Los Angeles Silicosis Attorney
Individuals working in construction, mining, sandblasting and on railroads are susceptible to silica exposure. This is common, but employers are required to make sure employees use protective equipment when working with silica dust.
Companies who fail to take preventive measures place their workers at-risk of silica exposure, which can cause silicosis — a serious occupational lung disease. At the law firm of Rose, Klein & Marias LLP, we vigorously hold companies and suppliers accountable for work-related illnesses linked to silica exposure.
Protecting Southern California Clients with Silica Exposure-Related Illnesses
The danger of silica exposure has been known since the 1930s. Companies have no excuses for failing to follow regulations to keep their employees safe. We have deep roots holding at-fault parties accountable and are ready to protect you.
Clients choose us for many reasons, including:
- Our law firm’s history of protecting clients in California extends back to 1936.
- We were the first law office in California to bring a lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers (in 1975).
- Our practice began in workers’ compensation. We have represented workers in all industries.
- We are recognized as leaders in the law community, with many awards and honors.
- We are passionate about pursuing the best possible case results for each and every client.
- Our success stories show billions won on behalf of clients, including an $11.3 million workers’ comp settlement.
Two of our partners, Howard Lehman and David Galperson, are certified specialists in workers’ compensation law. One of our groundbreaking cases was a $1 billion recovery for asbestos exposure clients. Contact us today to schedule a free lawyer consultation.
Representing Clients Exposed to Silica
Since 1936, the attorneys at our law firm have successfully held negligent parties accountable for causing life-threatening accidents. Part of our success stems from our commitment to helping accident victims obtain as much compensation as possible to cover hospital bills, lost wages and rehabilitation needs.
We make this happen by carefully investigating work-related injuries to determine if a third-party is at-fault. The lawyers at our law firm have an in-depth background representing employees who made sinks, toilets and other products in environments with silica exposure. In addition, our specialized attorneys handle claims for countertop workers exposed to silicosis.
We have extensive experience working with medical experts to build cases showing the silica exposure caused an occupational disease. The attorneys at our law firm consult medical professionals to determine the severity of the lung or liver disease. Medical evidence helps us obtain the maximum amount of workers’ compensation benefits based on the seriousness of the disease.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a chronic disease of the lungs that is classified as a type of pneumoconiosis, or lung diseases that are caused by inhaling dust or fine particles. Silicosis is a fibrotic condition that is caused by extensive exposure to crystalline silica dust.
When workers inhale silica particles, the particles can become trapped in the lungs. The lung tissue can react to these foreign bodies by developing fibrotic nodules and scar tissue around the area. Eventually, the nodules can grow in size until they interfere with the victim’s breathing.
Symptoms of Silicosis
Most cases of silicosis are not diagnosed until the condition has progressed and worsened to the point of becoming noticeable to the victim. Early-stage silicosis may go undetected by the worker. Then, continued inhalation of silica dust can contribute to the condition until it causes symptoms such as:
- Respiratory problems
- Shortness of breath (mild to severe)
- Skin discoloration around the lips or earlobes
- Fever
- Susceptibility to lung diseases such as tuberculosis
- Fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Chest pain
- Total respiratory failure that could lead to death
Sadly, there is no cure for silicosis. Affected workers must live with this condition for the rest of their lives. However, treatments such as medications, oxygen therapy and steroid injections can help control symptoms and improve quality of life.
What Industries Expose Workers to Silica Most Frequently?
Silica is a common component in materials such as granite, sand and quartz. The risk of developing silicosis is highest in workplaces that manufacture, repair or install these materials. Examples include:
- Construction
- Demolition
- Mining
- Masonry or cement work
- Manufacturing
- Sandblasting
- Stone crushing
- Rock quarry work
- Foundry workers
- Railroad construction
- Plumbing
- Painting
In industries with known silica exposure risks, employers are required to take proper measures to protect workers, such as providing the correct personal protective equipment to prevent the inhalation of silica dust.
Does California Workers’ Compensation Cover Silicosis?
The California workers’ compensation program covers all injuries, illnesses and diseases that are related to a job. This includes cases of silicosis and other lung conditions caused by exposure to silica in the work environment, such as lung cancer. A successful workers’ compensation claim for silicosis could result in a financial settlement being given to the worker for the following:
- Past and future necessary medical treatments and specialized care
- Temporary or permanent disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation and job retraining
- Death benefits for the dependents of a deceased worker
An affected worker has the right to file a no-fault insurance claim with his or her employer’s workers’ comp insurance after being diagnosed with silicosis. However, the worker will have to prove that the condition arose due to exposure to silica particles at work. Our attorneys have the ability to prove the connection between the disease and your workplace.
Pursuing the Maximum Amount of Compensation
After determining if silica exposure is correlated with the work injury, we investigate work environments to determine if additional compensation is available due to third-party liability. We have experience working with toxicologists and industrial hygienists to review equipment and supplies workers used to evaluate their exposure to hazardous levels of silica. We are prepared to help accident victims obtain the compensation they need through an effective personal injury claim in Los Angeles.
Contact Us Today
If you are concerned of the effects of using silica, we are ready to investigate your case and will hold negligent parities accountable. Contact us today to schedule a free lawyer consultation.