What to Do if You Suspect Silicosis Exposure in Florida?

It is vital to know what to do if you suspect silicosis exposure in Florida. Silicosis is an incurable medical condition caused by exposure to silica dust. The rate at which the disease develops typically depends on the severity of exposure, so it can take time for symptoms to appear. Once they do, it is important to speak with an experienced Florida silicosis lawyer to discuss your legal options.

What to Do if You Suspect Silicosis Exposure in Florida?

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have extensive experience representing clients who have developed silicosis from exposure to silica dust. Many people are exposed at work, but they may not know their legal options when it comes to seeking compensation and, if necessary, pursuing accountability for the party responsible for their exposure.

According to data from the American Lung Association, roughly 2.3 million American workers are exposed to silica dust at work each year. About 2 million of these individuals work in the construction industry, while the other roughly 300,000 cases appear in other industries. Most silica dust exposure occurs in mining, construction, and work involving cutting and shaping stone.

After you receive medical treatment, it’s important to consult an attorney right away. Silicosis is an incurable condition, so treatment will focus on managing symptoms and preventing further exposure to silica dust. This could not only mean that you will face expensive medical bills in the future, but you may also need to find new work so you do not risk more exposure that would make your condition worse.

Filing a Silicosis Claim in Florida

If you were exposed to silica dust at work and developed silicosis, you will likely be eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer. Most employers in Florida are required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this can apply to any work-related illness or injury. You will need to prove that your condition directly resulted from performing your job duties, and your attorney can help you file your claim.

Workers’ compensation can be a valuable lifeline for anyone diagnosed with silicosis from work in Florida, but it is limited in terms of the actual compensation it provides. You can expect full coverage of medical expenses and disability benefits for the time you are unable to work. However, you may have grounds to pursue additional compensation if a specific party is directly responsible for causing your condition.

To succeed with a civil suit for silica dust exposure, you will need to prove the exact cause of your condition. This means pinpointing the exact location where you were exposed. Due to the typically long latency period for silicosis to develop, it can be challenging without an experienced attorney’s help. You need an attorney who can review the documentation and records necessary to prove when and where you were exposed to succeed with your case.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have extensive experience handling silicosis claims for clients in Florida, and we’re ready to put this experience to work for you. The first thing you should do if you suspect silica dust exposure and experience any symptoms is to seek medical care immediately. If you are diagnosed with silicosis, then the next step is to contact an experienced Florida silicosis lawyer who can explain your legal options and help you recover compensation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Silica Dust Exposure Causes Silicosis?

A: Silica dust exposure causes silicosis to develop over time. Generally, this disease has a long latency period, typically taking ten or more years to manifest in noticeable ways. However, the disease can progress more rapidly with regular exposure, and it is also possible for the disease to develop very quickly from acute exposure at high levels. Ultimately, there is no safe level of silica dust exposure, but greater exposure causes silicosis to develop more rapidly.

Q: What Should You Do if You Are Exposed to Silica Dust?

A: If you are exposed to silica dust and experience any respiratory symptoms, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately. You should avoid further exposure and ask your employer for proper safety equipment to reduce the risk of any further exposure. Silicosis is diagnosed using screenings and lung function tests, and the disease is incurable. Treatment will focus on managing symptoms.

Q: Do You Know Immediately if You Have Been Exposed to Silica?

A: It is unlikely that you will know immediately that you have been exposed to silica. Adverse symptoms of silica dust exposure take time to develop, but it is possible for acute silicosis to manifest in as little as a few weeks after exposure to high levels of silica. More moderate exposure may take months to cause symptoms to appear, and in many cases, silicosis symptoms do not appear until years following exposure to silica dust.

Q: Can You Sue for Silica Dust Exposure in Florida?

A: Yes, it is possible to sue for silica dust exposure in Florida if you developed silicosis due to the negligence of an employer, manufacturer, or any other party. An experienced Florida silicosis lawyer can determine whether you have grounds for a civil suit. If you developed silicosis from working, you are likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Wallace & Graham can review the details of your situation and explain your options.

Q: How Common is Silicosis in the United States?

A: Silicosis is a common concern for many industries in the United States, especially those that handle any type of stone product manufacturing, such as grinding stone countertops. A recent study estimated that there could be anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 new cases of silicosis appearing every year. Due to the long latency period, many new cases of silicosis actually began developing years in the past, sometimes decades ago.

Silica dust exposure is a major concern for many people working in various industries, and it is important to know what you can do if you have been exposed. If you suspect you have been exposed to silica dust and have experienced any adverse symptoms, seek medical attention immediately. Once you receive treatment, you should contact Wallace & Graham and schedule a consultation with our team to learn how we can assist with your case.