Calling emphysema by another name: COPD

If you are considering a compensation claim because you are suffering from emphysema, you are likely to have heard the condition referred to as a Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease or COPD.

This can be a fearsome term, but is, in fact, purely descriptive; 'chronic' means that the disease continues through time, and 'pulmonary' means that it is a disease of the lungs. Anyone making an emphysema claim will know that sensation of the lungs being obstructed on an ongoing basis, and calling the condition COPD should not increase a sufferer's fears.

Chronic bronchitis is the other main condition included in COPD, and it is possible for one person with COPD to be suffering from both conditions. Although smoking appears to be the most usual risk factor that results in this disease, it is possible for an occupational exposure to dust - whether asbestos, silica dust or cotton particles, for example - to be a cause as well.

Alternative terms may also be used, despite the medical profession's attempts to stick to one name and thus avoid confusion. One is CAL, or chronic airways limitation; another is COAD, or chronic obstructive airways disease.

Asbestos, compensation claims and emphysema
When emphysema is caused by industrial exposure, it may be possible to make a compensation claim against the employer whose negligence toward the sufferer allowed the exposure to happen. Although it can be difficult to show this cause, it is worth asking the professional opinion of an asbestos claim solicitor.

This is where YouClaim comes in. All of our personal injury solicitors are experts in their fields, and if it can be shown that there is an industrial cause, a YouClaim lawyer will be able to do so.

All YouClaim's personal injury solicitors are governed by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, a branch of the Law Society, and all will handle this kind of industrial exposure case on a completely free basis, win or lose.

We protect you from costs, from your opponent's fees, and our own; what is not paid for by your opponent will be covered by our ATE insurance, making this risk-free to you.

Our knowledgeable advisors are ready to handle your enquiries, either online (using our claim form or our echat service) or in person over the phone. Our free UK emphysema hotline is available through 0800 10 757 95, and we hope to be able to help you find the compensation you deserve.