COPD COMPENSATION CLAIMS SOLICITORS

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and respiratory lung disease caused as a result of environmental factors whilst in employment affects tens of thousands of people every year. The long term consequences can include severe disability or death and can have devastating effects on work, finances and family life. Common respiratory diseases that are often caused by illegal working conditions include :-

• Occupational Asthma
  This is a lung disease where the airways overreact to vapour, dust and irritants in the workplace atmosphere producing difficulty in breathing with the possibility of prolonged exposure leading to chronic long-term lung disease including chronic bronchitis, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis and emphysema.
• Occupational Bronchitis and Emphysema
  Bronchitus is a response by the lungs to constant irritation from pollutants causing a persistant cough and over production of mucus together with reduced lung function. Emphysema is caused by microscopic damage to the lungs by chemical agents which produces a constant shortage of breath.
• Mesothelioma and Asbestosis
  These two deadly diseases are caused by exposure and inhalation of microscopic asbestos fibres. Asbestosis is a thickening of the tissues in and around the lungs caused by scarring from the asbestos fibres which can lead to respiratory failure and death. Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure
• Pneumoconiosis and Silicosis
  These two diseases are caused as a result of exposure to dust which clogs the lungs and reduces breathing capacity often resulting in death due to respiratory failure.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 414 3738

If you have developed chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) due to your employer’s negligence our specialist personal injury solicitors can help you to make a compensation claim. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is the general term used to describe a wide variety of breathing disorders. Diseases which fall under this classification are categorised by the inflammation of the breathing passages making it difficult for the patient to breathe properly or normally. People suffering from COPD have difficulty participating in physical activities as well as experiencing problems sleeping.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 414 3738

Employers are under a legal duty to reduce the risk of injury to employees however in addition to the general statutes on workplace safety, including protection from the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), there is specific legislation relating to potentially dangerous pollutants contained in The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. An employer is under a legal duty to carry out an assessment of substances hazardous to health which should include :-

• a clear, comprehensive and unambiguous identification of all and any hazards associated with that particular product and a detailed assessment of the risk to health to health and safety of that particular product
• a detailed plan and consideration methods to prevent workers exposure to the hazardous substances the degree of which will need to be related to the danger posed by that substance
• the steps which need to be taken to achieve adequate control of exposure where prevention is not reasonably practicable and the degree of danger associated with any particular pollutant must be carefully considered
• a detailed examination and subsequent identification of any other action or steps necessary to comply with the regulations
• the employer must operate an adequate system of health surveillance appropriate to the dangers in any individual environment
• all employees who may be in danger of being exposed to a dangerous substance must be kept fully informed about risks and review procedures
• potential exposure must be controlled and there must be adequate use made of controlling methods
• adequate extractor fans must be installed in the workplace to rapidly remove any potentially dangerous gases, odours or vapours
• adequate and up to date safety equipment must be provide for the use of all employees who may become exposed to a dangerous substance

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 414 3738

Chronic bronchitis and emphysema can be caused and exacerbated by exposure to industrial dust and fumes. Gases and other particles which may cause the disease are present in industries dealing with metals, wood, oil, coal and other raw materials. The academic and research sectors are not exempt from the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 414 3738

No matter what sector you work in, your employer has the duty to ensure your health, safety and welfare within the workplace. An employer must put measures in place to protect employees from exposure to the substances that may result in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. If the employer has been negligent in this duty then workers who have been affected by COPD have the legal right to claim compensation for personal injury and other losses which may include past and future salary.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 414 3738

If you are suffering from COPD and you want to get in touch with a solicitor who specialises in personal injury claims, just call us on the helpline. We operate using the no win no fee scheme and you will not be obliged to finance the proceedings. Your compensation will also be given to you in full without any deductions. Win or lose there is no charge. The initial consultation is free and you will be no under obligation to take any action if you deem it wise to do so.