Silicosis Exposure

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease resulting from silica dust exposure, and thousands of people throughout the United States perform job duties that unfortunately carry this risk. Silicosis exposure claims may lead to workers’ compensation cases as well as toxic exposure lawsuits. If you have been diagnosed with this condition, you will need to trace the root cause of the disease in order to determine your most viable legal options.

Understanding Workplace Risks of Silicosis Exposure

Silica dust can be released into the surrounding air from various types of manufacturing and production work in the United States. For example, stone cutting, grinding custom stone countertops, and various other types of work involving natural stone and composite materials may result in silica dust exposure. Silica particles are incredibly small and will accumulate in the lungs. Over time, they will cause silicosis to develop.

If you perform job duties in any workplace where silica dust exposure is a risk, your employer is required to ensure that you have appropriate protective equipment, and they must also follow strict workplace safety rules to minimize the risks of silica dust exposure. Any type of work involving cutting, grinding, or polishing stone and materials containing silica is a potential risk of silica dust exposure.

It is possible to have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim through your employer if you developed silicosis from work, but the recovery available may be limited. Alternatively, you will likely have grounds to pursue a toxic exposure lawsuit against a product manufacturer, supplier, or other company responsible for the materials that caused your exposure. If faulty safety gear caused your condition, it can form grounds for a product liability lawsuit.

It is imperative to follow all workplace safety rules and take all necessary precautions if you work in any industry in which silica dust exposure is a risk. Additionally, your employer is required to take necessary measures to ensure the highest levels of safety for their employees. If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, which you believe is a result of performing your job duties, it is crucial to consult an attorney you trust to help you seek compensation for your damages.

Pursuing Compensation for Silica Dust Exposure

The team at Wallace & Graham, P.A., has years of proven experience handling all types of silicosis lawsuits, and we can leverage this experience for you if you believe you have grounds for legal recourse. We can examine whether your employer followed necessary safety regulations, whether the safety gear you used was faulty, and assist you in exploring all potential legal remedies that may yield compensation for your condition.

It is possible to have grounds for legal action against one or more parties. Your attorney can be an invaluable asset for proving liability for your condition and holding the appropriate defendant or defendants accountable for your damages. You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, so it is vital to consult an experienced attorney as soon as you can after a silicosis diagnosis. They will gather the evidence you need to ensure accountability and recover compensation.

Silicosis Exposure FAQs

Q: How Much Exposure Does It Take to Develop Silicosis?

A: The amount of exposure required to develop silicosis typically depends on the severity of the exposure, how frequently exposure occurs, and the length of time that the victim is repeatedly exposed. It is possible for repeated heavy exposure to cause silicosis to develop within a few months. It is also possible for the disease to take many years to develop from repeated light exposure. There is no safe level of silica dust exposure.

Q: What Are the First Signs of Silicosis?

A: The first signs of silicosis are commonly mistaken for less serious conditions like asthma, a severe cold, or the flu. These early symptoms usually include shortness of breath that worsens over time, difficulty breathing, chest pain, fatigue, and a persistent cough that produces sputum. Over time, these symptoms will worsen, and new symptoms may appear. Early detection of silicosis is crucial for ensuring the optimal medical outcome.

Q: How Much Compensation Can I Recover for a Silicosis Diagnosis?

A: The amount of compensation you can recover for a silicosis diagnosis will depend on multiple variables. You may have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim if you developed the condition through work, or you may have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit against one or more defendants responsible for your silica dust exposure. An experienced attorney can review the details of your case and provide an estimate of the total compensation you can claim.

Q: How Do I Prove Liability for Silicosis?

A: You can prove liability for silicosis by tracing the root cause of your condition. You will need to determine when, where, and how you were exposed to silica dust in order to discern who is responsible for your condition. An experienced attorney can help you gather evidence to support your case, whether you intend to file a workers’ compensation claim, a toxic exposure lawsuit, or pursue a combination of legal measures in order to maximize your recovery.

Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Silicosis Lawyer?

A: The cost to hire a silicosis lawyer will depend on the details of your case. The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., offer legal representation for these cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning our firm will only charge a fee if and when we win your case. Additionally, this fee will be a percentage of the total compensation we recover for you, so there is no risk of paying more for legal representation than you win in compensation for your damages.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has successfully helped many past clients pursue compensation for their silicosis diagnoses, and we are ready to leverage this experience for you. If you believe you have grounds for a workers’ compensation claim, a toxic exposure lawsuit, or a combination of legal measures, we can assist you in navigating these proceedings. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can help.