Former Chicken Factory Worker Wins £25,000 Asthma Compensation

A woman who developed asthma as a result of inhaling chemicals used at the chicken factory where she worked has won nearly £25,000 in damages in a Scottish court.

Joyce Robson, 58, had worked for Grampian Country Chickens (Rearing) Ltd. at its chicken hatching factory in Inverurie for five years. In the course of her work she was exposed to formaldehyde, along with other chemicals. After suffering chest pains she was prescribed with an inhaler but was eventually forced to leave the company.

Since then Mrs Robson has experienced further chest pains as well as regular chest infections. In court she argued that because of her asthma she is now unable to swim, walk or cycle and is also prevented from taking certain types of job.

The company admitted liability for Mrs Robson's injury when the case was heard last year. Mrs Robson claimed damages of £100,000 but lawyers acting for her employer argued that she only had a minimally reduced lung capacity and had not suffered any serious disability from her condition.

The Court of Session awarded Mrs Robson damages of £24,890.