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Silicosis Lawyer

Get compensation for silicosis-related illnesses with vbr Lawyers. We’re here to support your silicosis claims in Melbourne and across Victoria.

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Typically takes less than 30 minutes.

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What can be claimed?
  • Win more for less
  • No win, no fee
  • Award-winning team

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust

Silicosis is a debilitating lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to silica dust in the workplace. If you’ve developed silicosis due to unsafe working conditions, you may be eligible for compensation.

 

Silicosis typically develops over time, often after years of exposure to respirable crystalline silica dust while working with materials like concrete, granite, or sandstone.

Do you have a silicosis claim?

Determining if you have a valid silicosis claim involves specific criteria in order to claim compensation from your employer or the stone manufacturer. Here are the key factors to consider.

Diagnosis

You must have a confirmed medical diagnosis of silicosis.

Exposure

You must demonstrate that your silicosis is a result of workplace conditions and prolonged exposure to silica dust.

Liability

Establishing the liability of your employer or workplace for your silicosis is essential for a successful claim.

Timely Action

There are strict timeframes around silicosis claims. So, it’s essential to act promptly after diagnosis.

Efficient Claim Process

The last thing you need is an inexperienced lawyer reinventing the wheel and taking you through a claims process that isn’t effective in recovering compensation. We identify the best entities to pursue for past periods of silica exposure to maximise your claim.

Legal Representation

Seeking legal representation is essential to make sure you get the compensation you deserve.

There are two different kinds of claims.

If you have been exposed to silica during the course of your employment in Victoria, you will usually have two avenues for your compensation claim:

 

  1. If your exposure occurred after 1 September 1985, you will be entitled to no-fault benefits from the Victorian WorkCover Authority. This includes weekly payments as well as medical and life expenses; and

 

  1. You can bring a common law claim in the Supreme Court of Victoria seeking compensation for your pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life as well as loss of income.

 

These two types of claims are typically pursued together. Compensation is also available for dependants of persons who have passed away from silicosis, but strict time limits do apply.

 

Our Melbourne silicosis lawyers are here to help you with your claim.

Silicosis can seriously impact your life. vbr Lawyers has your back in your silicosis claim.

Common causes and effects of silicosis

Silicosis can result from various work environments and conditions. Here are some common causes and effects.

Workplace exposure

Workers in construction, mining, manufacturing, and stonemasonry are at higher risk due to exposure to silica dust.

Lung damage

Silicosis leads to severe lung damage, causing shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.

Reduced quality of life

Silicosis can significantly impact your quality of life, limiting your ability to perform daily activities.

What can be claimed in silicosis claims?

Silicosis claims provide compensation for the losses and expenses that happen as a result of the illness or disease, including…

Medical expenses

Coverage for medical treatments, tests, and specialised care related to silicosis.

Lost income

Compensation for income lost due to the illness, including past and future earnings.

Pain and suffering

Damages for any physical and emotional distress caused by silicosis.

Rehabilitation costs

Support for necessary rehabilitation and medical care.

Other related expenses

Compensation for additional expenses related to your illness, such as travel for medical appointments.

The silicosis claims process

The process of filing a silicosis claim will vary based on your specific circumstances. Here’s how it works.

Chat with a silicosis lawyer

Start by discussing your case with our silicosis compensation lawyers. We’ll assess your claim and provide guidance for the process and potential outcomes.

Letter of advice

Within a few days of that initial chat, we’ll send you a letter of advice with recommendations for how you should proceed.

Legal representation

Once you’re happy to go ahead, we’ll begin the process. This typically starts with us notifying the relevant parties and organisations.

When it comes to silicosis compensation claims, we’re a little bit different.

At vbr Lawyers, we take a compassionate, determined approach to your silicosis claim.

Win more for less

It’s a maximised compensation claim with minimised costs.

No Win, No Fee

We offer a “no win, no fee” arrangement, providing peace of mind during the legal process.

An award-winning team

You’ll get professional advice and representation from our award-winning team with extensive experience in silicosis cases.

Compassionate approach

We know living with silicosis can be challenging. We take a compassionate approach to supporting you through your claim.

Personalised service

We take an approach that is the opposite of the big firms. Our service will be personalised to your specific needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the common symptoms of silicosis?

Common symptoms of silicosis include…

Shortness of breath

Difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.

Cough

A persistent cough, often accompanied by mucus production.

Chest pain

Discomfort or pain in the chest, especially while breathing deeply.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or exhausted sooner than usual.

Loss of appetite

No longer feeling the desire to eat or feeling ‘full’ sooner.

Fever

Occasionally, individuals with silicosis may experience a fever.

How can I protect myself from silica dust exposure at work?

There have been significant advances in the quality and effectiveness of PPE in recent years. Use protective equipment like appropriate respiratory masks (N95 or higher) and protective clothing.

Ventilation

Make sure you have good ventilation in your workplace to reduce dust concentration and silica dust exposure.

Follow safety procedures

Make sure you follow safety protocols and guidelines provided by your employer.

Minimise silica dust exposure

Use wet methods or dust extraction systems to reduce the creation of silica dust.

Proper training

Receive training on safe work practices and equipment usage.

Regular health check-ups

Undergo regular health checkups to detect any early signs of silicosis.

Report unsafe conditions

Promptly report any unsafe conditions or equipment to your employer.

Can family members of individuals with silicosis file claims?

In some cases, family members of individuals with silicosis may be eligible to file claims, especially if they’ve suffered financial losses or emotional distress due to the illness. Claiming compensation as a family member of someone with silicosis can be complicated. We recommend seeking legal advice from a silicosis lawyer so you can understand your rights and the options available to you.

What expenses can I claim in a silicosis case?

You may be able to claim a range of different expenses for your silicosis claim.

Medical expenses

Costs related to medical treatment, tests, and ongoing care for silicosis.

Lost income

Compensation for income lost due to your illness, including past and future earnings.

Pain and suffering

Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by silicosis.

Rehabilitation costs

Support for necessary rehabilitation and medical care.

Other related expenses

Compensation for additional expenses related to your illness, such as travel for medical appointments.

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Our silicosis lawyers have your back. Let’s talk about your claim.

Make vbr Lawyers your partner through your silicosis compensation claim. A multi-award-winning firm with a stellar reputation, our lawyers have your back.

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State updated!
Your state has been updated to QLD. Practice areas on compensation law have been updated.