Silicosis compensation lawyers
Silicosis compensation claims: Your rights, our fight
Silicosis is a devastating lung disease that can dramatically impact your quality of life and ability to work. At GMP Law, we understand the physical, emotional and financial toll this condition—as well as other dust diseases—can take on you and your loved ones.
Our experienced team of silicosis compensation lawyers are dedicated to helping you secure the compensation you deserve. We handle the complexities of your claim, allowing you to concentrate on your health and recovery without added stress. Our goal is to give you peace of mind, knowing that we are working tirelessly to secure the compensation you need to support your future and ease the burden on you and your family.
Why Choose Gerard Malouf & Partners
Understanding silicosis claims
Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust. Silica dust is a mineral present in common work materials like:
- Brick
- Cement
- Quartz
- Sand
- Stone
- Soil
- Mortar
- Some engineered stone products.
The symptoms of silicosis can develop weeks to years after exposure, starting with a mild cough and potentially progressing to severe lung disease. Over time, the condition can worsen and increase the risk of other health issues, including emphysema, lung cancer, chronic bronchitis, and kidney damage.
Learn more: What Are the Symptoms of Silicosis?
We're here to help.
Who is at risk of silicosis?
Although safety protocols have been improved—including wearing masks and wetting dust—silica dust remains a significant risk on many Australian worksites.
Silicosis is most common among workers who are regularly exposed to silica-containing materials, including:
- Stonemasons
- Miners
- Construction workers
- Demolition workers
- Workers handling stone products (e.g., quarry workers, stone fabricators).
Eligibility for silicosis compensation
You may be eligible for silicosis compensation if:
- You have been diagnosed with silicosis
- Your exposure to silica dust occurred in a work environment
- Your exposure to silica dust can be linked to a manufacturer
- You can prove negligence on the part of your employer or the manufacturer.
To make a successful claim, you’ll need:
- Medical documentation confirming your silicosis diagnosis
- Evidence of workplace exposure to silica dust.
Even if you’re uncertain, we encourage you to reach out. Our free initial consultation means you have nothing to lose by exploring your options.
Factors affecting compensation
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation you may receive:
The severity of your condition
Impact on your ability to work
Ongoing medical expenses
Your life and age expectancy
Pain and suffering endured.
At GMP Law, we’re committed to helping you understand your rights and options. We’ll work tirelessly to ensure you receive the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
While each case is unique, here are some general compensation ranges:
- Mild to moderate case: $100,000 to $500,000
- Severe cases: $500,000 to over $1,000,000
- Exceptional cases: Potentially exceeding $2,000,000.
Learn more: Understanding Silicosis: Claims Guide for Australians
No Win No Fee
Fee transparency that you can trust
At GMP Law, we’re committed to ensuring you have nothing to lose.
If we don’t win your case, you won’t pay a cent for our services. This means you can focus on healing without worrying about legal costs.
How it works
No upfront costs
No contingency fee
We’ll only charge you if we win.
We maintain integrity by carefully evaluating each case. If we believe it’s unlikely to result in compensation or if the costs outweigh the benefits, we won’t take it on.
This commitment to our client’s best interests, as well as fee transparency, sets us apart from other law firms.
With a 98% success rate and over $4 billion in settlements, we’re dedicated to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Frequently asked questions about silicosis compensation claims
How much silica dust causes silicosis or other dust diseases?
There is no safe level of exposure to silica dust. Even low levels of prolonged exposure can cause serious health issues like silicosis and other dust-related diseases. Employers are legally required to minimise silica dust exposure in the workplace, but preventing it entirely can be challenging, especially in industries like construction and mining.
Safe Work Australia sets the workplace exposure standard for respirable crystalline silica at 0.05 mg/m³ (eight-hour time-weighted average). Any exposure exceeding this limit over time can significantly increase the risk of developing silicosis or other related diseases.
How do I make a silicosis compensation claim?
To make a claim:
- Consult a doctor for a diagnosis
- Document instances of silica dust exposure
- Contact a GMP Law dust disease lawyer for expert legal guidance.
