COPD Claims

Can you claim compensation for COPD?

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is a major cause of disability in thousands of people – typically as a result of work-related exposure to chemicals, dust and fumes. It’s a slow-developing condition which means many people don’t realise they have it until the symptoms start to emerge.

While COPD can be caused by smoking, the Health and Safety Executive estimate that at least 15% of COPD cases or deaths in Britain are work-related.

If you’ve been diagnosed with COPD as a result of your working conditions, you could have a case for compensation. Some of the most commonly affected industries include:

• Agriculture
• Building and construction
• Coal mining
• Food production – particularly when working with flour and grain
• Ship building

As COPD can take years to develop, it may be that you no longer work at the same place. Or the company might have shut down. But this shouldn’t put you off making a claim.

Our industrial disease solicitors will track down your previous employer’s insurer, and negotiate with them for a settlement of compensation. This will apply even if the company no longer exists. To find out if we can help you, just get in touch with our friendly team.

Why make a COPD compensation claim?

COPD can have a significant impact on the way you live your life – even in milder cases. You may find yourself suffering with breathlessness, chest infections or persistent coughing. These symptoms could stop you from socialising with friends or going to work as you normally would.

If you’ve had to take time off work due to your condition, you might have concerns about losing your income. This is where compensation can help. If your case is successful, the settlement you receive will cover:

• Your lost earnings
• Any medical aids or equipment
• Any extra care you may need
• Medical expenses
• The cost of travel to and from hospital

We understand that you may also have concerns about how your family would cope if you were to pass away from your condition. Claiming compensation could help to provide financial security for your loved ones, so you’ll have the reassurance of knowing they’ll be looked after.

Making a claim could shine a light on the negligence that led to your illness, too. If the company is still in operation, this could help to ensure that no one else has to suffer the same experience.

How can First4Lawyers help?

COPD claims can become complicated, so it’s always best to instruct a specialist solicitor. We can put you in touch with reputable and experienced legal experts, who will work on your behalf to get you the outcome you deserve.

Your solicitor will gather evidence to support your case and they’ll be there to answer any questions you may have. So you don’t have to worry about navigating the claims process alone.

We offer a No Win No Fee service for these types of claims, so you won’t have to pay anything in advance – and if your claim is not successful, there won’t be any fees for you to cover.

COPD Claim FAQS

How much compensation will I receive for a COPD claim?

COPD compensation amounts will vary depending on whether the condition is likely to get worse, or lead to secondary illnesses. The level of lung function is also taken into account, and how much it affects your daily activities.

Any settlement you receive will consider the costs associated with your claim, too – such as lost earnings or the cost of further medical treatment. These are known as special damages.

Your solicitor will be able to more accurately tell you how much your claim could be worth after speaking to you. But for a rough idea of how much compensation you could receive, try our free compensation calculator.

Is there a time limit for making a COPD claim?

You usually have three years to make a claim, from the date you were diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), so it’s important to start proceedings as soon as possible after you become aware of your illness.

I think I have a COPD claim – what do I do next?

If you think you have a COPD claim and would like to explore it further, just get in touch. Give us a call, request a callback at a convenient time or start your claim online.

We’ll go through your case and explore your options with you so you know what the best course of action for you is. You’ll be under no obligation to proceed and there is no charge for an initial consultation.

We’re here to help you whenever you’re ready.