Crystalline silica exposure

Our Industrial Disease team is currently investigating compensation claims for respiratory illnesses caused by exposure to crystalline silica.

Crystalline silica, also known as silica, is a naturally occurring compound that can be found in all kinds of rock, sand, granite, clay, cement and many others. Crystalline silica can cause diseases of the lung when large quantities are inhaled over a sustained period. Those at risk of prolonged exposure tend to be individuals working in an occupation which involves who have cutting stone, drilling rock, crushing and drilling concrete, sand blasting or manufacturing building materials.

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is the most common illness associated to exposure to silica dust and causes scarring of the lung tissue and inflammation. Many individuals who have been exposed won’t be diagnosed with silicosis and will simply be told that they have respiratory disease, especially if they have a history of smoking. Other misdiagnoses include bronchitis, pneumonia, emphysema or TB,

What are the symptoms of silicosis?

Common symptoms of crystalline silica related respiratory diseases like silicosis include:

• Breathing difficulties
• Chest pains
• Fever
• Bluish skin
• Fatigue

To find out more about the symptoms of silicosis, read more on the NHS website.

If you suspect that you have been exposed to high quantities of crystalline silica, then you may be eligible for compensation. For more information contact us today for free, no obligation advice.

What are the long-term effects of silicosis?

There is no known cure for silicosis and the long-term effects can have a drastic impact on a patient’s quality of life. There are a number of conditions that can manifest as result of a diagnosis of silicosis, these are:

• tuberculosis (TB) and other chest infections
• pulmonary hypertension
• heart failure
• arthritis
• kidney disease
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• lung cancer

This is why speaking to a specialist silicosis solicitor is essential to receiving the best possible long-term care through a silicosis compensation claim.

How might my employer be responsible?

Your employer should have health and safety policies that prevent harmful exposure to dust that cause conditions like silicosis. You employer has a duty of care under the Health and Safety at Work Act, these are designed to limit your exposure to harmful dust, and these include:

• Advising you on what the potential hazards and risks are
• Explaining what the exposure limits are
• Sharing any results of exposure monitoring with you
• Providing respiratory protective equipment (RPE), such as masks and filters

If you feel your employer has failed in their duty of care, you need to speak to one of our specialised silicosis solicitors today.

How do I claim compensation for silicosis?

Hugh James is a top UK 100 law firm. Our industrial disease team are experts in their field and have successfully represented clients across England and Wales suffering illnesses caused by their employers. Recently we settled a landmark case on behalf workers employed by the Phurnacite plant in South Wales The success of this case has opened the door for individuals who worked in similar industries to pursue personal injury compensation.

Our expert team offer free, no obligation advice on your individual circumstances. One of our experts will investigate your claim and if we believe you have a strong case, we will act on a no win, no fee basis.