GMP Law offers free initial consultations to help individuals determine if they have a viable case. Our experienced lawyers can guide you through the complex process of evaluating your situation.
What damages can I claim for?
You may be able to claim for:
- Immediate and ongoing medical costs
- Domestic care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of earnings or superannuation.
How long do silicosis claims take?
Silicosis claims typically take between 12 to 18 months to resolve, though the timeline can vary depending on the complexity of the case. Time-sensitive claims may be fast-tracked to ensure quicker resolutions, especially if the claimant’s health is rapidly deteriorating. Your lawyer will provide a more accurate estimate based on the specifics of your situation.
What is the likelihood of developing silicosis?
The likelihood of developing silicosis increases with the duration and intensity of silica dust exposure. Dr Kerry Hancock estimates that about one in four people with significant exposure will develop the disease, underscoring the importance of workplace safety measures.
Are there different types of silicosis?
Yes, there are three primary types of silicosis:
- Acute silicosis: Develops quickly after intense short-term exposure, causing severe inflammation and respiratory issues
- Accelerated silicosis: Occurs after moderate to high exposure over 5 to 10 years, leading to lung scarring and reduced function
- Chronic silicosis: Results from long-term exposure (10+ years) to lower silica levels, causing gradual lung damage.
Navigating silicosis compensation claims
At GMP Law, we’ve successfully represented clients from various walks of life, securing substantial compensation for dust diseases such as silicosis. Here are some key insights we have gained on the claim process.
National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry
As of May 2024, Australia launched the first National Occupational Respiratory Disease Registry. Doctors are now required to report silicosis cases to this registry, providing additional evidence for your claim.
Engineered stone ban
From July 1, 2024, a nationwide ban on engineered stone came into effect. This ban aims to reduce worker exposure to silica dust significantly. If your exposure occurred before this date, it could strengthen your case for employer negligence.
Regular medical check-ups
Even if you’re no longer working in a high-risk environment, continue with regular medical check-ups. Silicosis can develop years after exposure, and ongoing medical documentation can support your claim.
Justice for victims of silicosis
At GMP Law, we’ve successfully represented clients from various walks of life, processing claims for harm sustained from silica dust.
$700,000 compensation for stonemason with silicosis
Background
A stonemason with nearly 50 years of experience crafting tombstones in regional New South Wales was consistently exposed to high levels of silica dust throughout his career.
The challenge
The client developed silicosis, becoming oxygen-dependent and unable to leave home. As a result, his wife had to take on the full-time caregiver role, dramatically altering their retirement plans.
GMP Law’s approach
- Traced Workers’ Compensation insurers across multiple employers dating back to 1959
- Obtained expert reports to quantify damages
- Documented our client’s deteriorating lung condition and ongoing care needs
- Negotiated to highlight the employer’s failure to implement dust reduction systems.
We secured $700,000 in damages, providing financial stability for the client, his wife, and their family while holding the employer accountable for its negligence.
Real cases, real results
The compensation claim process: Your journey with GMP Law
Initial consultation
Evidence gathering
Claim submission
Negotiation
Court representation
Ongoing support
Our promise to you
Why trust GMP Law with silicosis compensation claim?
At GMP Law, we handle your claim so you can concentrate on what matters most.
We commit to
Clear, straightforward communication
Regular updates on your case as it progresses
A personal injury lawyer who understands your unique situation
Vigorous negotiation to maximise your compensation
Empathetic support throughout your journey
Specialised knowledge
Our accredited personal injury lawyers have years of experience in accident injury claims, giving us deep insight into the nuances of these claims.
Proven track record
Difficult case policy
Australia-wide assistance
With lawyers across the country, we’re here to help, wherever you are.
Meet the dust disease team
Meet some of the diverse and dynamic dust disease lawyers who support our clients with their mesothelioma and asbestosis claims.
We're here to help maximise your compensation
Book your free, confidential consultation with one of our dust disease lawyers using the form below, or simply call us 1800 004 878.
