If you’ve been diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and your condition is linked to workplace exposure, you may be owed compensation. Thousands of workers across the UK have developed COPD after long-term contact with harmful substances such as dust, fumes, or chemicals—often due to inadequate protection or poor working conditions.
At Injury Lawyers 4u, we specialise in helping people affected by occupational diseases get the compensation they deserve. Read on to find out how we can support you through the legal process.
What is COPD?
Work-related COPD is an occupational lung disease caused by exposure to dust or fumes at work. The term describes progressive lung diseases like chronic bronchitis and emphysema. COPD can lead to long-term breathing difficulties because of airway inflammation and obstruction. The condition can lay dormant for years, often developing very gradually, so exposure can be hard to trace.
Some of the most common symptoms of COPD include:
- Breathlessness
- Persistent cough with phlegm
- Wheezing
- Frequent chest infections
Can I claim compensation for COPD?
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease claims can be pursued by anyone that developed the condition or had it worsened by exposure to harmful substances like dust, fumes or chemicals at work.
COPD compensation claims focus on proving employer negligence. To do this, we’ll look at your rights and your employer’s responsibility to keep you safe, detailed in the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. If we can establish your employer breached this duty of care to you and your colleagues, you have a case.
What jobs are most at risk of causing COPD?
Jobs that involve long-term exposure to harmful substances put workers at a higher risk of developing (COPD). Some of the most vulnerable occupations include:
- Construction and demolition
- Mining and quarrying
- Agriculture and food production
- Welding and fabrication
- Textiles, plastics and rubber industries
While these are the most common occupations at risk, it’s important to note that COPD can be caused at any job where exposure to harmful substances occurs. If you are ever handling hazardous materials, be sure to wear the correct PPE and take proper precautions.
How do I prove my COPD was caused by work?
In order to pursue a successful COPD compensation claim, you must gather relevant evidence to support your case. These are some of the best pieces of evidence you can present:
- Medical reports — A written report by a medical professional to confirm your COPD diagnosis.
- Accident reports — If your COPD exposure was detailed in an accident book, request your report as evidence.
- Employment history — If you have a record of your employment history, this could link your workplace with your COPD exposure.
- Photographic evidence — Photos of improper PPE and safeguards surrounding hazards can act as good evidence.
- Financial records — Your potential special damages rely on proof of the financial consequences of your COPD.
If you aren’t sure where to begin when it comes to collecting evidence, we can help. Simply get in touch with Injury Lawyers 4u today.
How do I make a COPD claim?
If you’re looking to claim for COPD with Injury Lawyers 4u, simply follow these steps to begin:
- Get a medical diagnosis — Visit a medical professional for an official diagnosis and accompanying medical report.
- Contact a specialist solicitor — Get in touch with us and we’ll discuss how we can help you with your case.
- Gather evidence — Gather all the evidence you can, including medical reports, photos and financial statements that back up your case.
If we agree to take your case, we will get in touch with the employer that breached their duty of care and notify them of your claim. If the company has closed, we will pursue their insurance company instead.
How much compensation could I receive?
All personal injury and illness compensation settlements are divided between general damages and special damages. The amount you receive for each will depend on the following:
- General damages — This is a standard compensation amount detailed by the Judicial College guidelines and covers the pain and suffering caused by your illness.
- Special damages — This is compensation for the financial hardships your illness has caused, including travel costs, rehabilitation costs and special treatments.
For a rough idea of your COPD general damages, use our helpful compensation calculator.
What’s the time limit for making a COPD claim?
You usually have three years from the date of your COPD diagnosis, or from when you became aware that your condition was work-related. Exceptions exist for individuals lacking mental capacity or in cases involving deceased relatives.
Will I lose my job if I claim for COPD?
It is illegal for your employer to treat you differently if you make a workplace accident claim against them. Luckily, most claims are handled through your employer’s liability insurance, so your case won’t directly affect their finances — so don’t let that stop you making a claim.
Why choose Injury Lawyers 4u for your COPD claim?
If you decide to take on a COPD claim with Injury Lawyers 4u, we’ll handle your case with respect and tact. We know how difficult a disease like COPD can be, and we’ll work to make everything as easy as possible during the process.
The conditional fee agreement we have for all our cases means you can make a no-win, no-fee COPD claim with us and spare yourself legal fees unless your case is successful.
Start your COPD compensation claim today
Call us on 0333 400 4445 to speak with one of our specialist solicitors, or fill out our online contact form, and we’ll call you back at a time that works for you.