EMPHYSEMA AND OCCUPATIONAL BRONCHITIS COMPENSATION

If you are suffering from a respiratory problem caused by a negligent employer we can help you with an occupational bronchitis compensation claim or with an occupational emphysema compensation claim. An employer is required to provide a safe system of work with proper training and supervision and if he does not do so and an employee suffers personal injury then the employer will be liable to pay compensation to the employee. Employers are required by law to provide adequate safety equipment including ventilation systems, face masks and breathing apparatus to prevent employees being exposed to harmful and irritant substances that may cause occupational bronchitis or occupational emphysema.

Bronchitis is inflammation of the air passages in the lungs and has numerous causes, including respiratory infections, persistent exposure to irritants including dusts, gases, vapour, cigarette smoke and air pollution. Because there can be many causes of bronchitis, both inside and outside of the workplace, it is often difficult to say whether the problem has its origin in the workplace. Particularly difficult occupational bronchitis compensation claims or occupational emphysema compensation claims involve workers who smoke or who suffered from respiratory problems prior to coming into contact with an irritant substance during the course of their employment.

• Occupational Emphysema is a disease of the alveoli, the microscopic sacs at the very end of the air passages, where the blood picks up oxygen from the air and releases carbon dioxide. Chemical agents can damage the thin walls of the alveoli which become less flexible and lose some of their ability to let oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through. Eventually the alveolar walls break down and the alveoli join together to form larger air spaces. The large spaces are far less efficient in transferring gases to and from the blood and as a result less oxygen gets into the body when breathing. Symptoms include constant shortness of breath, gasping and wheezing. Emphysema is irreversible.

• Occupational Bronchitis is the response of the lungs to constant irritation, e.g. from cigarette smoke, air pollution, dust, irritant vapours and gases. Its symptoms are a persistent cough, overproduction of mucus in the lungs and reduced lung function. Workplace chemicals can irritate the lungs and may cause or contribute to the onset of bronchitis.

Our specialist solicitors are members of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts. Your claim will be dealt with on a no win no fee basis and there will be no financial contribution from you. Both occupational bronchitis compensation claims and occupational emphysema compensation claims are paid in full with no deductions. You will not have to pay for any expenses and you will not have to pay for any insurance. If you would like free legal advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will speak to you on the telephone with no further obligation.