Irwin Mitchell’s workplace illness team has successfully concluded a claim for a quality control chemist who developed asthma as a result of being exposed to dangerous fumes at work.
The exposure lasted around one to two weeks which resulted in Mrs A experiencing chest tightening, breathlessness and wheezing. As a consequence of this, she is now sensitive to domestic cleaning products and chlorine.
Satinder Bains, industrial disease specialist within the firm’s Birmingham office worked on the case and secured £55,000 in compensation for Mrs A.
Commenting on the award, Satinder said: "The money received by the client went some way to compensating her. She will however suffer from the condition for the rest of her life. Not only was Mrs A forced to change jobs, her lifestyle also changed. She must avoid certain chemicals including chlorine for fear of triggering a respiratory reaction. This could quite simply have been avoided had her employer taken some reasonably straightforward steps to reduce her exposure to chemicals and hence minimise the level of risk.
"Instead she was left to carry on with her job without suitable respiratory protection and as a consequence her employment options have been severely restricted. This case does underline the importance of workers being suitably protected from exposure to dangerous fumes which may compromise their health and safety. Frankly, this incident could easily have been avoided, had some basic measures been implemented by the Company in question."
Speaking following receipt of her compensation Mrs A thanked Irwin Mitchell for pursuing her claim. She said: "I am so grateful for all the help and support Irwin Mitchell has given to me from day one. They pursued my claim tirelessly and with a great deal of expertise."
The case also highlights the growing number of employees developing occupational asthma which can either be irritant induced or as a consequence of an allergic reaction. In many cases symptoms can be prevented by the implementation of simple measures or by virtue of employers carrying out programmes of health surveillance.
If you or a loved one has suffered from respiratory problems - such as occupational asthma or silicosis - caused by conditions at work, our solicitors could help you claim compensation. See our Industrial Disease Claims page for more information.
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