• Occupational Illness
• Occupational Skin Disease
• Industrial Deafness
• Vibration White Finger VWF
• Respiratory Illness
• Asbestos Disease
• Repetitive Strain Injury RSI
• Pulmonary Disease COPD

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term for a number of respiratory diseases including chronic bronchitis and emphysema. The most common cause of COPD is smoking however there are occupational factors including the inhalation of vapour, micro-organisms, irritant dust or fibres in an industrial environment which cause the airways and lungs to become inflamed leading to a feeling of obstruction with difficulty breathing accompanied by anxiety. The sensation of COPD is extremely unpleasant, causes grave distress to the elderly and makes exercise, work, rest and sleeping troublesome. Our specialist personal injury solicitors deal with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease compensation claims. If you suffer from COPD and you believe it was caused by your occupation you should contact us for free advice. We will take brief details from you over the phone and advise you there and then whether or not we believe you have a viable COPD compensation claim and the estimated level of the potential damages that may be awarded.

Though chronic obstructive pulmonary disease covers a wide range of respiratory problems there are two major diseases that are at the forefront :-

• Chronic bronchitis is manifested by wheezing, difficulty in breathing and fatigue due to the fact that the airways are inflamed. In addition mucus production from the lining of the lungs is enhanced causing a regular cough.
• Emphysema is caused by severely damaged lung tissue resulting in the development of large pockets that are less efficient at oxygen absorption than the original tissue. Victims are often breathless and are usually tired and uncomfortable.

There are numerous statutes and regulations that deal with respiratory disease and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease including The Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations 1994. Occupations at risk of contracting COPD due to inadequate working conditions include coalminers, farmers, asbestos workers, epoxy resin operatives, isocyanate manufactures. Employers handling at risk substances should have adequate protection for employees in place and should carry out risk assessments for all hazardous procedures. There should be safety equipment for handling these materials and protective clothing available for operative. Adequate ventilation is a legal requirement covered by statute. Failure to properly look after the health and safety of employees will ensure that a COPD compensation claim will succeed against a negligent employer.

If you want to make an COPD compensation claim our personal injury solicitors can help you to preserve your legal right to compensation. We offer free consultations for advice to find out whether you have a good case, how to go about claiming and how much your compensation might be worth. We will give you clear unequivocal advice about your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged anything at all.

copyright 1999