If you have been exposed to silica dust during the course of your job and have developed silicosis, mesothelioma, asbestosis, or any other type of cancer, immediately seek the help of a Texas personal injury lawyer at The Carlson Law Firm. With decades of experience handling all types of personal injury cases, we can help you pursue maximum compensation for your injuries.
Exposure to dangerous silica dust has been associated with the following:
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Crystalline silica is a mineral that is a large part of the makeup of sand and rocks including sandstone and granite. It is used in the manufacture of a number of different everyday products including clay bricks, concrete, and tiles. During the production of these and other items, fine particles of silica dust can be released into the air, where they can be breathed in.
An unknown amount of silica has been disturbed in construction, mining, and other industrial activities, exposing countless people to hazardous silica dust. According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), breathing in silica dust can lead to a debilitating, irreversible, and potentially fatal respiratory disease called silicosis, as well as a number of other health conditions and cancers.
Also known by older names including rock tuberculosis, potter’s rot, grinder’s rot, dust consumption, and stonemason’s disease, silicosis belongs to a group of lung disorders called pneumoconiosis. These illnesses are characterized by the formation of fibrous scar tissue and nodules in the lungs. More than 250 American die from this incurable disease every year.
The following people are at the highest risk of developing complications from silica exposure:
Silicosis is 100 percent preventable when workers are properly outfitted with functioning respirators. Those who fail to supply their employees with adequate protective gear can and should be held responsible for the damage they have caused. If you have been diagnosed with cancer, COPD, or another respiratory illness after exposure to silica dust, and are experiencing symptoms including shortness of breath, chronic dry cough, fever, loss of weight and appetite, and severe difficulty breathing, you should seek the help of an attorney right away. You may be eligible to pursue compensation for the costs of your medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Family members who have lost a loved one due to silica dust-related diseases may also have the option to file a wrongful death claim seeking compensation for loss of companionship and support, funeral and burial costs, and more.
To learn more about filing a silica exposure lawsuit, please contact a Silica lawsuit attorney at The Carlson Law Firm by calling (254) 791-5654.