Silicosis Lawsuits

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that develops because of silica dust exposure. Over time, repeated exposure causes silica particles to accumulate in the lungs. Symptoms may appear minor at first but quickly worsen while the disease continues to cause lung damage, even after exposure has stopped. Silicosis lawsuits can be filed against the parties responsible for this toxic exposure, and filing such a case could yield a substantial recovery for you and your family.

Important Elements of Silicosis Lawsuits

Success with any type of toxic exposure claim usually requires careful research and collating extensive evidence to show the exact source of the exposure. Silicosis is a complex disease that can take years to manifest noticeable symptoms, and it is possible for the disease to continue to worsen even after silica dust exposure has stopped. This means you may have been exposed to silica dust while working at a previous job years ago.

Silica dust exposure is the sole cause of silicosis, and many people working in various industries face this risk at work each day. Construction, manufacturing, oil and gas work, and any type of work that involves cutting, grinding, sanding, or polishing stone products entails a risk of silica dust exposure. The rate at which silicosis develops typically depends on the severity and frequency of the victim’s exposure to silica dust.

Your silicosis lawyer can help you gather the evidence needed to prove exactly when and where you were exposed, and this will show you who is responsible. It is possible for the defendant in a silicosis case to be a product manufacturer, an employer, a supplier, or a combination of multiple parties. Once you have identified the party or parties responsible for your diagnosis, your lawyer can help you determine the extent of the damages you are eligible to claim.

Compensation in Silicosis Lawsuits

While some workers who develop silicosis from their work can file workers’ compensation claims, these claims generally only provide limited recovery. A toxic exposure lawsuit, by comparison, offers a great deal more potential compensation. If you are successful in establishing liability for your silicosis diagnosis, you can hold the liable party or parties accountable for various damages.

It’s possible to claim compensation for economic and non-economic damages in a toxic exposure lawsuit. You can seek compensation for all of the medical expenses related to your condition as well as repayment for any wages you have been unable to earn due to your illness. Additionally, if you are unable to work in the future due to the severity of your silicosis, you can claim compensation for the future income you are no longer able to earn.

The plaintiff in a silicosis lawsuit can also seek compensation for their pain and suffering. Silicosis is unfortunately incurable, and it will continue causing lung damage as it progresses and greatly reduce the victim’s life expectancy. This is both physically painful and psychologically traumatic, and the right attorney can help you maximize the pain and suffering compensation you obtain from a successful silicosis lawsuit.

Silicosis Lawsuits FAQs

Q: How Do I Prove Liability in a Silicosis Lawsuit?

A: Proving liability in a silicosis lawsuit will require evidence showing exactly when and where you were exposed to silica dust. Your attorney can help you identify the party or parties responsible for your exposure, and they will be essential for determining the extent of the damages you are eligible to claim from the defendant or defendants in your case. Liability may fall to one defendant or multiple defendants.

Q: Can I Sue My Employer for Silicosis?

A: It is possible to sue an employer for silicosis, but you are likely to have the ability to file a workers’ compensation claim and pursue legal recourse against a product manufacturer or other party at fault for your diagnosis. If your employer is directly responsible for your silica dust exposure, an experienced attorney can help you determine your most viable legal options and assist you in holding them accountable.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover From a Silicosis Lawsuit?

A: The amount of compensation you can recover from a silicosis lawsuit will vary based on multiple factors. If you can prove liability for your condition, you can seek compensation for all related medical expenses, your lost income, lost future earning capacity, and your pain and suffering. Your case may be worth more than you initially expected, so it is vital to work with a seasoned attorney if you want to maximize the result of your case.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Silicosis Lawyer?

A: You should hire a silicosis lawyer because a toxic exposure claim is inherently complex. You need a legal representative familiar with these cases who can help you gather the evidence you will need to prove liability and hold the appropriate party or parties accountable for the harm you have suffered. The right attorney can have a significant positive impact on your overall experience filing your case as well as the quality of the result.

Q: How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Silicosis Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a silicosis lawyer will amount to a percentage of your case award if you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent you. We take these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning we will only charge a fee if we win your case. Because our fee will be a percentage of your case award, there is no risk of paying more for legal counsel than you win in compensation for your damages.

Silicosis lawsuits are inherently challenging in many ways, so if you think you have grounds to file this type of case, it is imperative to secure legal counsel you trust to have the greatest chance of success. The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has the experience and resources necessary to handle the toughest silicosis lawsuits and help our clients maximize their compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation to learn how we can help.