For stoneworkers who have been working around silica products and dust in the workplace, many employees are now finding that they may have been put in an adverse position. Exposure to silica dust can result in silicosis and other incurable lung diseases. Many individuals who have fallen ill and were previously employed in one of these positions may wonder what options they have during these complex times.
At Maison Law, we stand by the rights of workers and believe that a safe workplace is crucial. If you are dealing with a long-lasting lung disease that has affected everything you do in life and believe that an employer or manufacturer is to blame, you have options. Contact us for a no-obligation and confidential case consultation as soon as possible.
Social Security Disability Insurance: What Is It?
Under the Social Security Administration, you may qualify for benefits if you have sustained a disease or impairment that prevents you from returning to work. The symptoms of silicosis and other lung diseases can definitely impair your ability to work and include some of the following:
- Fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe cough
To be eligible for social security disability benefits, you must have a medical condition that is expected to last for at least twelve months or more. Silicosis and other lung diseases typically worsen over time and are incurable. This means that your income and other benefits will be severely limited, which is why it is important to consider your options and speak with a California silicosis injury lawyer.
Disability or a Personal Injury Claim?
If you have sustained a lung disease or silicosis, you may be considering a personal injury claim or filing for disability benefits. However, there are some things that you should keep in mind.
If you choose to move forward with a personal injury claim after you have already started receiving SSD benefits, you will not lose your benefits. However, receiving disability benefits means that you are no longer working. This means that you will not be able to claim compensation for lost wages or future earning capacity if you bring a personal injury claim. You don’t want to miss out on any financial opportunities, which is why you want to make the best decision possible after you have sustained a lung disease in the workplace.
You may benefit from speaking with a California silicosis injury lawyer soon after you have been diagnosed with a lung disease or started to exhibit symptoms. In many cases, you will have a better outcome if you bring a personal injury claim against an employer or manufacturer for the harm that you have sustained. This is because a personal injury claim takes many damages into consideration, including the following:
- Medical expenses you have incurred and those you are expected to incur
- Lost income and future lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation costs and medical equipment
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages if you have lost a loved one due to a lung disease
You should also keep in mind that, if you are not a U.S. citizen, you may only be able to receive disability benefits under certain circumstances. However, if you bring a personal injury claim, you will be entitled to any types of damages. Non-U.S. citizens still have the right to bring a personal injury case on behalf of the injuries or illness they have sustained in the workplace.
Contact a California Lung Injury Lawyer Today
It can be very difficult for victims and their families to get back on their feet after someone has been diagnosed with silicosis or another lung disease. Treatment can be expensive and symptoms can be painful. On top of this, you will likely miss out on time at work in the future due to your illness. You may wonder what options you have during these challenging times.
At Maison Law, our California lung injury lawyers are here for you and your family every step of the way after you have sustained an injury or illness in the workplace due to inhalation of silica dust. You may be eligible for substantial financial recovery. We will stand by your side and answer any questions you may have. Contact us to find out the best course of action as you move forward.
