Silicosis

Were You Over-Exposed To Silica Dust?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, usually over an extended period of time. Silica is a crystal commonly found in rock. It is also used to make glass and in sandblasting. People who may be exposed to silica dust include:

  • Miners
  • Glass workers
  • Sand blasters
  • Quarry workers
  • Workers who use abrasives
  • Stone cutters
  • Road and building construction workers
  • Oil and gas workers using the hydraulic fracturing or “fracking” process

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has regulations requiring the use of protective equipment when working with silica sand. However, silicosis still continues to be a problem in many industries. If you or someone you love is suffering symptoms of silicosis, which can include persistent cough, shortness of breath and weight loss, you should speak with a workers’ compensation attorney about getting the benefits to which you are entitled.

Employers frequently push back against occupational disease claims like silicosis. They deny, delay and cut off benefits to injured workers. At Cherry Injury Law, our lawyers have decades of experience handling these cases and fighting for workers’ rights and health.

Miner’s Phthisis Attorneys In Media And Philadelphia

Silicosis has several names, including miner’s phthisis, grinder’s asthma and potter’s rot. Complications from the disease include tuberculosis (TB), rheumatoid arthritis and lung cancer. There are three different types of silicosis, varying by exposure level and length of exposure. The more silica inhaled during a short duration, the worse the symptoms. There is no cure for silicosis, though it is treatable. Workers who have silicosis may not be able to return to work or to their current jobs as continued exposure makes the symptoms worse.

Was Negligence A Factor In Your Exposure?

Silicosis is one of the oldest occupational diseases covered by workers’ compensation. Yet there are still cases of this workplace injury occurring on a regular basis. Employers do not always follow the OSHA standards to protect their workers from this debilitating disease. If you are suffering from silicosis and your exposure is due to negligence on the part of your employer, you may be eligible for compensation above what you receive from workers’ compensation. Our firm is committed to pursuing maximum compensation for sick workers.

Contact Our Firm

To schedule your free initial consultation with our silicosis lawyers in Philadelphia and Media, Pennsylvania, call 484-443-5466 or contact us online.