Tacoma Silicosis And Silica Dust Lawyers
Washington workers who develop silicosis face significant medical and financial challenges. A silica dust exposure attorney can help create a plan for your future.
At Smith Duran Law, our highly experienced Tacoma silicosis and silica dust lawyers understand the evidence necessary to pursue a lawsuit or a labor & industries occupational disease claim. We support workers in English and Spanish as they explore their options after a diagnosis.
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Do You Qualify For A Silicosis Civil Lawsuit?
A silicosis diagnosis can open the door to legal action beyond a workers’ compensation claim. The questions below can help you determine whether you may have grounds for a civil lawsuit:
- Did a doctor diagnose you with silicosis or another silica-related lung disease?
- Do you need a lung transplant?
- Did your silica dust exposure occur during the course of your employment?
- Did you work in a high-risk industry such as construction, countertop fabrication, mining or sandblasting?
- Were third parties (such as equipment manufacturers, property owners or product suppliers) responsible for your unsafe silica dust exposure?
- Was your silicosis diagnosed within Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims?
If you answered yes to these questions, you may have a viable civil claim. Contact our office for a free consultation to review your options.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is an untreatable medical condition that generally worsens over time. Silica dust inhalation leads to scarring inside the lungs. The condition progresses and may eventually prove fatal.
What Are The Different Types Of Silicosis?
Silicosis can develop as chronic, accelerated or acute.
- Chronic silicosis: Develops 10 years or more after low exposure, often presents as simple scarring, but can progress
- Accelerated silicosis: Develops between five and 10 years after exposure and often involves greater exposure levels than chronic silicosis, leading to faster progression
- Acute silicosis: Develops shortly after high exposure and involves severe inflammation of the lungs, fluid in the lungs and death
Unfortunately, silicosis can have a severe impact on your life and lung health. Exploring your legal options can help you pursue compensation to help manage your condition.
What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Silicosis?
Difficulty breathing is one of the most common indicators of silicosis. Other symptoms include:
- Persistent cough: Either dry or with phlegm
- Shortness of breath/rapid breathing: Difficulty breathing even during light activity
- Chronic exhaustion: Fatigue or weakness
- Blue skin or cyanosis: A sign of insufficient oxygen
- Chest pain or tightness: Common in advanced stages of silicosis
Workers who have handled stone should watch carefully for symptoms.
What To Know If You Need A Lung Transplant Because Of Silicosis Complications
In the most severe cases, silicosis can damage lung tissue beyond repair. A lung transplant may become the only remaining medical option. Here is what you should know:
- When silicosis leads to a transplant: End-stage silicosis can destroy lung tissue so severely that a transplant becomes the only viable path to continued life.
- Long-term costs: Post-transplant care, anti-rejection medications and ongoing monitoring can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars over a patient’s lifetime.
- Dangers of a lung transplant: Surgery carries serious risks, including organ rejection, life-threatening infection and complications from long-term immunosuppressant therapy.
- Possible monetary compensation: If negligent silica dust exposure caused your condition, you may be entitled to compensation that covers transplant expenses, ongoing medical care and lost wages.
Our Washington silicosis attorneys handle every stage of your case. We fight to help you recover the full compensation you need for these long-term challenges.
Can You File A Silicosis Lawsuit In Washington If Your On-The-Job Exposure Occurred Out Of State?
You may be able to file a silicosis lawsuit in Washington even if your silica dust exposure occurred in another state. Whether Washington courts have jurisdiction depends on factors such as where you now live, where your employer is located and where you received your diagnosis.
Silicosis often develops years or decades after initial exposure. By the time you receive a diagnosis, you may have relocated or changed employers. Washington law may allow workers who now live and work here to pursue legal action in certain circumstances. Every case is different. Our attorneys will review the details of your situation and identify the best jurisdiction and the strongest legal strategy for your claim.
Pierce County, Washington, Industries At Risk Of Silicosis
Professionals who cut stone are at risk of developing silicosis and may need the support of Tacoma silicosis and silica dust lawyers. The highest-risk industries include:
- Construction: Grinding, drilling or sawing concrete and rock
- Mining/rock crushing: Handling rock or sand
- Manufacturing: Sandblasting or cutting stone
- Countertop fabrication: Cutting, grinding and polishing quartz countertops
Some people refer to silicosis as an engineered stone lung disease, as those who work with engineered stone are often at the highest risk.
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Silica Dust Exposure Lawyer
Workers across Pierce County can rely on Smith Duran Law for experienced representation in what can be a complex area of law. Schedule a free initial consultation to discuss your silica dust exposure, silicosis or medical challenges by calling 877-557-5144 or clicking here. We provide support in both English and Spanish.