Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Occupational Asthma Claim for Welder Exposed to Fumes
15th February 2012
Our personal injury lawyers are experts in industrial disease claims. We recently represented a welder in an occupational asthma claim against his employer and he received compensation.
Work-related Illness
Welding is well known for producing harmful fumes and welders generally use personal protective equipment and/or extraction equipment to prevent them from inhaling them.
Our client had previously worked using the correct levels of protection and did not experience any health problems. He was moved to another work area by his employer however, where the extraction hoods did not provide adequate coverage to remove the welding fumes and it was sometimes necessary for him to work without a visor. There were also other welders working nearby and the dividing curtains provided were not sufficient to prevent fumes from circulating between the welding areas.
He began to experience respiratory problems, including shortness of breath and persistent coughing, and his symptoms worsened over time. He was diagnosed with industrial asthma and had to be signed off work for 6 months.
Compensation Claim
The injured employee appointed us to act on his behalf in a personal injury claim. Employers have a duty to reduce the risk of harm to their employees as far as reasonably possible and our client’s employer failed to do this. Additional health and safety measures could have prevented our client’s illness.
We began the claim and put forward details of his condition and his working environment. His employer admitted liability. Although they did make an offer of compensation this was very low, so we negotiated for an increase and our client received in excess of £7,500, more than double the original offer.
Industrial Disease Advice
If you or a member of your family is suffering from a work-related illness or injury, you may be in a position to make an injury claim.
At The Legal Line, our lawyers have a wealth of experience in recovering damages for the victims of respiratory illnesses caused by hazardous substances in the workplace. We can provide you with specialist advice on a cost-free, confidential basis. Contact us on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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