Simpson Millar Occupational Asthma

Simpson Millar is a UK wide law firm that provides a wide range of legal services and prides itself in supporting those who suffer from industrial illness, who have had accidents at work or while serving in the Armed Forces, those needing family law advice, going through a separation or divorce, to people looking to purchase a new home.  Their industrial disease team handles claims for people who have suffered illness as a result of their work. These include those suffering with respiratory diseases.

Occupational Asthma

Around 20% of asthma cases among adults are caused by exposure to substances at work.  

Failing to establish if workplace exposures are causing symptoms can result in prolonged or exacerbated symptoms, ineffective treatment and poorer outcomes. Some asthma sufferers may not be able to work again, and many will be worried about their financial and employment positions. Confirming a work related asthma diagnosis is important not only to help with the management of their symptoms but also to make sure they get the right advice on issues such as whether they’re eligible for state benefits and can claim compensation, including for future lost earnings.

A Diagnosis of Work Related Asthma 

Work related asthma is caused by breathing in substances at work. But it’s not always obvious that symptoms such as a cough, shortness of breath and a tight chest are due to workplace exposures and it can take several months of exposure before symptoms arise. That means patients may not make the connection unless they are asked specific questions about their job and their workplace, not only about what they are exposed to but also the pattern of their symptoms and how this relates to their working week. If the cause is identified quickly and the exposures to the triggers are removed, then this can only help in the future management of their asthma.

If a client thinks they’ve developed work related asthma, or their asthma has been made worse by their workplace, they may have a successful claim for compensation.  If a patient is thinking of making a compensation claim it’s important they get legal advice without delay as there are time limits to claiming.  

Meet the team

The Industrial Disease team at Simpson Millar have many years’ experience of dealing with occupational asthma claims and have a holistic approach to supporting clients. You can find out more about our team and their experience in our guide.

The Occupational Asthma guide provides information on work related asthma and the benefits and compensation clients may be entitled to.  

If you are interested in a member of the team presenting at your network meeting please do get in touch.