Silica Exposure Lawyers in Pittsburgh, PA

The risks of silica exposure have been known since the early 1900s, and they are still a cause for concern today. If you or a loved one developed lung cancer, kidney disease, or any other silica-related health complication due to a work environment, contact one of our certified workers' compensation attorneys today.

Employers have a legal responsibility to keep their employees safe, and we will fight to make sure your rights are protected. We know the ins and outs of work comp law, and it's our job to help you navigate a system that is often confusing for workers, especially those who are also worried about their health.

We're available 24/7 and our legal consultations are free—call us at 412-668-5335.

What Is Silicosis and How Is It Contracted?

Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in rock, sand, and soil. Due to its natural occurrence in building materials, employees who work in the construction field can easily and frequently be exposed to silica in concrete dust.

When silica settles in the lungs, it causes silicosis. Silicosis resulting from silica exposure leads to hardening and scarring of lung tissue. Victims are more susceptible to other health complications such as bronchitis or lung cancer. There are three common forms of silicosis:

Acute Silicosis: Acute silicosis results from exposure to a large amount of silica dust over a short period of time.

Chronic Silicosis: This type of silicosis occurs from constant exposure to silica over a seven- to 10-year period. Chronic silicosis is often found in workers in the mining, stonecutting, and other related industries.

Accelerated Silicosis: Accelerated silicosis usually takes 15-20 years to manifest. It results from a small amount of exposure to silica over a lengthy period of time.

If you have silicosis and think it may be a result of your occupation, call us now at 412-668-5335 for a free consultation. Let our Pittsburgh silica lawyers help you reach a silicosis lawsuit settlement.

What Are the Health Effects of Silica?

The health effects of silica can have life-changing consequences. Below are some of the most common conditions caused by silica exposure.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells in the lungs. These lung cells do not carry out the functions that cells are supposed to and do not develop into healthy tissue. The abnormal cells can turn into tumors, spread to other parts of the body, and can be fatal.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common lung disease that makes it hard for victims to breathe. There are two forms of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease:

Chronic Bronchitis – Chronic Bronchitis results in a long-term cough with mucus.

Emphysema – Emphysema involves the gradual damage of lung tissue and the destruction of the alveoli (the tiny air sacs of the lungs). Emphysema often results in shortness of breath. There is no cure, but according to the American Lung Association, treatments are available to help you manage the disease.

Kidney Disease

Kidney disease describes the steady loss of kidney function. Eventually, your body is unable to carry out vital functions like filtering waste and excess fluid from your blood.

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Silicosis?

One of the earliest signs of silicosis is a chronic cough that worsens over time. In instances of acute silicosis, common symptoms are fever and sharp chest pains. For chronic silicosis, an X-ray may come back abnormal and the patient typically has wheezing and a crackling sound in their lungs.

Those with silicosis may experience leg swelling and discoloration of the lips. If you have any of these symptoms, call your doctor right away to discuss next steps.

Silicosis Legal Questions? We Can Help

Time matters when you're dealing with a work injury. There are strict deadlines to file workers' compensation claims, and you can trust us to make sure that every legal aspect of your case is handled thoroughly and efficiently. We want you to focus on what matters most – your health.

Contact us with any of your work-related injury questions. We have the answers that will help you decide what to do next. Our legal consultation is completely free and comes with no obligation to use our services. We're available 24/7, so get in touch anytime by phone, form, or chat.

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