Pneumoconiosis, Silicosis, Byssinosis

Workers in specific industries are at risk of developing occupational lung diseases, including the conditions of pneumoconiosis, silicosis, and byssinosis. These diseases can cause life-long complications for workers and have the potential to result in death. If you have been diagnosed with a lung disease that you believe is directly related to your exposure to certain substances while working, our experienced workers’ compensation attorney, Jan Hoen of Hampton Injury Law, can help you to understand your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.

A Brief Overview of Three Common Occupational Lung Diseases

Workers in certain industries may be exposed to certain substances that increase the risk of or cause the following lung diseases.

• Pneumoconiosis. As explained by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, pneumoconioses are a group of lung diseases that are caused by the inhalation of certain chemicals or materials. The most common types of pneumoconioses are asbestosis, silicosis, and coal workers’ pneumoconiosis. The latter condition is often called black lung and is caused by exposure to coal dust. The condition can be fatal.
• Silicosis. Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis that is commonly called Potter’s Rot. This condition is caused by the inhalation of silica dust, which then causes inflammation and scarring in the lungs. Characterized by a wide range of symptoms, including trouble breathing, weight loss, fever, and more, the condition can lead to other health problems and may be fatal.
• Byssinosis. Commonly called brown lung, byssinosis is an occupational disease that results from the inhalation of plant fibers, such as cotton or flax. While symptoms of brown lung may pass when the worker is removed from the fibers (i.e., stops working), in some cases, chronic exposure can cause long-term complications.

Seeking Compensation for Occupational Lung Diseases

Workers who have sustained occupational lung disease, including the three conditions listed above and others (such as mesothelioma), deserve to be compensated for their harm. In many cases, workers are eligible to seek benefits through their employer’s workers’ compensation insurance system. However, proving that the condition would not have resulted but for exposure to certain substances on the job, and bringing forth a claim within the required amount of time, are two common obstacles to receiving benefits.

In some cases, a worker may also be able to bring forth a third-party liability claim against another party whose negligence led to the worker’s exposure and lung disease. Our attorney can help you to understand the difference between third-party liability claims and workers’ compensation claims and help you to bring forth a lawsuit when appropriate.

Contact Hampton Injury Law Today

Attorney Jan Hoen cares about you and wants to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to if you have been diagnosed with occupational lung disease. To schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options, contact Hampton Injury Law online or by phone today.