Silicosis Claims Solicitors

With offices across Lincolnshire and East Yorkshire, including Lincoln, Grimsby and Hull, our professional and caring solicitors can help.

Specialist Compensation Claims for Silicosis and Workplace Dust Exposure

Silicosis is a serious lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica dust. The condition can develop after exposure to dust from materials such as stone, concrete, brick, tiles, mortar and engineered stone.

For many workers, symptoms do not appear immediately. Silicosis may develop gradually after years of exposure, but in some cases it can occur more quickly following high levels of workplace dust exposure.

At Bridge McFarland LLP, our specialist industrial disease solicitors help workers who have developed silicosis and other dust-related lung conditions as a result of unsafe working environments.

Call 0800 987 8800 today for a free, no-obligation discussion about your silicosis claim.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust particles. Once inhaled, these particles can damage the lungs and cause scarring, making it harder to breathe.

Silicosis is not the same as asthma or asbestos-related disease, although symptoms may overlap. It is a distinct occupational lung condition linked to exposure to silica-containing materials.

The condition can be progressive and may continue to affect lung function even after exposure has stopped.

Common Causes of Silica Dust Exposure

Silica dust can be produced during many workplace activities, particularly where materials are cut, drilled, ground, crushed or polished.

Common causes include:

Stone Cutting and Masonry Work

Workers involved in cutting, shaping or polishing stone may be exposed to high levels of airborne silica dust.

Construction and Demolition

Concrete cutting, drilling, grinding and demolition work can generate respirable silica dust.

Brick, Tile and Mortar Work

Bricklayers, tilers and construction workers may be exposed when cutting or disturbing silica-containing materials.

Quarrying and Mining

Workers in quarrying, mining and aggregates industries may experience repeated exposure to silica dust.

Engineered Stone Work

Workers cutting or polishing engineered stone worktops can be at risk where proper dust controls are not in place.

Foundry and Manufacturing Work

Some industrial processes create airborne silica dust that can place workers at risk over time.

Symptoms of Silicosis

Symptoms can vary depending on the level and duration of exposure.

Common symptoms include:

Shortness of breath
Persistent cough
Chest tightness
Wheezing
Fatigue
Reduced ability to exercise
Recurrent chest infections

Symptoms may worsen over time and can significantly affect a person’s ability to work and carry out everyday activities.

Employer Responsibilities

Employers must take reasonable steps to protect workers from harmful silica dust exposure.

This may include:

Assessing workplace dust risks
Using water suppression systems
Providing local exhaust ventilation
Reducing dust at source
Supplying suitable respiratory protective equipment
Providing training on silica dust risks
Monitoring exposure levels
Arranging health surveillance where appropriate

Where employers fail to control dust exposure properly, workers may develop avoidable and serious lung disease.

Can I Claim Compensation for Silicosis?

You may be entitled to compensation if your silicosis was caused or worsened by workplace exposure to silica dust.

A claim may be possible where there has been:

Inadequate dust control
Failure to provide suitable respiratory protection
Poor ventilation
Unsafe cutting, grinding or drilling practices
Lack of training
Failure to monitor exposure
Failure to carry out health surveillance

Our solicitors can investigate your work history and assess whether your employer took appropriate precautions.

How Is Silicosis Diagnosed?

Diagnosis usually involves specialist medical assessment.

This may include:

Chest X-rays
CT scans
Lung function testing
Respiratory consultant reports
Occupational exposure history
Review of symptoms and medical records

Medical evidence is essential in establishing the diagnosis and the link between your condition and workplace exposure.

Compensation for Silicosis

Compensation will depend on the severity of your condition and its impact on your life.

A claim may include compensation for:

The Illness Itself

Including:

Breathlessness
Reduced lung function
Pain and suffering
Loss of enjoyment of life
Impact on daily activities

Financial Losses

Including:

Loss of earnings
Reduced earning capacity
Medical treatment costs
Travel expenses
Care and assistance

Future Losses

If your condition affects your ability to continue working or is likely to worsen, compensation may also account for future financial losses and support needs.

No Win No Fee Silicosis Claims

Many silicosis claims can be pursued through a Conditional Fee Agreement, commonly known as a No Win No Fee agreement.

This allows you to access specialist industrial disease advice without paying legal fees upfront.

Our team will explain all funding options clearly before your claim begins.

Silicosis Solicitors Serving Hull, Grimsby, Lincoln and Beyond

Bridge McFarland LLP represents workers in:

We regularly assist clients from construction, manufacturing, engineering, quarrying, stone masonry and industrial sectors across Lincolnshire, East Yorkshire and England and Wales.

Why Choose Bridge McFarland LLP?

Our industrial disease team has experience handling workplace illness claims involving respiratory disease and harmful occupational exposure.

We provide:

Specialist industrial disease expertise
Detailed investigation of workplace dust exposure
Access to independent medical experts
Clear and practical legal advice
No Win No Fee funding options in appropriate cases
Support throughout the claims process

We understand how a diagnosis of silicosis can affect your health, employment and future plans, and we are committed to helping you secure the compensation you may be entitled to.

Contact Our Silicosis Claims Solicitors

If you have been diagnosed with silicosis or another dust-related lung condition that may be linked to your work, contact Bridge McFarland today.

Our specialist industrial disease solicitors can investigate your exposure history, explain your legal options and help you pursue the compensation you may be entitled to.

Call 0800 987 8800, email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk or complete our online enquiry form to arrange a free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica dust particles, usually in the workplace.

Silicosis is commonly linked to construction, demolition, stone masonry, quarrying, mining, engineered stone work, manufacturing and foundry work.

Potentially, yes. Many industrial disease claims arise years after exposure first occurred.

Providing a mask does not automatically mean your employer met their duties. The equipment must be suitable, properly fitted, maintained and supported by effective dust control measures.

Yes. Silicosis can cause permanent lung damage and may worsen over time.

In many industrial disease cases, the time limit begins when you first became aware that your condition may be linked to your work. You should seek legal advice as soon as possible.

Yes. Independent medical evidence is usually required to confirm the diagnosis and assess the link with workplace exposure.

Compensation depends on the severity of your condition, the impact on your life and any financial losses you have suffered.