gloves to avoid any direct contact with harmful substances or chemicals. There are other protective measures that employers should take to ensure that no employees are exposed to dangerous materials, such as placing ventilators in the workplace to help de-contaminate the air.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have developed an illness due to conditions at work, you may be entitled to compensation. First Personal Injury solicitors are available to assist you and ensure that you get the compensation you deserve. First Personal Injury works with both families and individuals across England and Wales, leading them on their legal journey and helping them claim compensation after an accident or injury.