World Lung Cancer Day, August 1st, raises global awareness about occupational lung cancer, its impact, early detection, prevention, and innovative treatments.
Established in 2012 by the Forum of International Respiratory Societies (FIRS), this day also serves to educate the public about occupational lung diseases and support those affected.
In the UK, respiratory diseases are a significant public health concern. They are the third leading cause of death in England, affecting one in five people.
The economic burden on the NHS is estimated at £11 billion annually, with hospital admissions for lung conditions increasing rapidly. Recognizing this, the NHS Long Term Plan now prioritizes respiratory disease, setting investment targets to improve treatment and support.
What are occupational lung diseases?
Occupational lung diseases are lung conditions caused by exposure to harmful airborne particles, irritants, or chemicals in the workplace.
While employers are legally obligated to minimize these risks, inadequate protections can lead to employees developing these illnesses.
Such diseases arise from exposure in environments like factories, mines, construction sites, and agricultural settings.
Common examples include:
- Asbestosis: Caused by long-term asbestos exposure, leading to thickened lung tissue.
- Coal workers’ pneumoconiosis (black lung disease): From inhaling coal dust.
- Silicosis: Caused by breathing in crystalline silica.
- Byssinosis (brown lung disease): Linked to dust from hemp, flax, and cotton processing.
- Hypersensitivity pneumonitis: An allergic lung disease from inhaling substances like fungus spores or chemicals.
- Work-related asthma: Triggered by exposure to dusts, gases, fumes, and vapours in specific industries.
Symptoms often include coughing (sometimes with blood), shortness of breath, chest pain, chest tightness, and wheezing. It is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis, as these symptoms can mimic other conditions.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosing occupational lung diseases involves a thorough review of a person’s symptoms, job history, and workplace exposures. Tests may include:
- Chest X-ray
- Pulmonary function test
- Bronchoscopy (which may involve biopsy or bronchoalveolar lavage)
- Blood gas tests
- CT scan
Currently, most work-related lung diseases have no cure other than a lung transplant.
Treatments aim to prevent further exposure, prevent more lung scarring, manage symptoms, and help patients stay active. If you have developed a respiratory illness due to hazardous workplace conditions, you may be entitled to compensation.
Frequently asked questions:
Making a Claim for Occupational Lung Disease
Individuals can claim for General Damages (for pain, suffering, and loss of amenity) and Special Damages (for financial losses like lost earnings or medical costs).
The value of a claim depends on the specific medical issues linked to workplace exposure and is assessed after obtaining medical evidence. Claims can range from a few thousand to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
How much is my claim worth?
The value of the claim will solely depend on the issues that are medically associated with your work exposure. We will instruct an appropriate expert in the field of respiratory medicine; it will be once a medical report has been produced that we will be able to accurately assess the value of the claim.
The claims range for these types of cases can be from a few thousand pounds to hundreds of thousands of pounds.
How do I make a claim?
If you have read the above and feel that you may be suffering from any of the symptoms whilst exposed to substances at work, call Oakwood Solicitors to speak to a member of our dedicated Industrial Disease team.
To run most personal injury claims, you must have started the claim within three years of the injury. However, with industrial disease claims, it may be that the injury started over some time and was only diagnosed within the last three years. We will be able to clarify this for you.
How would my case be funded?
Our cases are brought on a ‘no-win, no-fee’ basis. If we accept your claim, if the terms of the agreement are complied with by you, namely that you do not mislead and you co-operate, there will be no charge to you in the event of the case failing.
If the case succeeds, there will be a deduction to be made from the damages.
Further reading:
Oakwood Scotland Solicitors Employer’s liability claims.
WHAT TO DO NEXT
If you have been impacted by occupational lung disease because of hazardous exposure at work. Get in touch today for a no-obligation consultation. Choose one of the methods on this page, or call us on 0141 406 3324 to find out how we can help you with your enquiry.
