Silicosis Compensation Claims
Get legal support to help with a claim for silicosis that was caused by a working environment, whether with an existing or a former employer.
Silicosis is a rare lung condition caused by excessive exposure to certain kinds of dust. Specifically, it's caused by the crystalline form of silicone dioxide, often found in dust of stone, quartz stone, brick, concrete, or sand.
Why choose Irwin Mitchell to make a compensation claim for silicosis?
Wherever you work, your employer has a duty of care to protect you from health and safety risks. This includes exposure to silica dust. If you've been diagnosed with silicosis, you should consider whether it might’ve been caused by a current or former working environment.
You can get expert legal help from our experienced lawyers, who have pursued successful silicosis claims for workers and former workers in a variety of industries, including stone masonry, kitchen fitting, mining, construction, demolition and glass manufacturing.
We can also help you if the exposure happened decades ago, even if it was at a company that has gone out of business. Every employer has a duty to protect employees, no matter the industry—we can help if you have been let down.
We work with a number of charities and support groups such as Action for Pulmonary Fibrosis, and can put you in touch with the right network for you.
Our Silica Exposure Register
If you believe that you've been exposed to some form of silica dust at any point in your working life, but you don't currently have any symptoms or diagnosed conditions, it is important to make sure you keep a record of the potential exposure/s so that you can have quick access to the information in the future to help build any legal claims against an employer. To help, we have a register that allows you to record periods of employment, the employers’ details and what sort of exposures you might have had during that time. We'll keep your register details private and secure.
We'll only contact you to make sure you're happy to stay on our register or in the event of a potential silica claim being received involving your employer/s. Adding your details to our register is free of charge.
Meet a specialist from our team
Our market leading team will help you understand your rights, secure the compensation you’re owed, and access vital support – from rehabilitation to long-term care.
Speak to a Specialist
We are here to help you understand your rights and the support you need. Complete our enquiry form and one of our experts will contact you by the next working day.
Alternatively, you can call us now.
Our opening hours are Monday to Friday 8am to 6pm (Excluding Public Holidays).
0800 0232 233
News insights
Key headlines and analysis on silicosis.
Hannah WallThe i has reported that two major importers of engineered stone in the UK have agreed to manage the silica content to the equivalent, or lower than that of natural stone.Expert CommentWill plans to limit the amount of silica in man-made stone products such as quartz kitchen worktops better protect workers from silicosis?
Families of stone masons killed by silicosis reveal impact on their lives as they join lawyers in call for employers to do more to protect workers.News & InsightsFamilies warn of danger posed by killer silica dust after lawyers secure settlements and launch silica exposure register.jpg%3Fh%3D527%26iar%3D0%26w%3D696&w=3840&q=75)
We helped a former stone mason who developed silicosis claim compensation from his former employers who failed to protect him properly, even though they knew the risks. Gareth worked with dry silica stone for the majority of his career, and was only ever given a paper dust mask as protection despite his employers knowing the risks to his health. We secured more than £400,000 in compensation to help Gareth access treatment and enjoy the best quality of life possible.Client StoryGareth's story - helping a former stone mason secure over £400,000 compensation after 15 years of silica exposure
Frequently Asked Questions
You will no doubt have plenty of questions and frustrations if you have been let down by an employer and contracted silicosis as a result of your working environment. Read our FAQs here to learn more about making a silicosis claim.Silicosis is an occupational condition widely linked to people who have worked as stone masons, kitchen fitters, miners or potters. It can be life-changing to all those who are diagnosed with it.
The main symptoms of silicosis are a persistent cough and shortness of breath, as well as weakness and tiredness. The timeline varies significantly, with some people experiencing symptoms soon after exposure, while for others it takes much longer. It can often take up to 30 years for the symptoms to appear, which could be long after you have left the job where exposure took place.
Some people are initially diagnosed with work-related sarcoidosis, which causes similar lung condition symptoms. Clinicians often first diagnose sarcoidosis before a more definitive diagnosis of silicosis can be made.
As the disease progresses, the symptoms can get gradually worse. You may find you can’t walk upstairs on your own anymore. Many people with silicosis end up housebound.
On average, people who are diagnosed with silicosis will lose 11.6 years of their life. If you choose to make a claim for compensation, we will make sure this is factored into your settlement.
Making an enquiry
We have several ways you can contact us, either by completing our online contact form, by phone, or using our live chat. If you start your journey online, here are the first steps to working together.
Complete our online formWe need a few details to understand your situation and the kind of support you need.
We’ll contact you by phoneOn the call our experts will ask you a few more questions to make sure we connect you with the right legal advice from our team.
We arrange a full appointmentIf we're able to support you further, the next step is an appointment with one of our specialists so we can discuss everything in more detail.
Information to help with your claim
We can help with legal guidance and advice as well as other services you might need to aid your recovery and get your life back on track.Irwin Mitchell Scotland
Scottish cases will be handled by the Scottish law firm with which we are associated, Irwin Mitchell Scotland LLP. The law relating to funding is different in Scotland and you will receive separate advice about what that means as well as a separate funding agreement.
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