Silicosis & other silica induced diseases
- acute silicosis;
- accelerated and chronic silicosis;
- progressive massive fibrosis (complicated silicosis);
- silica induced lung cancer; and
- other conditions including scleroderma, chronic bronchitis, emphysema and damage to the kidneys.
The risk of disease from silica disease has been known for many decades. Workers who develop disease from silica may be entitled to obtain compensation. Segelov Taylor Lawyers are expert in bringing claims for silcia disease and can provide advice and representation. We offer an obligation free case assessment service.
About 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.Progressive Massive Fibrosis
Silica Induced Lung Cancer
Other Silica related diseases
Silica exposure can lead to other conditions including:
- Scleroderma;
- chronic bronchitis;
- emphysema; and
- kidney damage.
Compensation
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.Common Questions
We act on a “no win/no fee” basis in all silica disease cases.
As soon as practicable after receiving your instructions, we will issue you a costs disclosure. That document will set out the terms on which we will act.
We will undertake a through investigation, which may include obtaining medical or other reports prior to commencing proceedings and in order to provide you advice on the merits of your claim. We will pay for these items.
We will only recover our fees if you are successful in your claim.
You will not be charged any money up front. We will pay all of the disbursements incurred in litigating your claim and we will recover the disbursements and our costs billed on a time basis at the successful completion of your claim. As part of your settlement or judgement the defendant will pay your party/party costs which cover 70 to 80% of your costs.
Please see our Fee Policy in mesothelioma and other dust disease matters page for more information.
The Dust Diseases Authority (the DDA) is a NSW government body.
If you were exposed to asbestos as a worker in New South Wales and you develop a dust related condition you can apply to the DDA for compensation. An application to the DDA is in addition to your common law claim for damages.  You can (and most people do) do both.
If your claim is accepted you will have a right to a pension and to have all your medical, hospital, pharmaceutical, nursing and nursing aids and equipment costs associated with he asbestos disease paid. The DDA will also pay for travel expenses and assistance required around your home and garden. You do not need to live in New South Wales at the time you develop the condition, although any exposure to asbestos that occurred outside of New South Wales may lead to a reduction in the amounts payable.
Book a Free Case Assessment
Start the compensation process by arranging a free case assessment.
In the free initial case assessment we will obtain general information and provide preliminary advice on whether we believe you are likely to have a claim for compensation, the value of any claim and our costs in the event you were to instruct us.
The case assessment is usually via phone (we will call you at the arranged time) or by video conference (such as Zoom or Teams).
There is no cost associated with this case assessment, nor any obligation to instruct us in your matter.