Passive Smoking Claims
We all probably recognise that smoking could expose a person to serious health risks. However passive smoking can have most of the same health risks. Unfortunately, some industries still allow smoking in various areas. This exposes others to the risk of passive smoking as it becomes difficult to completely avoid cigarette smoke.
If affected persons develop an illness as a result, they may be entitled to make a claim for passive smoking from their employers.
What is Passive Smoking?
Also known as “second hand” smoking, passive smoking involves the inhalation of smoke from the cigarette or cigar source from someone else. Although less smoke may be inhaled, these toxins still find their way into your lungs. With the ban on smoking in public places in the UK since 2007, the rate of second hand or passive smoking has greatly reduced. However, exposure to smoking at the workplace still lingers.
Although smoking at the workplace has also greatly reduced since 2007, some persons may be suffering health problems due to the effects of previous exposure. Employees in industries where smoking is still allowed may suffer serious health problems as a result of exposure to second hand smoke. With ingredients and compounds such as arsenic, cyanide, formaldehyde, ammonia, hydrogen, tar, carbon monoxide, and some “400 other toxins”, passive smoking can lead a variety of medical conditions.
Illnesses and Medical Conditions Associated with Smoking
Although investigations concerning some medical conditions associated with passive smoking are still ongoing, the list of confirmed illnesses is still really long. The short term effects include coughing, sore throat, irritation of the eye and nasal region, and headaches. On the other hand, long term effects include increased risk of lung cancer, heart disease, stroke, and other respiratory problems. Other negative effects could include cancers of the mouth, kidney, stomach, pancreas, cervix, and throat, and respiratory conditions such as pneumonia and bronchitis.
A major problem of passive smoking is that it affects the thickness of the blood, making it appear ‘stickier’, increasing the risk of blood clotting. This can lead to heart attack, angina, and strokes. Passive smoking can also lead to complications in pregnancy which can also affect the post delivery period. Children may suffer from reduced lung capacity, infections, breathing difficulty, wheezing, asthma, and even death.
Making a Claim for Passive Smoking
Although there is a three-year limitation period within which you are entitled to claim compensation for passive smoking, our claim specialists at Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd advise that you take action as soon as you are aware of a medical condition. At this time, your background information, witness statements, and overall evidence will be very accurate.
Although there are still unclear areas in passive smoking claim cases, many specific medical conditions have been linked to secondary smoking. Our claim specialists at Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd will advise you on the strength of your claim after going through the details with you. Although most passive smoking claim cases are settled out of court, our claim specialists can advise and guide you if a court case is absolutely necessary.
If you have developed a medical condition as a result of negligence on the part of your employer at the workplace, feel free get in touch with Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd – our claim specialists will be happy to assist you.
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