We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Former miners and construction workers are among the categories of employees who may be eligible to make an acute silicosis compensation claim if they have been exposed to such high concentrations of this mineral that their health has been compromised.
The more common form of chronic silicosis develops slowly after gradual inhalation of the tiny particles which damage the lungs, causing symptoms of COPD (emphysema).
Victims suffer from shortness of breath following physical exertion, severe and chronic cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, chest pains and fevers.
The silica particles in the air sacs of the lung cause inflammation and scarring which damage the sacs, preventing gas exchange and normal breathing. Depending on the severity, the disease will be fatal as the inflammation spreads and lung tissue is damaged.
In the acute form of the disease, silicosis symptoms can develop within a few weeks or up to five years after exposure. This compares with the chronic or long-term variant which may take 20 years or more to become apparent to the sufferer.
Prognosis is particularly poor for victims of acute silicosis because of the rapid ongoing accumulation of protein debris and fluid in the lung sacs, resulting in respiratory failure. Weakness in the lungs may then provide a host for life-threatening invasive infections.
High doses of steroids can help some sufferers and lung transplants are a possibility for suitable patients in some cases, but, overall, acute silicosis is largely untreatable and damages claims made against former employers should reflect the reduction in expected lifespan.
Often, a whole group of workers will have been put at risk by exposure to silica dust at the same time and acting together to provide evidence of a lack of health and safety precautions may help in a joint legal action for compensation.
Making an acute silicosis compensation claim
The seriousness of a diagnosis of acute silicosis means that it is important for victims or their families to consult an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as it becomes apparent that a compensation claim could be made against those responsible for the onset of the industrial illness.
With YouClaim's success in helping sufferers of work-related illness and injury to receive the recompense they are due, you can be sure of professional, sympathetic legal help wherever you live in the UK.
All members of our panel of personal injury solicitors are supervised through the Law Society so you can be sure of the highest standards of advice and assistance.
What's more, we guarantee you will receive 100% of all compensation awarded.
There are a number of ways to contact our team of helpful experts for initial advice on making an acute silicosis claim, so don't delay in finding out about your rights. Use the online claim form or call free on 0800 10 757 95.
