Employees who work with quartz and other stone products have found in recent years that they may have been exposed to unsafe levels of silica dust. These employees are now sometimes receiving a diagnosis for silicosis and other damaging illnesses, which impact the lungs and are not curable in most cases. In the most extensive cases, employees may even lose their lives to these horrific diseases.
Employers and manufacturers who fail to provide a safe workplace and a safe product may be liable for the illnesses or fatalities that stem from silicosis and other diseases. At Maison Law, our California silicosis injury lawyers have the resources necessary for victims and their families to receive damages in a lawsuit related to silicosis and other lung injuries. Contact us today for more information on bringing a claim.
How Silicosis Can Lead to Death
Those who have worked around silica dust and have been diagnosed with silicosis or another lung disease may be facing an array of serious symptoms. These include persistent cough, shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, and more. Unfortunately, silicosis is incurable and can worsen greatly over time. Once a worker has been diagnosed with silicosis and has started to exhibit symptoms, there is a high mortality and morbidity rate in victims.
During the years 2001 and 2010, studies found that 1,437 individuals had silicosis listed as their cause of death from this preventable exposure in the workplace. Though many individuals can live with these illnesses for years or even decades, others could lose their lives from the symptoms or related lung diseases.
Bringing a Wrongful Death Claim on Behalf of a Loved One
Losing a loved one unexpectedly due to silicosis or another lung disease can be a traumatic and overwhelming experience. Families have options for recovery for a wide array of damages after losing a loved one due to a preventable disease caused by exposure in the workplace. Several parties could successfully bring a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one, which includes the following:
- Surviving spouses
- Surviving children
- Surviving parents
- A personal representative of the estate
When a loved one is no longer able to bring income into a household and the bills continue to pile up for a family, a wrongful death suit may be the only option for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a deadline for filing my loved one’s wrongful death claim?
Yes, there is a statute of limitations of two years from the time of a loved one’s passing to bring a wrongful death claim. After this, you could be barred from bringing a successful claim, which is why you should act quickly to protect your family’s rights.
What damages could I be eligible for in a wrongful death claim?
You could be eligible for a variety of damages such as funeral costs, burial-related expenses, medical expenses your loved one incurred before their passing, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Can I file a claim even if I am not a U.S. citizen?
Yes, you still have options for financial recovery even if you are not a U.S. citizen. California labor laws offer protections for workers no matter their citizenship status, which means that a worker or family could still be able to recover damages in a silicosis-related claim.
Contact a California Silicosis Injury Lawyer Today for Support
If you believe that a manufacturer or employer has caused your lung injuries or the death of a loved one, you have every right to hold them liable for the resulting harm. At Maison Law, we are committed to assisting those who have fallen victim to silicosis or lost a loved one suddenly as a result.
All potential clients who speak with our California silicosis injury lawyers will be provided with a completely confidential and free consultation that comes with no obligation to you. With a proven track record of results dealing with personal injury claims and wrongful death cases, we are here to provide you with the necessary resources that can assist you or your family. Contact us today for more information on your options.