What to Do if You Suspect Silicosis Exposure in South Carolina?

Silicosis is a serious and incurable medical condition caused by exposure to silica dust, and it is important to know what to do if you suspect silicosis exposure in South Carolina. The progression of the disease will largely depend on the severity of exposure and how often the victim is exposed. Once the first symptoms appear, it is crucial to seek medical attention immediately and consult an attorney as quickly as possible.

What to Do if You Suspect Silicosis Exposure in South Carolina

There are many places in South Carolina that present risks of silica dust exposure. Mining, construction, and any type of work that involves cutting, grinding, or shaping stone can potentially result in silica dust exposure. One of the most challenging issues about this condition is the fact that it typically takes a long time for noticeable symptoms to appear, and once they do appear, the disease has reached a critical stage.

The American Lung Association reports that nearly 2.3 million American workers are exposed to silica dust each year. More than 2 million of these exposures occur within the construction industry, while the other 300,000 arise in other industries. Silicosis can take anywhere from three to 30 years to develop, depending on the victim’s level and frequency of exposure.

Silicosis usually isn’t noticed until symptoms appear. The first symptoms usually mimic bronchitis. Victims may experience fits of coughing, shortness of breath, and general difficulty breathing. Over time, night sweats, leg swelling, fatigue, weakness, and fever can become more pronounced. As soon as you begin experiencing these symptoms, it is vital to see a doctor right away to diagnose your condition.

Finding Help With Silicosis in South Carolina

After you have been diagnosed with silicosis in South Carolina, it will be crucial to avoid work that places you at risk of further exposure to silica dust. This will only make your condition worse, so you may be compelled to find a new job. You will also need medical care to manage your symptoms. If you developed this condition from work, you may be eligible to claim workers’ compensation benefits, but you could also have additional avenues of recovery.

Studies show that there could be anywhere from 2,500 to 5,000 new cases of silicosis developing each year. Many of the affected individuals will not know anything is wrong until they start experiencing symptoms, and at that point, they will only be able to manage their condition in the future. An experienced South Carolina silicosis lawyer can be an invaluable resource in this situation.

Your attorney can determine if a current or former employer is liable for your condition. If they did not follow safety regulations or provide the safety equipment needed to prevent silica dust exposure, you could have grounds to file a toxic exposure claim against them. Success with this case could significantly enhance the total compensation you obtain.

If you need help with a silicosis case in South Carolina, it’s important to connect with legal counsel you trust at your first opportunity. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham have years of experience handling these cases for clients throughout South Carolina, and we’re ready to help with your case. Reach out to our team today to learn more about the legal services we offer.

FAQs

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

A: If you are exposed to silica dust and experience any adverse respiratory symptoms, it is crucial that you seek medical attention immediately. Once silicosis has developed, it cannot be cured, but it is possible to manage symptoms effectively with early detection and appropriate medical care. Unfortunately, the disease is not curable. An experienced attorney can help you understand your legal options that may help you secure compensation for your condition.

Q: How Long Does Silicosis Take to Develop?

A: The time it will take for silicosis to develop will largely depend on your level of exposure and other factors, such as the intensity of exposure and any other medical issues you may have. It’s possible for silicosis to develop very quickly with repeated, intense exposure, but it can also develop very gradually over time due to less intense, less frequent exposure. As soon as the condition causes noticeable symptoms, medical treatment is imperative.

Q: Can You Sue for Silica Dust Exposure in South Carolina?

A: Yes, it is possible to sue for silica dust exposure in South Carolina if a specific party is responsible for your condition. For example, you may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer, but you may also have grounds to file a civil suit if your employer allowed you to develop your condition due to failure to follow applicable safety regulations and/or provide effective safety equipment.

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Claim for Silicosis in South Carolina?

A: The amount of compensation you can claim for silicosis in South Carolina will depend on several factors, but it is typically possible to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, lost future earning capacity, and your pain and suffering. The team at Wallace & Graham can work closely with you to determine the full extent of the compensation you will be eligible to claim.

Q: Why Should I Hire a South Carolina Silicosis Lawyer?

A: You should hire a South Carolina silicosis lawyer to have the greatest chance of success with any legal efforts you make to recover compensation for your condition. These cases are inherently challenging because many victims were exposed to silica dust years before their symptoms appeared. They need experienced legal assistance to review records and documentation to determine the cause of their condition and to recover fair compensation.

The team at Wallace & Graham has years of experience helping victims of silicosis explore their legal options, and our goal is to help every client maximize their recovery. If you believe you have developed silicosis, you have a short time to file your case, so it’s important to consult an experienced attorney as quickly as you can.

When it comes to what to do if you suspect silicosis exposure in South Carolina, contact Wallace & Graham right away to schedule a consultation with our team.