Asthma compensation claims
If, you have been diagnosed or believe you are suffering from either
Occupational or Work Related Asthma then you could be
entitled to claim compensation from your employer under their Employer's
Liability Insurance.
Simpson Millar LLP has a specialist team of dedicated solicitors who are highly
skilled in dealing with asthma compensation claims and can discuss your individual
case and concerns with you with no-obligation for you to pursue the matter further.
Key Information:
Call us now on 0800 195 4365
Email us using our Online Enquiry Form
What is occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is an allergic reaction that can happen in
certain people if they are exposed to substances, eg wood dust
or flour at work.
Some substances can cause airways to become sensitised. However, just because someone
has become sensitised does not mean that they will develop a breathing related illness.
People should be aware that once the lungs become hypersensitive, any further exposure
to such substances, even at relatively low levels, could trigger an asthma attack.
It can be frightening and distressing to suffer from an asthma attack
and in severe cases prompt medical attention may need to be sought.
Occupational Asthma is the most common form of occupational lung disease arising
from current exposures in the workplace. The Government estimates that each year
between 1,500 and 3,000 people in Great Britain develop the condition. This rises
to 7,000 cases a year if you include asthma made worse by work.
What is Work Related Asthma?
This is asthma that is made worse due to your working environment and lawyers often
distinguish this separately from the type of asthma caused by work (occupational
asthma). The substances known to be involved in this condition form a wider category
and include substances at work that aggravate the airways of anyone with pre-existing
asthma eg including people who have had this condition since birth. Respiratory
irritants can bring on attacks in anyone with occupational or pre-existing asthma.
Examples of substances that can irritate existing sufferers are general dust, chlorine,
and in some cases cold air.
The Health and Safety Executive have published a list of substances that are known
to cause occupational
asthma which can be downloaded from their website.
What are the symptoms of asthma?
- coughing
- wheezing
- tightening of the chest, and
- difficulties in breathing.
Who is most at risk of developing work related/occupational asthma?
The groups of workers most at risk of inhaling these substances include:
- bakery workers
- cleaners
- nursing and care staff
- catering workers
- spray painters, and
- woodworkers.
Exposure
Prolonged or repeated exposure to these irritants can result in chronic asthma.
This is a condition whereby symptoms increase in severity and are less likely to
be helped or reversed even with strong asthmatic medication or removal from the
workplace environment.
What duties do employers have?
Employers are under a statutory duty to control an employee's exposure to fumes,
dust and impurities including those that can cause asthma. These duties are now
embodied within The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations.
Breach of these regulations can form the basis of a claim for damages and compensation.
Under COSHH:
- employers are required as part of their duty to undertake an assessment of the health
risks caused by hazardous substances, and
- if they are identified, to take steps to assess the level of exposure and to institute
prevention measure
- if prevention is not possible then to reduce exposure to as low a level as possible
and then restrict exposure through implementing systems of ventilation and/or extraction
- if the use of a substance can not be reduced then employers should provide personal
protective equipment
Employers are also under a duty to operate a system of health surveillance to ensure
that control measures are used and maintained and employees are suitably aware of
the relevant risks and preventative measures involved when working with hazardous
materials.
Employers must monitor their employee’s exposure to such materials on a regular
basis and ensure that employees working with hazardous substances are informed of
the symptoms and risks of occupational asthma and asked to report any symptoms immediately.
Despite the legal duties many employers do not fully execute their duties under
the regulations resulting in employees being exposed to hazardous materials.
Is there a time limit for claiming compensation?
Any asthma compensation claim must be made within 3 years of the
date you knew or ought to know you were suffering with the condition and therefore
it is imperative that you seek legal advice as soon as possible.
Who we have helped
Mr F worked for almost 20 years as a manual processor for a metal plating company.
During the course of his employment, Mr F was exposed to toxic fumes released through
the mixing of various chemicals including acid, cyanide and caustic soda that were
involved in the plating process. Mr F was not provided with any protective masks
or other breathing aids and inevitably inhaled in a great deal of these fumes and
smoke on a daily basis. He developed severe breathing difficulties and was diagnosed
with asthma caused by his extensive exposure to the toxic fumes. Mr F’s medical
condition became permanent and he was unable to continue in his employment.
Mr F contacted Simpson Millar LLP Solicitors who pursued a claim on his behalf.
Despite the company going out of business, the relevant insurers were quickly identified.
Vital witness evidence was gathered and presented to the insurers. Shortly after,
the insurers admitted fault and a settlement of the claim was achieved.
Make an asthma compensation enquiry
Call our solicitors today on 0800 195 4365 or use our free, no obligation,
online enquiry form to register for a call back to discuss how and if we can help you make an asthma compensation claim.
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