Silicosis Prevention

Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by inhalation of silica dust particles, and thousands of cases are diagnosed throughout the United States each year. Many people perform jobs that entail a risk of silica dust exposure, and employers must take silicosis prevention very seriously. Appropriate safety equipment, regulatory compliance, and careful examination of materials are all necessary components of silicosis prevention.

How Do You Prevent Silicosis?

Preventing silicosis requires a careful review of silicosis risks in the workplace. Many workers in several industries face a risk of silica dust exposure while they perform their job duties. Construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and any type of work involving cutting, grinding, and polishing stone can entail a risk of silica dust exposure. Employers in these industries must follow specific regulations and ensure workers have proper training and equipment.

An employer overseeing employees at risk for silica dust exposure must be careful to fully train all workers on the health risks of silica dust. Depending on the type of work they do, it may be possible to secure protective equipment such as dust filtration masks and other coverings that will greatly limit the risk of silica dust exposure. Work methods and specialized equipment can also be used to limit silica dust in the workplace.

It is also up to individual workers to follow workplace safety rules and adopt good habits when it comes to performing any type of work that entails silica dust exposure. Following workplace safety regulations, completing required training, and using approved work methods to limit silica dust exposure at work are all vital to silicosis prevention. However, workers must also know what to do if they are diagnosed with this condition and how to determine who is liable.

Seeking Compensation for Silicosis

While silicosis prevention measures in the workplace can do a great deal to help limit workers’ risks of developing this incurable disease, the reality is that many workers in various industries continue to receive silicosis diagnoses each year, often leaving them wondering about their recovery options. While it’s possible to file a workers’ compensation claim if you develop this condition from work, you may have grounds to file a toxic exposure lawsuit.

An experienced attorney can work closely with you to determine how you were exposed to silica dust, who is responsible, and what type of compensation you can claim with a toxic exposure lawsuit. It’s possible for the defendant in this case to be an employer, a product manufacturer, a supplier, or multiple parties involved in the supply chain of the material or product that caused your condition. It is also possible for a defective safety gear manufacturer to face liability.

Your attorney can assist you with gathering the evidence needed to establish liability for your condition. If you are successful with your silicosis lawsuit, you could potentially recover compensation for immediate and future medical expenses, lost income, and your lost future earning capacity if you are unable to return to work due to your condition. Additionally, it is possible to claim compensation for your pain and suffering.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has years of experience representing clients in silicosis lawsuits and can help you navigate your case with confidence. Our firm can carefully examine the details of your diagnosis, your work history, and all other documentation and evidence needed to determine how you were exposed to silica dust. Our goal in every silicosis case we accept is maximum recovery for our client.

Silicosis Prevention FAQs

Q: Is Silicosis 100% Preventable?

A: Yes, silicosis is 100% preventable with appropriate caution and oversight at various levels. The government must monitor silica usage in manufacturing applications and adopt exposure limits for work. Equipment manufacturers can include dust controls for certain devices, and employers must follow applicable regulations, provide proper safety equipment, and ensure workers are fully trained on the health risks of silica dust.

Q: How Do You Prevent Silica Dust?

A: It is possible to prevent silica dust in several ways. When silica dust is a risk from cutting or grinding stone, using wet cutting and wet sanding methods can limit the amount of dust released from this type of work. Dust controls on certain types of equipment can also be effective, and workers at risk of silica dust exposure should be fully trained on the proper use of safety equipment and the steps they can take to minimize silica dust exposure while working.

Q: Can Silicosis Be Cured?

A: No, silicosis unfortunately cannot be cured, and the disease will continue to progress even after exposure to silica dust has stopped. The rate at which this disease progresses generally depends on the frequency and severity of exposure. Frequent heavy exposure will cause silicosis to develop more rapidly, while it will develop gradually over time from less frequent milder exposure. There is no safe level of silica dust exposure.

Q: Can I Sue for Silicosis?

A: Yes, it is possible to sue for silicosis. An experienced attorney can review the details of your situation and help you determine when, where, and how you were likely exposed, and this will determine who is responsible for your diagnosis. A successful toxic exposure lawsuit can potentially yield various forms of compensation, including repayment of medical bills, lost wages, and compensation for your pain and suffering.

Q: Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Silicosis Lawsuit?

A: Yes, you should hire a lawyer for a silicosis lawsuit. These cases are inherently challenging in several ways, and you need legal counsel you trust on your side if you want to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case. The right attorney can not only help you win your case but also help you maximize your total compensation, and they will know the various channels of recovery available to you that may enhance your total recovery.

The attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., have years of professional experience handling silicosis claims and can put this experience to work for you. Once you have been diagnosed with this disease, it is vital to consult an attorney you trust who can help you prove liability for your condition and hold the appropriate parties accountable. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation with our team and learn how we can assist you.