What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a serious industrial disease which affects the lungs and is usually caused by prolonged inhalation of silica dust, a common mineral naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand and clay.

Over time, inhaling silica dust can cause inflammation within the lungs, which can lead to irreversible scarring of the lung tissue.

What are the symptoms of silicosis?

It can take many years for the first symptoms of silicosis to develop but this is not always the case. Some experience symptoms whilst still working with silica dust. For others, symptoms don’t begin until after their exposure to silica dust has ended. This can make it difficult to diagnose silicosis, which can be misdiagnosed as sarcoidosis, infection or asthma.

Common symptoms of silicosis include:

• A persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fever
• Weakness
• Tiredness

It's important to seek urgent medical advice if you have been exposed to silica dust and suffer any of these symptoms. Symptoms of silicosis can worsen as time progresses, even if you’re no longer being exposed to the dust particles.

What are the long-term effects of silicosis?

Unfortunately, silicosis often has serious long-term effects on the health of sufferers, especially as it is an irreversible condition for which there is no known treatment. In some cases, respiratory failure can occur, and silicosis also increases the risk of other related conditions developing, including:

• Tuberculosis
• Lung cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Arthritis
• Kidney disease

As well as seeking medical advice, you should also speak to a specialist silicosis solicitor as soon as possible, as you may be eligible to make a claim for silicosis compensation.

Make a silicosis claim

Can I claim compensation for silicosis?

Yes, you can make a claim for silicosis compensation if your illness was caused by silica dust exposure at work and your employer failed to protect you from harm.

It is your employer’s duty to provide a safe working environment, which means taking all reasonable precautions to protect you from the risks associated with working with silica dust. Even if the exposure to silica dust occurred many years ago, or your old employer is no longer in business, you can still make a claim.

In some circumstances, it can also be possible for you to claim silicosis compensation on behalf of someone else; for instance, if your loved one is too ill, lacks the mental capacity, or has sadly passed away from their illness. To find out more, speak to our specialist silicosis solicitors today on 0330 041 5869 or contact us online.

How to prove employer negligence in a silicosis claim

The law says that every employer has a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act to protect employees from suffering harm in the workplace. This could include taking actions such as:

• Ensuring you are fully informed of the potential hazards and risks of silica dust
• Providing adequate protective equipment, such as masks and filters, to prevent exposure
• Ensuring all staff are trained on safety procedures to minimise the risk of exposure

Silicosis develops as a result of inhaling silica dust, which is released into the air through various industrial processes, including crushing, cutting, grinding, sanding, polishing, shaping and drilling of materials containing silica.

If an employer fails to comply with their legal duties to protect your health and safety in the workplace, resulting in your exposure you to silica dust, you may be able to pursue claim against that employer in connection with your development of silicosis.

Read more on the health and safety regulations designed to keep all employees safe in the workplace.

How do I make a silicosis compensation claim?

1. To start a claim, simply give our team a call on 0330 041 5869 or request a call back using our online form. We’ll ask you a few questions to establish what has happened and will be able to tell you if you have a claim straight away.
2. We’ll discuss your work history to determine where you may have been exposed, and whether you have a claim. Even if your employer is no longer in business, it can still be possible to claim compensation.
3. We will then work with you to collect any evidence relevant to your case, such as medical records, employment history and witness statements.
4. Once we have the evidence we need, your solicitor will determine how much compensation you could be entitled to, and can help secure access to any rehabilitation or treatment you may need
5. Your dedicated solicitor will handle all negotiations and will work hard to secure the best possible sum, keeping you informed at every stage. Throughout your claim, your solicitor will be on hand to answer any questions and provide compassionate support to you and your family.

Start your silicosis claims

How much compensation will I get for a silicosis claim?

It can be difficult to determine how much compensation you could be entitled to without reviewing the facts of your case. This is because the level of compensation awarded will be largely dependent upon a range of different factors, including the costs of any care required or any financial losses you and your loved ones have suffered because of your illness.

To find out more about how much compensation you could be awarded, speak to our specialist silicosis solicitors; they’ll ask a few questions, and will be able to tell you if they think you have a case and what the next steps will be.

What are the time limits for making a silicosis claim?

Under UK law, in most cases you have three years from the date you were first diagnosed with silicosis to make a claim for compensation. In some cases however, it may be that the three years begins before your formal diagnosis.

As time limits for claiming are strictly applied by the courts, we strongly recommend you do not delay in contacting our expert silicosis solicitors. We know it may be difficult to talk about your diagnosis, but our compassionate solicitors are here to support you every step of the way. When you are ready, we’ll be here to listen.

Speak to a specialist silicosis solicitor

Silicosis litigation is a specialised and complex area of the law, so you should use a solicitor who has extensive experience and a track record of successful silicosis claims.

Our specialist industrial disease lawyers have extensive experience of claiming for individuals who have developed silicosis and understand the impact that a diagnosis of silicosis can have on sufferers and their families

We will be as considerate and supportive as possible throughout the claims process and will fight for the justice you deserve.

We will also ensure that where possible compensation is secured to help with medical fees, care costs, the cost of managing symptoms, and any loss of earnings including where your diagnosis prevents you from returning to work.

We are immensely proud to have a team of highly acclaimed industrial disease solicitors here at Slater and Gordon. With many decades of experience across the team, many of our solicitors are accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), and are highly ranked in prestigious independent legal guides, including Chambers and Partners and the Legal 500.