Call us today for expert advice on silicosis and pneumoconiosis compensation claims. If your employer failed in their duty to provide you with a safe working environment they may be liable to pay you damages for occupational lung disease. Pneumoconiosis also known as ‘miner’s lung’, 'black lung' and 'the dust' are all different names for a condition in which the inhalation of coal dust causes the formation of nodules in the lungs. Fibres in certain substances which are inhaled act to irritate the lungs with adverse effects and nodular formation as a consequence. The substances in question include coal dust, asbestos fibres, silica, talc and particles derived from metals. Pneumoconiosis is an umbrella term for a range of more specific conditions. Silicosis is one of the most prominent variants, a type in which the inhalation of silica inflames and irritates the lungs, resulting in nodular formation in the upper lobes.
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Characteristics & Side Effects
Pneumoconiosis has very unpleasant characteristics and side effects. Particles in the lungs collect causing fibrous nodes to form, eventually spreading across the lungs so that elastic lung tissue is replaced by fibrous tissue. The sufferer becomes easily short of breath, begins wheezing and coughing and may have difficulty in producing sputum. In particularly severe cases, other conditions may develop including the heart ailment 'cor pulmonale' and there is increased susceptibility to tuberculosis.
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 1354
Vulnerable Occupations
Vulnerable workers include anyone who works with the substances that activate the disease. Those working in mines, sand pits and metal working factories are particularly liable to suffer from the disease due to the increased risk that they will inhale iron oxides, silicates or carbonates. If you are diagnosed with pneumoconiosis, including silicosis, then you have a legal right to compensation if your employer has not sufficiently assessed the risks involved in your work and installed appropriate mechanisms to minimise them. Ask yourself: when were safety checks last carried out? Have you been given adequate equipment and training to protect yourself from the dangerous substances that occur in your occupation? What else might have your employer done? Have other workers suffered from a similar problem?
SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0844 764 1354
Free Legal Advice
All silicosis and pneumoconiosis compensation claims are dealt with using the no win no fee scheme and damages are paid in full. You pay nothing at any time. Your claim is totally risk free. If you would like to speak to a specialist solicitor you can either use the helpline or complete the form or just email us. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further then you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged for our advice.
