Silicosis is one of the most commonly diagnosed occupational illnesses in the United States, and many people are exposed to silica dust at work, but who is at risk for silicosis in Orange County? It’s important to know the highest-risk industries for silica dust exposure and what you can do when you have been diagnosed with this condition.
Who Is at Risk for Silicosis in Orange County?
The attorneys at Canlas Law Group, APLC have years of experience helping clients secure workers’ compensation benefits and other compensation for their work-related injuries and illnesses, including occupational diseases like silicosis. It’s vital to know whether you work in a high-risk workplace and what to do if you are diagnosed with silicosis.
The Orange County Health Care Agency recently reported that silicosis cases have increased dramatically in California among fabricated countertop workers. The American Lung Association reports that about 2.3 million US workers are exposed to silica dust each year at work, and the majority of these cases appear in the construction industry. It’s possible to be exposed to silica dust in various lines of work, and some of the highest-risk industries include:
- Construction: This is one of the highest-risk industries overall when it comes to the number of workplace injuries and illnesses reported in the United States each year. Construction workers are often exposed to silica dust during demolition as well as from new building materials.
- Mining and quarrying: These operations often entail breaking apart mineral deposits, some of which may be contaminated with silica. Employers in this sector must follow all applicable regulations to minimize silica dust exposure for their workers as much as possible. This includes providing protective equipment and installing air filtration systems where necessary.
- Engineered stone manufacturing: Working with fabricated countertops and other artificial stone products is inherently dangerous when it comes to the risk of silica dust exposure. Any work that involves cutting, grinding, shaping, or polishing engineered stone has a high risk of releasing silica dust into the air.
- Manufacturing: Specifically, any type of production of glass, ceramic, or pottery products. This type of work may require handling raw materials that contain silica dust and/or shaping products, during which silica dust can be released into the air.
Silicosis develops over time, but it can increase at a faster rate with repeated exposures to silica dust and/or intense exposures. This condition is unfortunately incurable, and once symptoms appear, they will require very careful management; otherwise, the condition will worsen very quickly.
What to Do About Silicosis in Orange County
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis and you believe you developed this condition from your work, you are likely eligible to file a workers’ compensation claim. Almost every private employer in California is required to have workers’ compensation insurance, and this can provide valuable economic relief to any worker who has suffered an injury or developed an illness from their work.
You should hire an Anaheim workers’ compensation lawyer at your first opportunity so they can guide you through the claim-filing process. It’s possible to encounter complications with your employer and/or their insurance carrier that you may not be able to resolve on your own, so you need to consult trustworthy legal counsel right away to help with your case. The team at Canlas Law Group is ready to assist you, so reach out to our team and learn how we can help.
FAQs About Risk for Silicosis in Orange County, California
Is Silicosis Curable?
No, silicosis is an incurable disease. Once it develops, the victim will need to make lifestyle changes and undergo various types of medical treatment to manage the condition. Most people who develop silicosis will face increased susceptibility to respiratory infections and lung cancer, and they are likely to struggle with symptoms that can worsen over time.
How Much Can I Claim in Workers’ Compensation Benefits?
The amount you can claim in workers’ compensation benefits depends on the specifics of your situation. A successful workers’ compensation claim in Orange County typically yields full coverage of all medical expenses related to the injury or illness, as well as ongoing disability benefits during the time the claimant is unable to work. Permanent disability benefits may be awarded if the claimant is unable to work in the future due to their condition.
Can I Sue My Employer for Silicosis in Orange County?
You usually cannot sue your employer for silicosis or any other work-related injury or illness in Orange County if they have workers’ compensation insurance, except under specific conditions. For example, if your employer knowingly violated safety regulations meant to reduce the risk of silica dust exposure or they were otherwise negligent in a way that contributed to causing your condition, you may have grounds for a civil claim.
Why Should I Hire a Silicosis Lawyer?
You should hire a silicosis lawyer so they can help you navigate the legal aftermath of your diagnosis. If you develop silicosis or any other work-related illness or injury, you will likely need an attorney’s help to not only succeed with a workers’ compensation claim but also maximize your benefits.
What Does It Cost to Hire a Silicosis Lawyer in Orange County?
The cost to hire a silicosis lawyer in Orange County will be a percentage of your case award or settlement if you choose the Canlas Law Group to represent you. We take work injury cases on a contingency fee basis, so we only charge our client a fee if we win their case. If, for any reason, we are unable to obtain compensation for you, you pay no fee.
Contact The Canlas Law Group
The team at the Canlas Law Group can help you understand your legal options if you have been diagnosed with silicosis from your work. Knowing who is at risk for silicosis in Orange County is important, but you must also know what to do when you are diagnosed with this disease. Contact the Canlas Law Group today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn how a silicosis lawyer can assist with your recovery.
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