Occupational asthma claim brought against seafood company
We helped our client, Cheryl, secure a settlement after her time working at a seafood production and distribution company lead to long-term health issues.
What happened to Cheryl?
In 2021, Cheryl began working as a Production Operative at a seafood production and distribution company, where she was responsible for packing fillets of fresh, raw salmon onto a production line.
After around a year in the role, she began to experience respiratory issues including wheezing, breathlessness and a persistent cough, which were significantly worse while at work and improved when she was away from the factory. She visited her GP, who suggested her symptoms may be linked to her working environment.
Occupational health moved Cheryl to a different production line, where she checked that frozen fish had been packaged and dated correctly.
Shortly after this, she learned that she had developed an allergy to various fish and seafood, including salmon and cod. Because she was now working with frozen fish that had already been sealed, her respiratory issues improved and was able to control them with an inhaler.
However, in late 2023, a machine processing raw white fish was introduced into her work area, and was soon replaced with another machine used to vacuum pack whole fresh salmon. A new production line handling fresh cod was also added.
Following these changes, Cheryl experienced a rapid deterioration in her symptoms, to the point where she was unable to continue working. Her employment was terminated on medical grounds when no safe work location could be identified within the factory.
Cheryl contacted us for help in bringing a claim against her employer to recover compensation for her illness, loss of earnings, and the long-term impact on her health and employment prospects.
Our investigation
Cheryl’s case was handled by Rebecca Wood in our Industrial Illness team.
We obtained an initial medico-legal report from a Respiratory Consultant who confirmed a probable diagnosis of occupational asthma, but recommended more detailed physiological testing to clarify the diagnosis.
We arranged further testing and obtained a supplemental report confirming the diagnosis and establishing that her symptoms were caused by exposure to well‑recognised aero‑allergens (fish products), along with an assessment of her long-term prognosis.
Our team also took a detailed statement from Cheryl to understand the impact of her symptoms on her daily life and employment capacity.
There is a large fish industry in the North East Lincolnshire region where she lives, which places her at a disadvantage when seeking local employment due to her inability to work in environments involving raw fish.
Her health issues, sleep disturbance and employment difficulties have also affected the stability of her household. During the worst periods of her symptoms, neighbours even reported hearing her coughing at night, demonstrating the intrusive nature of her condition and the wider impact on family life.
Court proceedings and a five-figure settlement
We served a Letter of Claim against Cheryl’s former employer in August 2024, but no liability decision was provided in response. We commenced Court proceedings in May 2025.
The Defendant subsequently admitted breach of duty for failing to protect Cheryl from exposure to a known respiratory sensitiser. Once liability was admitted, we entered settlement negotiations.
In November 2025, an amicable settlement was achieved, and Cheryl was awarded a five-figure sum as compensation for her reduced quality of life, loss of earnings and long-term respiratory disability.
Expert opinion
On Cheryl’s case, her solicitor, Rebecca Wood, says:
“Cheryl’s experience highlights how damaging exposure to airborne allergens in the workplace can be, particularly when early signs are not properly acted upon.
We are pleased to have secured a settlement that recognises both the severity of her condition and the long-term impact on her life and employment opportunities.”
If you believe your respiratory condition may have been caused or worsened by your working environment, our specialist Industrial Illness team is here to help.
Contact us today to discuss your situation and find out whether you may be entitled to compensation.
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