Silicosis Warning

Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that can present with a wide range of symptoms. Silicosis warning signs are often mistaken for less serious diseases, such as the common cold, flu, asthma, or various other lung diseases. However, knowing silicosis warning signs is crucial for ensuring early detection of the disease. The earlier it is detected, the better the victim will fare when it comes to symptom management and preserving their quality of life.

Silicosis Warning Signs

Silicosis is a risk in many industries, including construction, manufacturing, oil and gas, and any type of work that requires cutting, grinding, or sanding stone for all types of applications. Many types of natural stone will contain trace amounts of silica that can be released into the air as nanoparticles, and it is also possible to face this risk from various types of composite materials made with silica. There is no safe level of silica dust exposure.

One of the most challenging aspects of treating silicosis is the fact that early symptoms of this disease are often dismissed as less serious medical conditions. The victim may believe they have a severe cold, the flu, pneumonia, or that they are presenting with asthma symptoms. However, symptoms of silicosis will continue to worsen without medical intervention. Early silicosis warning signs must be taken seriously for the victim to have the optimal outcome.

The most common warning signs are respiratory and may include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath. Symptoms may evolve over time, and some symptoms may appear to abate while others worsen, or new symptoms can suddenly arise. Silicosis can also progress at different rates, and whether the victim has chronic, accelerated, or acute silicosis will usually depend on their level of exposure and how consistently they have been exposed.

If you work in any industry in which silica dust exposure is a known risk, it is vital to pay close attention to any early silicosis warning signs. Even if you believe exposure is a minimal risk for your work and you use protective safety equipment, any and all signs of respiratory distress should be taken very seriously. Early detection of silicosis can make a significant difference in your health outcome and life expectancy.

Recovering Compensation for Silicosis

If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, you likely have grounds for legal recourse. You may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim through your employer if you developed the condition from work, but you are more likely to have grounds for a toxic exposure lawsuit against a product manufacturer, supplier, or other party responsible for the material that caused your silica dust exposure.

The experienced attorneys at Wallace & Graham, P.A., can assist you with your silicosis case. After experiencing silicosis warning signs and receiving a diagnosis, you are likely to have many questions when it comes to determining your legal options and what type of recovery you can expect. We have successfully helped many clients with workers’ compensation cases, toxic exposure claims, and various other legal efforts to help them recover compensation.

Silicosis Warning FAQs

Q: What Are the Early Warning Signs of Silicosis?

A: The early warning signs of silicosis are commonly mistaken for symptoms of less serious illnesses. These silicosis warning signs may include difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue. Over time, these symptoms can worsen as the silicosis causes further lung damage. The earlier the disease is detected, the more treatment options will be available to the victim, and those treatment options will be more effective.

Q: How Long Do You Have to Be Exposed to Silica to Get Silicosis?

A: It is possible to be exposed to silica only a few times to get silicosis, and it may also result from a single incident of heavy exposure. Silicosis can be chronic, accelerated, or acute, and this will typically depend on the severity of exposure, the frequency of exposure, and various individual health factors for the victim. The disease may only take a few months to develop in some cases and may not display noticeable symptoms for many years in other cases.

Q: Is Silicosis Curable?

A: No, silicosis is not curable. The disease can continue to progress even after the victim is no longer regularly exposed to silica dust, and eventually, symptoms will severely deteriorate their quality of life. It is possible to manage symptoms of silicosis more effectively when the disease is detected as early as possible. Life expectancy for silicosis drops dramatically with each stage of the disease, and stage three silicosis has a very short life expectancy.

Q: Why Should I Hire a Lawyer for a Silicosis Case?

A: You should hire a lawyer for a silicosis case because you are more likely to succeed with your legal efforts with their help, and you will also be more likely to maximize your recovery when you have an experienced attorney handling your case. Knowing silicosis warning signs can increase the chances of early detection, but once the disease is confirmed, you should speak with an experienced attorney as quickly as possible.

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

A: The cost to hire a lawyer for a silicosis case will only be a percentage of your total case award if you choose Wallace & Graham, P.A., to represent you. We take silicosis cases on a contingency fee basis. This means you will not pay a fee if we are unable to obtain compensation for you. If we do win your case, your fee will be a percentage of the total compensation we secure for your damages.

Wallace & Graham, P.A., has helped many clients navigate their silicosis cases successfully and will leverage this experience in your upcoming case. You have a limited time in which to pursue your recovery, so it is crucial that you connect with an attorney you trust as soon as you have experienced silicosis warning signs. Contact Wallace & Graham, P.A., today to schedule a free consultation with an attorney you trust with your case.