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
If you have been exposed to dangerous levels of silica in your workplace and suspect you are ill, we recommend following the below steps.
- Register your exposure – Document your exposure to silica dust, whether at work or in a non-occupational setting. You can use our silicosis register or the form below. Should you be diagnosed at a later date, this will support your claim.
- Feeling ill? Visit your doctor – Make sure to tell your GP about your dust exposure and job, if relevant. Some dust diseases won't show on initial scans.
- Receive diagnosis? – If you've been diagnosed with silicosis, request a medical certificate from your doctor.
- Contact Shine Lawyers – You should speak to our expert silicosis lawyers as quickly as possible, as strict time limitations can apply to claims.
- Our lawyers will support you through your claim and can help to speed up the legal process. We can bring negligence claims against those responsible for your illness. We can help you access any statutory entitlements you may be eligible for, such as workers compensation or insurance through your superannuation.
- We're on your side and offer our services on a No Win, No Fee Guarantee, meaning 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