If you believe that you are suffering with breathing problems as a result of your work you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation. If you think that your breathing problems are as a result of working with asbestos please scroll down to read our page about asbestos related disease.
Breathing problems can often be caused by exposure to dust and chemicals in the workplace. Common chest complaints which can be caused by exposure to dust and chemicals include:
- Asthma and exacerbation of asthma
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
- Chronic Bronchitis (CB)
- Lung cancer
The following sources of dust and chemicals can cause breathing problems:
- Pesticides and gases from corrosive chemicals
- Sawdust and dust from cotton, coal, fiberglass and food products
- Fumes from food dyes and preservatives
- Fumes from welding, metalwork and heated plastics
- Smoke
- Fumes from paints, solvent and lacquers
Exposure to dust and chemicals which can cause breathing problems can take place over a number of years or as a one of incident.
Many people who are suffering breathing problems say that their symptoms come on gradually and did not initially realise that their problems were as a result of work. If you are a smoker this may have an affect on your claim but it does not mean that you definitely can not make a claim for compensation.
If you have been exposed to dust or chemicals at work and are experiencing breathing problems you should seek medical advice immediately. If you are suffering from breathing problems it is vital that your exposure to what is causing the problems is stopped.
If you believe that you are suffering from breathing problems as a result of your work you should seek legal advice quickly. There are important time limits, which are governed by law, which govern disease litigation claims and it is important that if you feel you have a claim you pursue the claim within this time frame to ensure your claim is not statue barred.
In addition to pursuing a typical compensation claim for breathing problems the team may be able to help you apply for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit.
There are lots of different breathing problems which are known as prescribed diseases and are covered by the scheme. If you fulfill the criteria you may be eligible to receive a weekly payment from the Government. Claims for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit can be made in addition to a claim for compensation or as a stand alone application. Successful applications can result in a payment within two to three months.
