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
Rib fractures or soft tissue damage (up to £3,400) causing pain and short term disability, but a full recovery is expected within weeks. Collapsed lung (£1,900 - £4,500) where a full recovery is expected without any further complications. Toxic fumes/smoke inhalation (£4,500 - £11,000) causing some damage but not impacting on long-term lung function. Simple injury (£11,000 - £15,750) permanent tissue damage, often as a result of a single penetrating wound, but not impacting on long-term lung function. Damage to the chest and lungs (£27,400 - £48,000) resulting in a some ongoing disability. Serious injury to the chest, lungs and/or heart (£57,600 - £88,200) causing physical disability and reducing life expectancy. Removal of lung and/or serious heart damage (£88,200 - £131,600) leaving the injured person with serious prolonged pain and significant scarring.
Lung Disease
Aggravation of bronchitis (£1,900 - £4,600) or other similar chest problems. The symptoms are temporary with a recovery period of a few months.. However, this is generally temporary with a recovery period of a few months. Slight breathlessness (£4,600 - £18,200) will have no significant impact on a person's work or daily life and a full recovery is expected within a few years. Bronchitis or wheezing (£18,200 - £27,400) does not result in any serious symptoms and has little effect on daily life, but does cause some level of anxiety. Breathing difficulties (£27,400 -£48,000) will make the use of an inhaler necessary and smoky environments intolerable, which has an impact on employment and daily life. Recovery is uncertain. Diseases such as emphysema (£48,000 - £61,400) has a substantial effect on lung function, causing ongoing and worsening symptoms such as frequent coughing, problems sleeping and being unable to exercise. This may also impact employment options. Lung cancer (£61,400 - £85,300) generally in an older person resulting in loss of lung function and severe pain. Has a significant impact on quality of life. Lung disease causing serious disability (£88,200 - £119,200), generally in a younger person. A worsening condition likely to result in premature death.
Asthma
Mild Asthma, bronchitis, colds and chest infections (up to £4,500) usually brought on by poor housing conditions, and can be treated by a GP with a full recovery within a few months. Mild asthma symptoms (£9,300 - £16,800) often caused as a result of exposure to harmful vapours. Bronchitis and wheezing (£16,000 - £23,000) can affect daily life and employment, however a considerable recovery is expected within a few years. Chronic asthma (£23,000 - £37,700) can cause difficulties breathing, making the use of an inhaler necessary and can impact employment options. Recovery is uncertain. Severe and disabling asthma (£37,700 - £57,600) is permanent and greatly impacts on the sufferers personal life by affecting sleep, causing regular coughing, reducing physical exercise and significantly restricting employment prospects.