OCCUPATIONAL RESPIRATORY DISEASE
COMPENSATION CLAIM SOLICITORS

All employers have the responsibility of guaranteeing their employees’ health and safety whilst in the workplace. If they renege on this commitment, they are breaking the law—it’s as simple as that. Most people believe that the only workplace injuries are machine accidents or falls, however, some classes of injury are caused by long-term exposure to workplace hazards—including chronic respiratory disease or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) which may be associated with occupational asthma, asbestos related disease, bronchitis, emphysema, pneumoconiosis and silicosis.

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Chronic respiratory disease can result from exposure to polluted air, harsh chemicals, fumes and smoke. Some people think that’s it’s just part of “job risk” but the fact is that employers should know the risks and establish protective policies, safeguards and mechanisms in addition to enforcing the use of protective equipment. They are also legally bound to provide training so that employees can take the proper cautionary measures. Failure of an employer to adequate protect employees from personal injury may mean that the employer is liable to pay damages in an occupational respiratory disease compensation claim.

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So what are the signs that an employer has not taken adequate steps to prevent occupational respiratory disease? The most obvious failure is the presence of fumes and smoke in the atmosphere most often occurring in foundries or metal production facilities however this is also a common problem among those who are involved in welding, smelting and furnace work. Dangerous chemical exposure may occur in factories that produce rubber or plastic which can give off very poisonous gases that lead to respiratory disorders. Energy plants are another “hotbed” of dangerous fumes, while fire fighters may suffer from regular exposure to smoke.

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Some manufacturing, storage and sales plants can be filled with dangerous fumes and dust emitted by asbestos, fiberglass, cotton and wood. Research scientists, laboratory personnel and engineers may be exposed to the gases produced in chemical reactions. There are also toxins in varnish, paint, pesticides and some consumer product including cosmetics.

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Symptoms of respiratory disease include difficulty breathing, pain or discomfort in the nose and throat area, and constant flu-like symptoms. Others suffer allergies and asthma attacks, which are marked by heavy wheezing, or develop chronic bronchitis or emphysema. Doctors have even identified a conditioned called ‘metal fume fever” and “polymer fume fever”.

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In all these cases, employers may be at fault—and can be held legally liable in a claim for damages. Our solicitors use the no win no fee scheme and occupational respiratory disease compensation is paid with no deductions. You do not have to pay for any legal fees during the entire course of the legal proceeding. Our solicitors will give you a free consultation without further obligation so you can assess whether you want to claim or not. Just call our helpline, email us, or fill out the information form.