Farmer’s Lung Compensation

Claiming For Farmer's Lung Compensation

Industrial Injury and Diseases Compensation / Farmer's Lung Compensation

Farmer’s Lung Compensation

If you have worked on a farm and have suffered due to exposure to dust particles, then you may have experienced a condition that is colloquially known as ‘farmer’s lung.’

The term farmer’s lung refers to hypersensitivity pneumonitis which is usually induced by the inhalation of biological dusts from materials like hay dust or mould. If you can prove the exposure was your employer’s fault, then you may be able to make a claim for farmer’s lung compensation.

Farmer’s lung is often considered to be an occupational illness due to the fact that it is caused by breathing in dust spores created from materials associated with agriculture such as crops, grain and straw which have been stored away without being fully dried. The dampness from the crops and straw creates a mould which, when dried, forms a dust which becomes airborne and easily inhaled.

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Effects of Farmer’s Lung

Farmer’s lung occurs due to repeated exposure to the antigens found in the dust spores of the materials mentioned above. These dust spores can become lodged within the lungs and can cause an allergic reaction as the body attempts to defend itself against the antigens that have entered the body.

Roughly four to eight hours after the initial exposure, symptoms such as a headache, an irritating cough and shortness of breath while performing physical labour will usually appear. Symptoms can then progress to include physical weakness, sweating, a decrease in appetite, and even fever. The symptoms at this stage of the allergic reaction can cause a lot of suffering.

The sensitivity to these spores, which is known as farmer’s lung disease, is permanent if the patient has been exposed to the antigens enough to make the condition chronic. This is because the patient has developed hypersensitivity meaning that they will always be at risk of suffering an allergic reaction again if exposed.

However, if the condition is treated early enough before hypersensitivity has set in, then the condition can often be treated through two options. These two options are: rest and then reducing exposure to the antigens through the use of masks in areas where the antigens are likely to be present. Symptoms of a reaction can last for one to two weeks or they can last for the rest of the patient’s life if they are severe enough. This would cause the condition to become chronic.

Due to all of these risk factors, farmers who suspect that they may have a sensitivity should inform their doctor of their occupation and the presence of mould within their workplace so that they can be monitored.

Employer Duty of Care

Employers should make sure that anyone who works in agriculture is given the correct personal protective equipment such as respiratory masks. They should also ensure that crops are dried before putting them into storage to reduce the risk of dust accumulating. If your employer fails to adhere to health and safety procedures, then they may be putting you at risk and acting negligently. If you develop farmer’s lung, their negligent behaviour could be to blame.

Personal injury claims often have a strict time limit of three-years attached to them, beginning upon the date when the initial allergic reaction/exposure happened. Therefore, you should discuss your case with a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible who can assess your case.

How Much Compensation?

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.

Special Damages

In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed. With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident initially occurred. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

Making Personal Injury Claims

If you have developed an illness due to someone else’s negligence, 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.