Diagnosed with silicosis after being exposed to silica dust? You may be able to make a compensation claim under Queensland or Western Australia legislation.
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust. Silica is a microscopic mineral found in engineered stone and materials such as granite, quartz, sandstone, brick and sand among other substances. Silicosis can cause scarring, swelling and fluid build-up in the lungs and seriously reduce the affected person's ability to breathe.
Silicosis can advance to progressive massive fibrosis, with potentially deadly consequences. There is no cure for the disease bar a lung transplant, meaning preventing and controlling exposure to silica dust is essential to keeping workers safe on the job.
Workers in industries with a high chance of silica exposure include:
- Miners
- Construction workers
- Engineers
- Stonemasons
Silica dust is a hazard in many workplaces and the above is by no means a comprehensive list.
Workers who perform the following activities may also be exposed to silica dust:
- breaking, crushing, grinding, drilling, cutting, or milling material containing silica dust;
- sandblasting or casting;
- paving, surfacing or cement finishing;
- bricklaying;
- demolition work;
- road construction;
- stonemasonry;
- mineral ore-treating processes;
- manufacture of glass, ceramics, brick, concrete, tile, metals or machinery.
If you think you have been exposed to silica dust, we encourage you to register your exposure.
How to register your exposure to silicosis
In some cases, Silica exposure can manifest into silicosis within a few years of exposure. If you need to make a claim, having developed silicosis, your claim's prospects will be improved if you have a record that includes details of where you worked and any witnesses within the workplace who may be able to verify your exposure.
Silicosis claim process
1 Document your exposure
If you know that you have been exposed to a dangerous dust, either at work or in a non-occupational setting, document your exposure using our free asbestos register, silicosis register, or by using the form below. This will help us to support your claim if you are diagnosed at a later date.
2 Suspect you are ill?
See your doctor - be explicit about the industry that you work in and what your concerns are as some diseases will not turn up on initial scans.
3 Receive diagnosis
Request a medical certificate from your doctor.
4 Contact Shine Lawyers
Speak with a dust diseases expert as quickly as possible as strict time limits apply.
5 We will support you to make a claim
We support you in claiming compensation and can help to speed up the legal process. We can investigate and bring negligence claims against the entities responsible for your injuries. We can also assist you with accessing statutory entitlements, such as workers compensation if you were a worker when you were exposed and superannuation benefits if you are unable to work because of your condition.
6 We’re on your side
We offer our services with a no win, no fee guarantee, meaning that you don’t pay for our legal services unless we are successful.
How to make a silicosis compensation claim
People who develop silicosis or other dust diseases following exposure may be able to claim compensation for their illness. This compensation can help sufferers and their families to manage their medical expenses now and in the future, cover care costs, reimburse loss of earnings, and bridge the gap left by their reduced earning capacity. We have expert lawyers, who work on a No Win No Fee* basis. Contact us to discuss your claim.
We can meet with you face-to-face, via telephone or video conference, or even come to you.
Superannuation and Disability Insurance
If you can't work due to illness or injury, your insurance or superannuation may contain policies which can benefit you. Our experts offer a quick, obligation-free analysis of your situation to advise you of your rights and the prospects of a potential claim.
Learn more about Superannuation and Disability Insurance Claims