Dust disease compensation cases are not new. Most people are familiar with the dangers of asbestos – but the new face of dust diseases in Australia is Silicosis. The dangers and negative impact of silica dust is a relatively new problem, but one that is fast becoming the new asbestos.
To date, silicosis matters have largely been settled outside of court, meaning the outcome of these cases is not published, and therefore, largely unknown to the wider public. However, recent media reports about the dangers of silicosis have brought this highly dangerous workplace disease into focus.
Some high-profile silicosis workers compensation cases in Australia have made it through the courts. In 2020, a Queensland stonemason was awarded $1.13 million in compensation for silicosis, making it the highest silicosis workers compensation payout in Australia to date. The stonemason was diagnosed with the disease after working with engineered stone for just 12 months.
In 2019, a NSW stonemason was awarded $467,000 in compensation for silicosis after working with engineered stone for just four years. In another case in 2019, a NSW construction worker was awarded $466,000 in compensation for silicosis after working with concrete for 10 years.
The factors that contributed to the amount of compensation awarded in these cases include the severity of the disease, the age and income of the worker and the prognosis for the worker moving forward. In some cases, the courts have also taken into account the impact of the disease on the worker’s quality of life and the emotional distress caused by the diagnosis.
Achieving the Highest Amount of Compensation Possible for Silicosis Claims
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis as a result of your occupation, you may be entitled to compensation. To achieve the highest amount of compensation possible, it is important to seek the advice of a Lawpoint workers compensation lawyer. A dust diseases compensation lawyer can provide you with the guidance and support you need to make a successful compensation claim.
To make a successful compensation claim, it is important to have strong evidence that your lung disease is work-related. This may include medical records, work history, and witness statements from colleagues or supervisors. It is also important to keep accurate records of any medical expenses, lost income, and other costs associated with your illness.
Therefore, it is important to work with a lawyer who has extensive experience in handling workplace compensation cases. A Lawpoint compensation lawyer can help you to navigate the complex legal process and ensure that your claim is handled efficiently and effectively.
Dust diseases, such as silicosis, are a serious occupational disease that can lead to long-term disability and even death. In Australia, workers who have been diagnosed with silicosis as a result of their occupation may be entitled to compensation. In addition to lump sum payments, workers with silicosis may also be entitled to medical expenses, including treatment and rehabilitation costs. The cost of medical expenses can vary depending on the severity of the disease and the type of treatment required.
With an increasing number of compensation claims for silicosis, it is clear that more needs to be done to improve workplace safety measures and increase awareness of the risks of silica dust exposure. Existing safeguards are both inadequate and inadequately enforced.
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, contact Lawpoint today for clear advice and guidance on how to achieve the highest amount of compensation possible. With the right legal support, you can make a successful compensation claim and receive the financial support you need to manage the costs associated with your illness.
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