Silicosis

Have you recently been diagnosed with Silicosis from inhaling silica at work?

If so, you should be entitled to recover substantial damages for your Silicosis because your employer did not take sufficient steps to prevent that happening to you.

As well as recovering damages for your Silicosis you might also be entitled to recover income protection or Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payments from your Super fund.

Richardson & Lyons are experts in relation to Silicosis and all other work-related lung diseases, and in recovering damages and superannuation benefits for workers with those diseases.

Please enquire about your rights now, strict time limits apply to all damages and compensation claims so delay could affect your rights.

Our advice to you is free, we handle all damages and TPD claims for injured workers on a “no win-no fee” basis and our entire focus in every case is on getting the best possible “in the hand” outcome for you and your family.

Silicosis Lawyers in Brisbane

Richardson & Lyons are expert personal injury lawyers in Brisbane, Queensland. Our silicosis lawyers will offer legal advice and can help you secure a pay-out if you are suffering from silicosis. As your lawyers we will:

• Assist you in obtaining the relevant medical records and employment records
• Represent you in negotiations with your insurer and employer
• Aim to settle your claim pre-trial for compensation (most cases are settled here)
• Represent you in court if you claim goes this far.

Statutory limitations may limit how long you have to claim so contact us now to see how we can help.

If you think you may have silicosis or are at risk, there are a few things you can do to help your chances of success in a claim. Firstly, record any symptoms you are experiencing. Try and see a doctor as any medical evidence you can obtain will be beneficial to securing your pay-out. Secondly, keep all employment records and document anything you think might be relevant to your claim at your worksite. Don’t worry if you aren’t sure about what might be important – our lawyers will ask you all the relevant questions to make sure we understand your specific situation.

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease that can occur in people exposed to silica. Symptoms include coughing, phlegm and trouble breathing. If it progresses, symptoms can include fatigue, weight loss, chest pain and shortness of breath.

There is no cure for silicosis. However, symptoms can be managed using steroid inhalers and medication to relax the airways.

What causes silicosis?

Silica dust is so fine it can reach the smallest airways in your lungs. The silica particles make it harder to breathe by harming the lung tissue and causing inflammation and scarring. You are at higher risk if your work exposes you to silica dust. This includes jobs such as mining, steel working, construction/renovation, glass manufacturing, roofing and farming.

Can you get silicosis from one exposure?

Chronic silicosis is the most common form and generally occurs after long term exposure. The symptoms of chronic silicosis may not show for up to a decade. Acute silicosis, while rare, can also occur. This can be caused by a one-off exposure to a large amount of silica. In this case, symptoms will typically show weeks or a few years after exposure.

Compensation for Silicosis

Silicosis is commonly caused by dust inhaled at work. Your employer has a duty to provide you with the required safety equipment to keep you safe from silicosis. If they breach this duty then they may be liable, and you could be entitled to substantial damages. Richardson & Lyons are specialist lawyers in this area and can give you legal advice on what Queensland law requires employers to do.

You could receive compensation to cover your pain and suffering, cost of care and medical bills. If you lost income as a result of silicosis, you may be entitled to income protection, Total and Permanent Disability (TPD) payments from your Super fund and compensation from WorkCover Queensland. You should always get advice before accepting a lump sum payment from WorkCover as recoverable damages may be higher and your decision is final. Our lawyers are experts in workers’ compensation and can give you advice on any lump sum payment you are offered.

With extensive experience in silicosis compensation, Richardson & Lyons will help you obtain the best pay-out possible.

“No Win, No Fee” Silicosis Claims

Silicosis claims at Richardson & Lyons operate on a “no win, no fee” guarantee. This means that you pay nothing up front and we meet all your ongoing costs while we work on your case. If your claim is unsuccessful then you pay nothing. If your claim is successful, then only once you will receive your pay-out will we get paid.