Silicosis Claims Lawyers

Starting a silicosis compensation claim with Turner Freeman, you’re guaranteed to receive compassion and professionalism from our lawyers. We try to take the legal stress out of your hands through 6 easy steps.

1. Contact Turner Freeman

   Telephone Turner Freeman on 13 43 63 or fill in our online form. Tell us you have been diagnosed with silicosis due to workplace exposure and that you would like to speak to a lawyer.

2. Our silicosis lawyers get in touch with you

   One of our lawyers will speak to you and arrange to see you at our office. If you cannot travel, the lawyer will visit you at home or in hospital.

3. Relevant documentation recorded and collected

   Our lawyer will obtain all of the information from you necessary to run the claim including collecting medical records and other information relevant to your silicosis claim.

4. Silicosis compensation entitlements discussed

   Once the medical records confirm you have been diagnosed with silicosis, we will discuss your compensation entitlements available to you.

5. Our silicosis lawyers to prepare your claim

   If you proceed, your lawyer will prepare your silicosis claim, lodge the appropriate documentation to ensure the claim is successfully concluded. Your lawyer can also speed up the claim if your health is failing.

6. Most compensation claims are settled before court trial

   We are with you throughout the entire process. We will keep you informed and updated at every stage so you always know where your claim is up to.

Exposure to silica dust can lead to serious health conditions such as lung cancer, silicosis, kidney disease and other serious diseases. Silica exposure generally occurs during workplace activities where silica is used in many products.

Silica is a natural mineral and can be found in rock, sand, stone, gravel and clay. The most common form is quartz. Silica dust is harmful when inhaled into your lungs and exposure should be avoided. Silica dust is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand and you can breathe it in without knowing it.

Activities that can expose you to silica include:

• Concrete cutting and jack hammering
• Masonry
• Cutting brick
• Cutting and drilling artificial stone like caeserstone
• Sandblasting
• Manufacturing of glass, ceramics, brick, concrete, tile, metal or machinery

Top occupations at risk of exposure to silica dust are engineers, construction workers, farmers and miners.

Symptoms of silicosis include:

• Shortness of breath
• A persistent cough
• Fatigue
• Night sweats

It is highly recommended that if your occupation requires you to be exposed to silica dust, you get regular health check-ups.

Accelerated silicosis

Accelerated silicosis tends to result from very heavy and prolonged exposure to silica dust. It tends to develop earlier and progresses. Symptoms include a chronic cough and severe shortness of breath on exertion. 

Latency Period of the development of pleural plaques

The latency period between exposure to silica dust and development of silicosis is between 4-10 years.

Silicosis compensation claims are available to those suffering from a silica related injury or disease under the workers’ compensation schemes for each Australian state.

Claims are also available against the manufacturers of engineered stone products as well as occupiers of industrial sites, including mines, where people have been exposed to silica dust.

Strict time limits apply to claims under the workers’ compensation schemes which must be followed. Time limits also apply in other jurisdictions and need to be considered.

Anyone who has been diagnosed with silicosis should seek legal advice regarding their individual circumstances and potential entitlements.

Turner Freeman’s expert compensation lawyers will be able to advise you about your rights and what you are entitled to. Due to the progressive nature of silicosis, you may also be able to bring a claim through your superannuation for insurance benefits for total and permanent disablement or income protection. Our lawyers can assist you with this. 

If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or have been exposed to silica dust, contact one of our lawyers today. We have silicosis compensation lawyers located in:

QLD– Brisbane, Logan, North Lakes, Ipswich, Toowoomba, Gold Coast, Sunshine Coast and Cairns.

NSW – Sydney, Parramatta, Campbelltown, Newcastle, Penrith, Wollongong, Windsor, Toronto, Norwest and Gloucester.

SA – Adelaide and Whyalla.

WA – Perth