Dust diseases are illnesses that people develop due to inhaling powdered materials, such as asbestos or silica. The effects of these diseases can be devastating, causing chronic lung problems that are often life threatening.
Some people are exposed to harmful dust in their day-to-day duties, including construction workers and stonemasons. If you're suffering from a dust disease due to your job, you could be entitled to compensation.
Successful claims could provide you with money to assist with medical costs and other expenses that arise following your diagnosis. As many chronic lung diseases have such a short life expectancy, plaintiffs are often eager to know how quickly they will receive compensation.
Every person's circumstances are unique, so it can be difficult to accurately estimate the speed at which your case will be resolved. However, the courts are aware of the need to expedite proceedings because life expectancy for some patients is low.
The Dust Diseases Tribunal is a special court in NSW that provides swift resolutions for plaintiffs who suffer these illnesses. Cases are typically divided between asbestos-related claims and other dust disease claims.
Life expectancy for dust diseases
Some dust diseases are particularly dangerous; mesothelioma, for example, killed 607 people in the country in 2014, according to statistics from the Australian Mesothelioma Registry.
The US-based Mesothelioma Cancer Alliance estimates the life expectancy of people diagnosed with the disease at between 12 and 21 months. As mesothelioma is such an aggressive form of cancer, many people don't begin suffering symptoms until the illness has progressed to a late stage.
However, mesothelioma is not the only lethal dust disease. Asbestosis and silicosis can both shorten your life span, which is why you should contact an expert compensation lawyer in NSW without delay if you're diagnosed with these illnesses.
Experienced dust diseases lawyers understand the importance of proceeding with claims as quickly as possible. For example, Gerard Malouf & Partners ensures a member of our team will discuss your case in detail within just 48 hours of your initial call.
We recognise that the compensation to which you are entitled can have a significant impact on your life, especially if you've received a terminal diagnosis. This is why we make every effort to bring your case to the court's attention swiftly.
Are you or one of your loved ones suffering from a dust disease due to employment? Please speak to a consultant at Gerard Malouf & Partners today.
