Work Related Claims 

Occupational Asthma Claims 

Expertise And Understanding From Irwin Mitchell

Employers have a responsibility to protect their employees from dangers in the workplace. These dangers can include exposure to dusts, vapours, gases, or fumes. When this protection is inadequate, the results can be serious - including occupational asthma.

At Irwin Mitchell we fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for your occupational asthma compensation claim. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family due to occupational asthma, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise, combined with dedication and sensitivity.

Above all, we put you first.

Handling Occupational Asthma Cases With Expertise And Sensitivity

If you have developed asthma or another form of breathing problem as a result of exposure to harmful substances at work, you may be entitled to claim compensation for occupational asthma.

It is estimated that over 2 million UK workers are potentially exposed to substances known to be associated with the development of occupational asthma - a chest disease in which the airways react to dusts, vapours, gases, or fumes.

Irwin Mitchell can help you to make an asthma compensation claim against a current or a previous employer if you believe that exposure to harmful substances has affected your breathing. Our specialist asthma at work claim solicitors will investigate your compensation claim and give you all of the plain English advice and support that you need.

Occupational asthma is usually reversible, though permanent lung damage can occur if exposure to harmful substances continues over a long period.

Workers may be exposed to a wide variety of airborne contaminants such as dust, welding fumes, gases, sandblasting dust, solvent vapours flour, cleaning fluids and mists. Studies have show that in most cases occupational asthma develops in 6-12 months, but may occur within weeks or be delayed as long as 20 years.

In cases of asthma related diseases, the following symptoms are commonplace:

  • Airway inflammation begins
  • Muscles in the airways tighten
  • The airway tissue swells
  • Too much mucus is produced

If you suspect a substance at work as the cause of your asthma here are clues to look for:

During the working week your asthma gets worse, although not necessarily at work itself. Often your asthma may only occur or get worse after leaving work, sometimes interrupting sleep.

Your asthma gets better when you are not at work (it usually takes several days to notice any improvement).

Proven Expertise In Occupational Asthma Claims

Irwin Mitchell is also one of the largest and most experienced personal injury law firms in the country.

Our industrial illness claims team includes many of the country’s finest personal injury lawyers. They operate in highly specialised teams, offering the highest level of legal expertise in occupational asthma claims.



Asthma from Work Conditions Leads to £30,000 Compensation

Asthma compensation

Mrs Leightley was an employee of the defendants Proctor & Gamble Limited and worked for them as a laboratory technician since 1984. Her employment involved her in testing a variety of raw materials and chemicals used in the manufacture of fragrances, hair colourents and a variety of other beauty care products.

She later developed asthma believed to be caused by the work conditions.

A claim was issued against Mrs Leightley’s employers in the Newcastle County Court. The claim was complicated, in fact it was not possible to identify if Mrs Leightley’s asthma was caused by work conditions. It was pursued on the basis that there had been breach of statutory duty which had materially increased the risk of asthma from work and specifically a breach of the Control of Substances Hazadous to Health Regulations.

We commissioned a report from the Health & Safety Consultant with expertise in the control of hazadous substances and laboratory work. The defendants argued throughout the case that they would not accept that there had in fact been a breach of the Regulations and they ultimately offered to settle the claim out of court. Ultimately the defendants made an offer to settle the claim in the amount of £30,000 which was accepted by Mrs Leightley.

We have lawyers with the expertise and experience needed to help you with your claim. Choose from the list below to learn more about our experts in this area.



Guidance With Strength And Sensitivity

We understand that contacting a lawyer might seem like a big step - especially if you have not done so before and we have therefore made it easy for you to contact us for free initial advice.about your claim.

At Irwin Mitchell we understand the real impact of personal injury. Our team of specialists have the skills and experience to give you clear advice about the chances of pursuing a successful claim and to guide you through the claims process.You can then decide if you want us to pursue your claim on your behalf.

We are renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

At Irwin Mitchell we will fight fearlessly to give you the greatest chance of winning your case, with the best possible outcome, and we will support you every step of the way.

 

 

 

 

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