Occupational Asthma
Occupational Asthma Claims
Asthma effects one in eleven people. To put that into context, one in five UK households has a member who has undergone a pulmonary lung function and skin allergy test, only to discover that they have asthma. That’s an alarming statistic.
The UK has one of the worst asthma death rates of any country in Europe. In the last decade, asthma-related deaths have increased by more than 25% amid mounting evidence that environmental, air pollution and lack of basic care are to blame.
Work aggravated asthma is a pre-existing condition, aggravated by poor working conditions and lack of access to basic health and safety practices. If you believe that your asthma has been caused or aggravated by your workplace, you may be able to claim compensation. Versus Law employs a team of informed occupational asthma claims solicitors in Manchester who can help you be compensated if your workplace has had a negative effect on your asthma.
What Causes or Worsens Asthma?
There is a wealth of reasons why you may have developed asthma – and not all of them draw a direct correlation with a workplace environment. Diagnoses are made using a plethora of medical and circumstantial information.
Asthma can be a hereditary condition, inherited by parents or other members of the family. In these circumstances, symptoms are likely to manifest in childhood or early adolescence. Hay fever can also be a precursor to developing asthma. However, it is not wholly uncommon for people to develop asthma or have their condition worsen because of dust, vapour, gases or fumes in the workplace.
If you believe that the quality of your life as an asthmatic has been negatively affected by working in specific environment – or if you believe that your workplace has directly caused your asthma – you may be able to claim compensation.
Asthma Causative Agents that Compensation Claims Can Be Made For
Despite a diagnosis of asthma being determined by a specific clinical criterion, there definite workplace causative agents may contribute to developing asthma or aggravating an existing condition. These include the following:
- Grains, flours, plants and gums
- Isocyanates and metals
- Animals, insects and fungi
- Drugs and enzymes
- Chemicals and materials
- Woods
The Symptoms Experienced By People Who Have Developed or Aggravated their Asthma
There is a wealth of symptoms that asthmatics – or non-asthmatics can suffer from as a direct result of employers not providing acceptable working conditions. If you have suffered from any of the following, it may be worth seeking medical attention and then contacting Versus Law, one of the foremost occupational asthma claims in Manchester solicitors.
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Chest tightening
- Coughing
- Asthma attacks
Your Employer’s Responsibility
The British Occupational Health and Research Foundation (BOHRF) has very strict guidelines in relation to employee health in the workplace. Employers are responsible for providing a safe working environment for all their employees.
This includes making sure that any existing health concerns are not aggravated – and that the working environment provided by your employer does not cause any health problems.
Employers are responsible for assessing risk in the workplace and taking appropriate actions to eradicate or minimise that risk. Exposure to harmful substances should be eliminated or, at the very least, controlled and that all required personal protective equipment (PPE) is provided and used by employees.
Also, your employer is responsible for ensuring that all control measures are used and maintained, exposures are monitored and health checks for at risk groups are performed. If an employer fails to perform their responsibilities and this results in negatively affecting your health, you may be entitled to receive compensation after engaging the services of a reputable solicitor in Manchester, like Versus Law.
How Do I Make an Occupational Asthma Compensation Claim?
The first step to making an occupational asthma compensation claim is to contact Versus Law. Our experienced occupational asthma solicitors will then arrange for you to come and discuss your case. This consultation is free of charge. Once we have learned your circumstances, we will talk you through your options and provide you with expert advice.
At this stage, all you need to do is to provide us with the details of how your asthma effects your day-to-day life, whether symptoms flared up during your time working for an employer or developed wholly and evidence that appropriate safety measures were not taken by your employer which resulted in your asthma symptoms manifesting.
A member of our team will then contact your employer and inform them that you’ll be seeking compensation for your asthma, including psychological damages.
The straightforward and open approach taken by our occupational asthma claims solicitors in Manchester is evident in how we communicate with your employer on your behalf. Our goal to make sure that you’re awarded the compensation you deserve. We will keep you updated of all developments in your case and always act in your best interests.
How Long Do I Have to Make a Claim?
You can make a claim anytime within three years of becoming aware that your illness might be linked to work. In cases where asthma proved to be fatal, the family of the deceased can make a claim from the date of death or date that the post-mortem was received.
If your asthma occurred outside of the UK, this timescale might be shortened. If you’re unsure whether you’re eligible to make a claim for compensation, contact Versus Law today.
How Much Compensation Can I Expect?
The amount of compensation that you’re entitled to is dependent on a range of circumstances. This is the same with any workplace-related illness. Typical factors include:
- Loss of earnings (including future loss projections)
- Any medical or travel expenses that you’ve had to pay
- Your care and support needs (both present and future)
- Expenses relating to home environment modifications
- Mobile aids
- Any pain and suffering that you’ve experienced
No Win No Fee Occupational Asthma Claims
Our occupational asthma claims legal service is provided on a no win no fee basis. Should your claim be unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay any legal costs. There are also no upfront costs for using our services.
Should you claim be successful, your employer will be responsible for paying you legal fees, with any outstanding balance deducted from your compensation.
Why Choose Us?
Versus Law solicitors in Manchester is an award-winning legal practice with substantial experience settling occupational asthma claims. If your symptoms worsen throughout the course of the claim, this will be reflected in the settlement we seek – especially if you seek additional, expensive medical treatment.
We provide ample support throughout the process. We care about the well-being of our clients. All the actions that we take reflects this ethos.
Contact Us
To receive your free consultation with one of our occupational asthma claims solicitors in Manchester, contact us today on 0845 555 0606 or email us at info@versuslaw.co.uk. If you prefer, you can complete our contact form here.