Smoke inhalation compensation claim solicitors

What is a smoke inhalation injury?

A smoke inhalation injury refers to the exposure of toxic or harmful chemical fumes, produced by smoke, to the lungs. Many people are unaware of the dangers that come with inhaling toxic gas, and severe injuries are often found in the chest and lungs.

These fumes are typically produced due to the breakdown of a substance by heat. Smoke combines gases and heated particles, and the chemicals presented vary depending on what is burning.

What are the risks of severe smoke inhalation?

Suffering any form of smoke inhalation injury certainly comes with its dangers. Smoke inhalation from fires leads to more deaths than burns, so don't be tempted to write it off as lucky if you avoid touching a fire itself.

There are several long-term health issues that can occur as a result of smoke inhalation. These include:

• Cerebral hypoxia
• Oedema
• Pneumonia
• Asphyxia
• Cancer
• Acute respiratory distress syndrome

What are the most common smoke inhalation symptoms?

The signs and symptoms you experience from smoke inhalation can depend on what exactly it is that you have inhaled. Some common symptoms include:

• Coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Noisy breathing
• Headache

If you have soot trapped in airway passages or have noticed a change in your skin tone, this can help to determine the amount of smoke inhaled. Other symptoms may involve:

• Red and irritated eyes
• Pale, bluish or bright red skin
• Swollen nostrils
• Nausea and vomiting
• Confusion
• Fainting
• Seizures

Where might smoke inhalation poisoning occur?

There are numerous situations in which a smoke inhalation injury might occur. Whether it happened in public or at work, you could be affected because:

• You were involved in a housefire
• Your workplace didn't provide you with appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Someone spilled a toxic substance
• A damaged plant began leaking gas

What should my employer be doing to prevent a smoke inhalation injury?

All employers have a legal duty of care for their employees to ensure their full safety at work. This is in accordance with the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974. You should never be put in danger of accidents and you should always feel safe in the workplace.

Your employer can prevent a smoke inhalation injury by:

• Carrying out proper staff training
• Providing you with suitable PPE for your job role
• Performing regular risk assessments to identify potential dangers
• Ensuring you have the correct equipment

Am I eligible to make a smoke inhalation claim?

If you believe you suffered a lung injury from smoke inhalation as a result of somebody else's negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. You can discuss your situation with one of our friendly advisors, who will point you in the right direction.

You'll need to explain the consequences you have suffered following the accident and how they have impacted your daily life, whether that be physically or emotionally. You can chat openly and honestly with our expert team, who will be on hand to listen and handle your case with professionalism and care.

Once you've explained your situation, our advisors will be able to tell you whether they think you're eligible to make a smoke inhalation compensation claim. If you don't want to proceed from there, we won't pressure you to do so.

How much compensation could I receive?

Each smoke inhalation claim is different, so it's hard to nail down exactly how much you might be eligible to receive before we speak to you.

If your claim is successful, the amount you are awarded will be calculated depending on the physical, mental and financial toll the injury has taken on your life. Your compensation is sorted into two categories:

1. Special damages: This refers to the financial losses you've incurred as a result of your injury, which could include loss of earnings, medical expenses and travel costs.
2. General damages: This is based on the physical and psychological suffering that you have experienced following your smoke inhalation injury.

Our expert lawyers refer to the Judicial College Guidelines as an outline for how much compensation you might receive when it comes to general damages. If you'd like a more accurate representation of how much you could be awarded, though, you can contact our team for a free, no-obligation chat. Alternatively, use our compensation calculator below to receive a rough estimate.