Silicosis Claims

If you have suffered injury or illness as a result of exposure to silica, we can assist you with your entitlement to make a claim.

We are a leading law firm in this area, with a strong track record in obtaining compensation for victims of dust related diseases and their families.

We offer a free initial consultation and can act on a ‘no win no fee’ basis.

Call for advice or assistance: 1800 659 114

What is silicosis?

Silicosis is a type of pneumoconiosis that affects the lungs. The disease is contracted through the inhalation of free silica; a category of dusts that contain silicon dioxide. Approximately half the composition of earth’s crust is silicon dioxide. The most common form of silica dust found in workplaces is quartz; the same basic material found in sand.

Silica is the generic term used to refer to respirable crystalline silica (RCS) or crystalline quartz.

Silica is highly toxic

Silica is toxic to the human body in several ways but principally it is fibro genic, meaning that it promotes the growth of fibrous tissue in the lungs.  The symptoms of silicosis can develop anywhere from a few weeks to 30 years after exposure and include:

• chest tightness and pain;
• breathlessness;
• coughing;
• weight loss;
• inflamed lungs; and

Illnesses related to silica inhalation

While medical advancements are being made in the treatment of silicosis, it is currently incurable and can lead to disability and death. Silicosis can also contribute to the development of:

• lung cancer;
• renal cancer;
• chronic obstructive pulmonary disease; and
• progressive massive fibrosis.

Industries prone to silica dust

Silica dust is widely encountered in extractive industries, in the manufacture of many concrete based building materials, and is widespread in manufacturing processes. Key industries at risk of exposure include:

• stonemasonry;
• tunnelling;
• foundries;
• cement manufacturing;
• brick and tile manufacturing;
• construction;
• quarrying; and

Duties that involve grinding, cutting, or otherwise demolishing materials such as concrete, rock, metals, or any other work that generates airborne dust pose a risk of exposure.

The risks are much greater where the material contains high levels of silica, for example, engineered stone products used in kitchens and bathrooms throughout Australia.

The use of engineered stone has gained prominence due to its relative affordability compared to natural products. Unfortunately, the growing popularity of this product over the past 20 years has had devastating health consequences for those working in the industry.

Hall Payne has been fortunate to work hand in hand with the CFMMEU to develop policies and procedures to better manage the risks caused by exposure to silica. 

As a consequence of being at the forefront of change in this area, Hall Payne has developed significant experience and knowledge relevant to the construction industry to expertly assist anyone affected by silicosis. We are a leading law firm in this area, with a strong track record in obtaining compensation for silicosis victims and their families.

Claims for other dust diseases

Most (but not all) dust disease compensation claims involve exposure to:

• Coal dust
• Silica
• Asbestos

You can learn more about the various types of dust diseases (including black lung) here. Notably, your dust related illness or injury is not always related to your work. Many people are exposed in the home and in the general community so don’t dismiss the potential to make a claim because your injury or illness is not work related.

If your exposure was in the course of your employment, you may be entitled to workers compensation or common law damages as well as TPD benefits through your superannuation.

Hall Payne has significant experience and expertise in dust diseases, workers compensation and superannuation and insurance claims.

Get help

Hall Payne will provide you with a free initial consultation to discuss your injury and the circumstances in which it arose.

If we consider you have prospects of winning your case, we will represent you on a ‘no win, no fee’ basis which means you don’t pay our legal fees unless you win.

So, it costs you nothing to find out where you stand.

Call a dust diseases lawyer today – 1800 659 114