Silicosis Lawsuit
The Steinberg Law Firm is evaluating claims for a Silicosis Lawsuit. Silicosis is a pulmonary disease that is caused by exposure to minute particles of dust which can get into a person's lungs. Silicosis comes from long-term exposure to free crystalline also known as "silica", which is essentially dust particles, which enters the lungs of a victim. Silicosis is typically found in certain types of workers who are exposed to "silica". The victim's lungs will react to the silica by developing scarring around the silica. This leads to a dangerous condition making it difficult for a person to breath. Many people with silicosis are at a high risk of developing other diseases such as tuberculosis. Many victims with Silicosis will eventually die. Silicosis has been commonly referred to as miner's asthma and potters rot!
The most common form of silicosis might not be detected for 10-35 years after a workers initial exposure to the "silica". Some symptoms of silica exposure include shortness of breath, fatigue, chest pain, and severe cough and flu-like symptoms. Doctors can detect Silicosis with a simple chest x-ray. Typically by the time silicosis is diagnosed, it is often too late for the victim to make a full recover.
Workers at Risk of Silicosis
In the United States alone, it is estimated that over 3 million workers are exposed to silica dust. Silica dust can be created by any activity that breaks rocks, concrete, or any other material that contains silica. Workers who engage in the following activities are at a high risk of developing silicosis: at the greatest risk include miners, drillers, sandblasters, foundry workers (mold shake-outs or knockouts, sand screening, sand recovery, conveying, grinding, etc.), cement, stone, clay, brick and glass production are at risk. Manufacture of paints, plastics, soaps, and detergents also produce silica dust. As a result, workers in the railroad, maritime, construction, and mining industries are often at greatest risk.
- Persons who work in asphalt shingle factories could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Person with heavy exposure to fiber cement board could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Persons engaged in chipping, hammering, crushing, loading and transporting rock products could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Persons involved in the sandblasting of buildings or old oilfield equipment involving concrete or other materials could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Persons who extensively saw, hammer, drill, grind, chip, or work with concrete or other rock substances could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Persons involved in the shipbuilding industry could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Miners, both surface and underground could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Railroad workers could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Glass manufacturing could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
- Welders and grinders could have exposure to silica and develop Silicosis
OSHA has determined that silicosis is 100% preventable with properly working protective equipment. Individuals who work in high risk areas for silicosis such as miners and sandblasters can be protected from silicosis by means of respirators, gas masks, and other equipment designed to prevent silica from entering the lungs. Unfortunately, many employers in the industry have sacrificed safety for profit and have failed to provide workers with proper respiratory equipment.
Silicosis Lawsuit Inquiry
Please fill this form if you would like more information or discuss a potential legal claim or lawsuit with an attorney regarding a Silicosis lawsuit. All inquiries including information provided regarding side effects from Silicosis are kept strictly confidential. If the inquiry is accepted for further review, you will receive a prompt response (usually the same day or by the next business day).