Smoking is regarded as probably the single biggest cause of Emphysema. However, the disease can also develop if you spend long periods of time in poorly ventilated, dusty environments with excessive levels of vapours, gases, smoke and heat. If you have developed emphysema and have spent time working in a poorly ventilated or closed in working environment and have been exposed to dust, vapours, gases, smoke or heat, you may be entitled to claim for compensation.
Emphysema: causes and effects
Emphysema is a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease of the lung (COPD) affecting the alveolar ducts and sacs found in the peripheral areas of the lung. These become chronically inflamed and damaged as dust settles within them. Emphysema causes severe breathlessness, fatigue and persistent coughing and as the condition worsens, an emphysema patient is likely to become housebound and reliant on an oxygen supply. Emphysema is a very serious condition which can lead to a significant amount of physical and mental suffering. If you feel that the air quality in your workplace is affecting your health, you are urged to bring this to the attention of your employer and also to visit your GP.
If an employer fails to maintain a suitable standard of safety in the workplace, employees may suffer injuries or develop industrial diseases like emphysema. Coal mines have for many years, been associated with cases of emphysema due to the poor air quality of the environment in which miners have had to work. Mining is by no means the only occupation which places workers at risk from emphysema. Anyone who has been exposed to fumes, smoke or dust particles from chemicals, silicone, asbestos, cereals, wood, coal, metals or fibreglass in the workplace, particularly, welders, smelters, furnace workers, plastics workers and firemen are also at risk of contracting this disease.
If you are suffering from emphysema which you believe was caused by the negligence of your employer, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Claiming compensation for industrial disease
Legal Advice Helpline could assist you if you decide to pursue a claim for industrial disease compensation. We can provide access to an expert solicitor with experience in dealing with emphysema and industrial disease cases who will be able to advise you on making a compensation claim. All of our solicitors operate on a no win, no fee basis which means that you have nothing to pay at any time.
To find out more about compensation for industrial diseases like emphysema, call our helpline now on 0800 612 3042 or browse online for more information on making a compensation claim for emphysema on a no win, no fee basis.