Silicosis Case

A silicosis case may be a viable legal option for victims of this respiratory disease to pursue. A legal silicosis case can help the victim of this disabling, irreversible, and potentially fatal lung disease. A silicosis case may be filed against the party responsible for a victim’s exposure to harmful amounts of crystalline silica dust which are responsible for causing silicosis. A silicosis case can help a victim receive compensation for their related medical expenses, loss of income, and psychological suffering.

Silica is the second most common mineral naturally found in the earth. It is a major component of sand, rocks, and mineral ores. There are two types of silica. Crystalline silica has the potential to cause silicosis, while amorphous silica has not been associated with this condition. Workers and hobbyists in a variety of fields may potentially be exposed to harmful levels of crystalline silica which can cause silicosis.

The government indicates that more than one million US workers are exposed to crystalline silica each year and at least 100,000 are exposed to dangerous levels of this dust. Silicosis is one of the world’s oldest known occupational hazards, with reports of the condition dating back to ancient Greece. In a silicosis case, crystalline silica dust causes inflammation and scar tissue to build in the lungs. This can result in decreased lung functioning and can lead to tuberculosis and progressive massive fibrosis.

There are several industries that have the potential to pose a silicosis threat to workers. Workers in the following industries may be at greater risk: construction, maritime, glass manufacturing, mining, agriculture, foundry work, railroad, and those which manufacture soaps detergents, and abrasives. A silicosis case is one hundred percent preventable if employers, workers, and health professionals work in conjunction to lower the risks of harmful crystalline silica exposure. If negligence on behalf of an employer or health professional contributes to a victim’s development of silicosis, that person may have the legal right to seek a silicosis case.

There are three different types of silicosis that a person can suffer. Simple chronic silicosis is the most common type of silicosis and can remain undetectable for years. Simple chronic silicosis typically occurs after ten or more years of exposure to harmful levels of silica exposure. An accelerated silicosis case may develop after five to fifteen years and is the result of higher levels of exposure. An acute silicosis case can develop after very high exposure and can be symptomatic a few weeks to five years after exposure.

Symptoms of a silicosis case can include shortness or difficulty breathing, chronic cough, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain, and fever. A silicosis case can be diagnosed through medical tests including chest x-rays, pulmonary functioning tests, and a complete work and medical history. There is no cure for silicosis, though it is largely preventable. OSHA has implemented a variety of regulations to prevent exposure to harmful silica levels. For more information about your legal rights and options in a silicosis case, you may wish to contact a qualified attorney who can protect and maximize your rights.

Silicosis Breaking News

"Silica lawsuits might fall under proposed asbestos injury trust fund"

A Senate panel will hear testimony today on how silicosis would affect the proposed national asbestos injury trust fund.

Silica is another toxic substance that American business groups are worried could lead to the next asbestos. The f...

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"Yucca Mountain Officials Knew About Silica Risk, Claims Whistleblower"

Over a thousand workers at Yucca Mountain were exposed to toxic dusts for several years in the 1990s, before the Energy Department installed effective health protections. A number of workers have since reported medical problems that they believe result...

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Silicosis Case

Silicosis Breaking News

"Silica lawsuits might fall under proposed asbestos injury trust fund"

"Yucca Mountain Officials Knew About Silica Risk, Claims Whistleblower"

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