Effects of Farmer’s Lung

Farmer’s lung occurs due to repeated exposure to the antigens found in the dust spores of the materials mentioned above. These dust spores can become lodged within the lungs and can cause an allergic reaction as the body attempts to defend itself against the antigens that have entered the body.

Roughly four to eight hours after the initial exposure, symptoms such as a headache, an irritating cough and shortness of breath while performing physical labour will usually appear. Symptoms can then progress to include physical weakness, sweating, a decrease in appetite, and even fever. The symptoms at this stage of the allergic reaction can cause a lot of suffering.

The sensitivity to these spores, which is known as farmer’s lung disease, is permanent if the patient has been exposed to the antigens enough to make the condition chronic. This is because the patient has developed hypersensitivity meaning that they will always be at risk of suffering an allergic reaction again if exposed.

However, if the condition is treated early enough before hypersensitivity has set in, then the condition can often be treated through two options. These two options are: rest and then reducing exposure to the antigens through the use of masks in areas where the antigens are likely to be present. Symptoms of a reaction can last for one to two weeks or they can last for the rest of the patient’s life if they are severe enough. This would cause the condition to become chronic.

Due to all of these risk factors, farmers who suspect that they may have a sensitivity should inform their doctor of their occupation and the presence of mould within their workplace so that they can be monitored.

Employer Duty of Care

Employers should make sure that anyone who works in agriculture is given the correct personal protective equipment such as respiratory masks. They should also ensure that crops are dried before putting them into storage to reduce the risk of dust accumulating. If your employer fails to adhere to health and safety procedures, then they may be putting you at risk and acting negligently. If you develop farmer’s lung, their negligent behaviour could be to blame.

Personal injury claims often have a strict time limit of three-years attached to them, beginning upon the date when the initial allergic reaction/exposure happened. Therefore, you should discuss your case with a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible who can assess your case.

How Much Compensation?

All personal injury cases are unique and so the amount of compensation that is awarded in each case is also unique. Compensation is understood by looking at two specific factors: general damages and special damages.

General Damages

The pain and suffering that your injuries have caused are main factors that are used to determine how much general damage compensation you are owed. This will usually be determined by undergoing a medical examination, from which a report is created that highlights the length of time the injuries will take to heal as well as their severity. Our compensation calculator will give you an indication of how much general damage compensation you might be entitled to based upon your injuries.

Special Damages

In addition to receiving compensation for your injuries, you may be able to reclaim any financial losses that you might have suffered as a result of your injuries. Compensation for financial losses is known as special damages compensation. This can include losses such as loss of earnings due to not being able to return to work, the cost of treatment as well as travel to treatment. It is important that you keep any receipts or evidence of additional losses in order for these to be reclaimed. With the exception of children, there is a three-year time limit on making a personal injury claim. This time limit begins from the date that the accident initially occurred. Therefore, you should contact a personal injury solicitor as soon as possible to assess your case.

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice. Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.