Silicosis
Did you or a loved one develop lung disease as a result of harmful exposure to silica dust?
If so, you may be entitled to compensation from the party responsible.
Why might you or a loved one be entitled to compensation?
Dovel & Luner is investigating potential claims on behalf of individuals that were exposed to unsafe levels of silica dust in the workplace and developed lung disease, known as silicosis.
What is silicosis?
According to the American Lung Association, “silicosis is a…lung disease caused by breathing in tiny bits of silica, a common mineral found in many types of rock and soil. Over time, exposure to silica particles causes permanent lung scarring, called pulmonary fibrosis.”
At this point, there is no cure for silicosis, however, patients may seek treatment for this disease. Companies and employees can take steps to prevent silicosis.
Read more from the American Lung Association here.
What are examples of exposure that can lead to silicosis?
Examples of unsafe levels of silica dust can include frequent exposure to dangerously high amounts of silica dust at work, especially to those in the stone fabrication industry. This exposure can be common among employees of manufacturers of stone products made with crystalline silica and employees that regularly polish, grind, or cut these products in ways that create respirable crystalline silica.
According to OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration), “workers who inhale these very small crystalline silica particles are at increased risk of developing serious silica-related diseases, including Silicosis, an incurable lung disease that can lead to disability and death; [and] Lung cancer” among other health complications.
Read more about crystalline silica from OSHA here.