Silicosis is a incurable lung disease cased by inhalation of crystalline silica dust.  It involves inflammation and the development of scarring of the lungs.

Silicosis is generally a progressive condition and may lead to respiratory failure. There are three clinical kinds of silicosis – acute silicosis, accelerated silicosis and chronic silicosis.

Acute silicosis

Acute silicosis can develop after short-term exposure (weeks or months) to very high levels of silica dust and leads to the rapid onset of symptoms and potential health complications.

Acute silicosis was historically very rare.  However, there has been an increase in the incidence of acute silicosis arising from work with engineered on manufactured stone products.  Those products can contain up to, and in excess of 90% crystalline silica.

Acute silicosis involves severe inflammation and an outpouring of protein into the lungs which can fill with fluid.  This in turn leads to severe shortness of breath and low blood oxygen levels.

Accelerated silicosis

Accelerated silicosis may develop within 3-10 years of first exposure to silica dust.  Like acute silicosis, accelerated silicosis was historically rare.  However the increased use of engineered stone has lead to an increase in incidents of accelerated silicosis.

In accelerated silicosis, swelling in the lungs and symptoms occur faster than in chronic silicosis.  Like chronic silicosis, lesions known as silicotic nodules develop which if they coalesce can become progressive massive fibrosis (PMF).  Symptoms include shortness of breath which overtime may lead to a need for support with oxygen.

Chronic silicosis

Chronic silicosis may develop after many years (10-40) of exposure to silica.  Historically chronic silicosis was the most common form of the disease, particularly in places like Sydney among jack pick operators who drilled sandstone.  Chronic silicosis can become progressive massive fibrosis.

In chronic silicosis, the silica dust causes areas of swelling in the lungs and chest lymph nodes, which leads to shortness of breath.

Silcia is a known carcinogen.  The inhalation of large amounts of silica dust, or exposure over extended periods can lead to the development of lung cancer.  The risk of lung cancer is higher among people who are (or have been) smokers.

The process for claims for silicosis and other silcia induced diseases differs from State to State.

Depending on the State,  claims made be brought under workers compensation statutes and/or in court proceedings against employers.  People suffering from silicosis in New South Wales may also make application on the Dust Diseases Authority.  For more information about the DDA, follow this link.

People who have developed silicosis are often advised to leave any dusty employment as further exposure will cause their condition to deteriorate.  Even if you do not have a current disability from silicosis, you may be able to claim at common law.  You may also have a claim under a total and permanent disability (TPD) policy through your superannuation if you are forced to leave your job.

We act on a full no win no fee basis in all silicosis and silica induced disease claims.  We will not be paid unless you win your claim. More information about our fees is set out on our fee policy page.

How long do claims take?

A claim for a person suffering from silicosis or other silica induced disease usually takes between 4 and 10 months to finalise. Claims can run quicker if necessary.

How much are claims worth?

The value of the claim depends on a variety of factors.  The most significant factors are the level of disability, and the likely progression of the disease.  Other factors, including whether you are still in employment (or if the disease has stopped you working), along with the amount of care you need, and whether you provided care to any dependent will also be relevant.