Ohio readers know some jobs come with more risk than others. Construction, manufacturing and other intensive labor jobs may come with a higher chance that the men and women who work in these industries will suffer a workplace injury. Some jobs also come with the possibility that an employee will face exposure to dangerous and toxic substances.
One of the dangerous materials that you may come into contact with while performing your job duties includes crystalline silica dust. This can lead to silicosis, which is a very serious and often fatal lung condition. If you have this disease or faced exposure to silica dust at work, you may find it beneficial to learn about your right to recovery and financial support.
The sobering facts about silicosis
Silicosis is a disease caused by exposure to silica dust. It is possible to find silica dust in many types of material, including sand, granite and rock. Some of the ways that workers could face exposure to this toxic substance include sandblasting, drilling through concrete, masonry, cement work and more.
Silicosis is a disabling lung disease that can progressively affect a person’s quality of life. Individuals with this disease may experience the following:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
These symptoms are inconvenient and problematic, but they often indicate a more serious health problem associated with silica exposure and silicosis, including:
- Lung cancer
- Bronchitis
- Scleroderma
- Tuberculosis
Exposure to silica in your workplace can change your life. You will likely require extensive and costly medical treatment, and you may eventually lose your ability to work. Workers who become ill due to their work conditions have the right to benefits through workers’ compensation. You do not have to suffer alone and wonder how you will support your family, but you can seek a better understanding of your legal options that may be available to you.
How can I know what support I can receive?
It can be devastating to receive the diagnosis of a disease such as silicosis or another serious lung condition. If your job led to your sickness, you have the right to seek benefits and support. You may not know where to start or what you will need, which is why it can be beneficial to request a complete evaluation of your case. With support and guidance, you can claim what you need to pay for medical treatment and take care of other needs you have.