Downey Silicosis Lawyer

Downey Silicosis Attorney

For many of us, the work we do constitutes a major part of our lives. Unfortunately, sometimes work comes with exposure to hazardous materials that can damage our long-term health. Silica dust is one such hazardous substance, and repeated exposure can lead to serious health challenges. If you are in the Downey area and suffering from silicosis, reach out to an experienced Downey silicosis lawyer to help you get the compensation you deserve.

About Canlas Law Group

At Canlas Law Group, we help our clients safeguard their rights by providing confident, straightforward legal representation. We are deeply familiar with silicosis and the issues surrounding it, and we can help you navigate the process of filing a claim.

No matter how complex your case is, we will work tirelessly to reach a satisfactory resolution for you. Our Cerritos office at 18000 Studebaker Road can be easily accessed by our Downey clients from Interstate 605.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in silica dust. Silica is a compound found in many materials such as glass, sand, natural stone, engineered stone, and concrete, among others. In 2025, there were a total of 214 confirmed silicosis cases reported in California resulting from working with engineered stone.

Silicosis can cause long-term breathing issues, coughing, and inflammation and scarring in a person’s lungs. Silica exposure can also lead to other diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and autoimmune diseases. It is incurable, and the physical, financial, and emotional costs to affected workers are incalculable.

There are several industries in which workers are at risk for chronic silica exposure. Some of the most prominent industries are construction, mining, and stonework, especially the manufacture of natural or engineered stone countertops. Overall, silica is responsible for more than 90% of all pneumoconiosis (a lung disease involving decreased lung capacity and efficiency) cases in the world.

Compensation for Silicosis in Downey

If you have developed silicosis after working in an industry in which you are exposed to silica dust, you most likely have grounds to file a workers’ compensation claim under your employer’s workers’ compensation insurance. For an injury or illness to be covered, the following must occur: 

• The injury or illness must occur or develop during work hours on the employer’s property or at a location the employee is required to be for work.
• The injury or illness must develop or occur during the course of work or work-related activities.
• The injury or illness must be directly caused by work activities.

Silicosis presents a unique workers’ compensation situation because the disease develops over time. However, the presence of the disease and confirmed exposure to silica combine to retroactively prove that the above three statements are true. Occasionally, workers’ compensation claims are denied. In these cases, it can be helpful to have legal counsel.

Hire a Silicosis Lawyer

Insurance companies generally do whatever they can to protect their bottom lines. At the end of the day, they are businesses, and they want more money coming in than going out. Unfortunately, this often leads to denying or underpaying claims they should cover. In toxic exposure situations, such as silicosis, employers can sometimes be uncooperative as well, fearing reputational damage from workers’ compensation claims.

If you have developed silicosis as a result of your job, you are likely entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, but you may need help getting them. In cases like these, it is a good idea to hire a silicosis lawyer to help you pursue compensation.

Your attorney can help you by gathering information about your case, including your work history and medical history, and compiling documentation to submit to the workers’ compensation insurance company.

If your claim is or has been denied, your lawyer can help you push back and advocate for your rights. Should your case ultimately go to trial, your attorney can also represent you in court.

FAQs About Downey, CA Silicosis Law

How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Silicosis Lawyer in Downey?

The cost to hire a silicosis lawyer in Downey can vary widely depending on the complexity of your case and the hourly rates and fee structures set by individual lawyers. However, most attorneys who work on these cases do so on a contingency basis. This means that they do not require an up-front fee for their services. They don’t get payment unless they secure a settlement.

Can I File a Personal Injury Claim Against My Employer?

Usually, if you have an injury or illness for which you can collect workers’ compensation benefits, you cannot also file a personal injury claim against your employer. Workers’ compensation requires employees to waive that right. However, if the employer intentionally created unsafe situations for their own benefit, you may be able to file a claim. Additionally, personal injury claims are often an option if the employer fails to carry insurance.

How Long Does It Take to Settle a Silicosis Claim?

The length of time it takes to settle a silicosis claim varies widely from case to case and is influenced by factors like the severity of the disease, the amount of damages in question, the cooperativeness of your employer, and whether your initial claim is denied. Cases may take a few months or a few years. Your lawyer can provide you with a time estimate regarding the potential length of your case.

Can I Get Disability Coverage for Silicosis?

Yes, it is possible to get disability coverage due to silicosis. Workers’ compensation insurance policies typically have coverage for partial or total disability resulting from workplace injuries. If, for whatever reason, you are unable to get disability coverage through workers’ compensation, you may be able to claim Social Security disability benefits.

Contact Canlas Law Group Today

At Canlas Law Group, we understand that many hardworking individuals develop serious injuries or illnesses as a result of their work. We believe injured workers deserve the compensation they require to keep their lives moving forward. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.