Most of these diseases are suffered by those working underground in mineral extraction and in particular the largest category of legal action falls within the group classified as coal miner emphysema compensation claims. You are entitled to working environments, practices, equipment and mechanisms that ensure your health and safety as an employee. Your employer is under a legal obligation to ensure you are protected, and if they fail in this duty, you may be eligible for compensation that our experienced and specialist lawyers can help you obtain. Compensation for diseases including occupational asthma and emphysema are available because you have a legal right to enjoying quality of life independent of such conditions.
So exactly what are occupational asthma and occupational emphysema? The two conditions are related; they affect the lungs and one’s capacity to breathe freely and without difficulty. Both affect quality of life and one’s capacity to work, and may give rise to time off, medical expenses and resultant physical and financial hardship.
Emphysema occurs when damage of the lung occurs which causes air pockets to develop, stretching the lungs’ lining and preventing it from naturally snapping back into place. Discomfort is created when breathing because one becomes unable to fully breathe out, and trapped air creates the sensation that breathing freely is not possible. Sufferers experience marked shortness of breath and the lack of oxygen to the brain can cause tiredness and a lack of well-being. Coal miner emphysema compensation claims may also be coupled with a claim for pneumoconiosis (black lung, miners lung, the dust etc.)which further complicates the illness.
Occupational asthma is the result of the inhalation of substances which inflame the lungs’ airways. Whilst it may be a complicating issue for miners it is often less serious than the health problems raised in coal miner emphysema compensation claims. The muscles used when breathing tighten and defence glands in the body secrete mucus, which can cause the sufferer to cough, splutter and become congested in the chest and sinuses. The result can be unsightly hacking and spitting – embarrassing and unsightly behaviours. In the short term, the prognosis from asthma, if caught sufficiently early, is good, and it may clear if the irritant substances are removed from the workplace.
So what at work might cause these conditions? The substances which give rise to them are smoke, dust and fumes. Work with materials such as metal, fossil fuels, cotton, chemicals in laboratories or factories or processing plants can cause lung conditions. So too can paints, insulation and foam materials. Upholstery can cause asthma, so too can allergens including pet hair and dander and even foodstuffs such as flour and cereal dusts.
The UK Occupational Illness Solicitors Network operates nationwide and will deal with claim using the no win no fee scheme. Compensation is always paid in full with absolutely no deductions and there is no need to finance your claim. If the case is lost you still pay nothing. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.
