Silicosis is an incurable lung disease that affects workers in industrial workplaces. Unfortunately, employers and manufacturers do not always abide by regulations and take steps to prevent workers from falling ill. Many victims of this disease and other lung diseases wonder how they will afford to pay the bills that continue to pile up over time as they deal with these conditions.
At Maison Law, we offer legal protections for employees and victims of silicosis and other diseases stemming from the workplace. You should never have to deal with the stress of an illness or injury that was caused by another party’s negligence on your own. Contact a real California Silicosis Injury Lawyer today for a consultation that comes with no obligation.
Employer Negligence That Could Lead to a Claim
Some workers are exposed to silica dust while working on stone products made of granite, quartz, marble, and engineered stone. This exposure can lead to what is known as ‘silicosis.’ Silica is classified as a human carcinogen when it is inhaled and causes damage to the lungs.
To better understand how much compensation you could be looking at in a lung injury claim, we will first take a look at how an employer’s negligence could have caused your illness. Examples of this negligence include the following:
- You, as an employee, were not trained on how to handle materials safely
- Face masks were not provided to help you avoid silicosis
- You were working in poorly ventilated work conditions
- You were not permitted breaks away from your working environment
- Your employer did not carry risk assessments
If you have determined that you could be eligible for a claim due to any of these examples of gross negligence, you have options moving forward.
How Much Compensation You Could Be Entitled To
Unfortunately, there is no set amount of compensation that you can receive from bringing a lung injury claim and it will vary depending on various circumstances. Because silicosis and other lung diseases are incredibly severe and tend to be lifelong, the damages could be higher than with other personal injury claims. There are several factors that the court will consider regarding your claim and the damages you could receive, which include:
- The severity of your disease
- The extent of your exposure in the workplace
- Your age at the time of filing your claim
If you have a long working life ahead of you, a family to care for, and various other factors that will be affected by the disease, you can likely expect a larger payout for your illness.
Some elements that could impact how much you receive in damages:
An Early Diagnosis: If you suspect that you are suffering from a lung disease due to the symptoms you have been experiencing, you must seek medical attention sooner rather than later. Not only can you protect your health by seeking medical help, but you can also strengthen your claim by doing so.
Evidence Backing Exposure: You should always collect evidence supporting the fact that you were exposed to silica dust at certain times or over an extended period.
Medical Documentation: Medical evidence can be a crucial piece in helping you retain damages, especially if the documentation points to serious illness. These include any X-rays, CT scans, or other tests that show the extent of the lung disease.
A California Silicosis Injury Lawyer would investigate your case and collect evidence to prove that your work caused your lung injury. This would help you hold an employer responsible for every hardship you and your family have suffered.
Damages Available in a Silicosis Claim
Every silicosis or other lung disease claim is different from the next, as the circumstances of your claim may be different from others. However, there are certain damages you may be eligible for in your claim. These include but are not limited to any of the following:
- Physical pain or suffering caused by your illness
- Loss of enjoyment and quality of life
- Medical expenses you have incurred
- Medical expenses you are projected to incur in the future
- Lost income and future lost income and benefits
- Travel and care-related expenses
By collecting as much evidence as possible, you can strengthen your claim and receive the best outcome. It is crucial that you seek legal assistance during these difficult times for you and your family.
Can I receive compensation if I develop Silicosis at work but I’m not a U.S. citizen?
Yes. California labor laws protect all workers regardless of their immigration and citizenship status. There are also state laws that prevent companies from retaliating against workers who file injury claims. A Maison Law Lawyer can help protect you as you seek support and make sure you receive every benefit for recovery.
Contact a California Lung Injury Lawyer Today
If you have been exposed to silica dust in the workplace and believe that you have obtained a lung disease or have already been diagnosed, you have options. At Maison Law, we want to help you consider your legal options and help you protect your rights from the very start of your claim. You should never delay, as the clock has already started ticking in regards to bringing your claim. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case consultation. You owe us nothing unless we win your claim for you.
