Lungs

Summary

  • Chest Injuries – £1,000 – £125,00
  • Lung Disease – £1,000 – £113,000
  • Asthma – £4,000 – £55,000

The majority of compensation awarded for these types of injury are mainly due to the affects of an industrial related disease (see Asbestos Disease). Injuries which are as a result of an accident are relatively rare in comparison.

Chest Injuries

Fractures of the ribs and soft tissue (£3,000) can result in serious pain and cause disability, but a full recovery is expected within a matter of weeks.  A collapsed lung (£1,000 – £4,000) will lead to a full recovery without any further complications in the future. Toxic smoke/fume inhalation (£4,000 – £10,000) causes some ongoing damage, however this is not serious enough to cause permanent damage to the lungs. A relatively simple injury (£10,000 – £15,00) usually causes permanent tissue damage often as a result of a single penetrating wound but with no a long-term effect on lung function. Damage to the chest and lungs (£26,000 – £45,000) results in an ongoing, permanent disability. Traumatic injury to the chest, lungs or heart (£55,000 – £84,000) is permanent causing physical disability and reduces life expectancy. Removal of one lung and/or serious heart damage (£84,000 – £125,000) will leave the injured person with serious and prolonged pain as well as permanent and significant scarring.

Lung Disease

Lung disease is frequently a worsening condition and can cause aggravation of bronchitis (£1,000 – £4,000). However, this is generally temporary with a recovery period of a few months. Slight breathlessness (£8,000 – £17,000) which will have no significant impact on a persons work or social life and a full recovery is expected within a few years of exposure. Bronchitis or wheezing (£17,000 – £26,000) does not result in any serious symptoms and has little effect on day to day life. Breathing difficulties (£26,000 -£45,000) will make the use of an inhaler necessary and make smoky environments intolerable, which may have an impact on work and social life for some people. Diseases (£45,000 – £58,000) for example emphysema, has a substantial effect on lung function and breathing which may lead to a number of on-going symptoms such as frequent coughing, problems sleeping, being unable to participate in or restrict exercise and employment. Lung cancer (£58,000 – £81,000)  is a condition which steadily gets worse over time, greatly affecting a persons quality life and usually causes death. Symptoms can include, wheezing, severe pain of the chest, a hoarse voice, loss of appetite, persistent breathlessness, coughing and a lack of energy. For those with a serious disability (£80,000 – £113,000), particularly in the young, lung disease could cause a worsening of their condition or to premature death.

Asthma

Mild Asthma, bronchitis, colds and chest infections (£4,000) are usually brought on by poor housing conditions, and can be treated by a GP with a full recovery expected within a few months. Mild asthma symptoms (£8,000 – £16,000) are often caused by exposure to dangerous gases. Bronchitis and wheezing (£16,000 – £22,000) can affect a persons work and personal life, however a considerable recovery is expected within a few years of exposure to the cause. Chronic asthma (£22,000 – £35,000) can cause difficulties breathing, making the use of an inhaler necessary. This can also negatively impact a persons work life.  Severe and disabling asthma (£36,000 – £55,000) is permanent and greatly affects the sufferers personal life by affecting sleep, causing regular coughing, reducing physical exercise and restricting employment prospects.

The contents of this article are intended for general information purposes only and shall not be deemed to be, or constitute legal advice. We cannot accept responsibility for any loss as a result of acts or omissions taken in respect of this article.

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