If you are experiencing symptoms of silicosis, you need to act right away. Not only should you get immediate medical attention, you should also speak with an Arkansas silicosis attorney. There are strict time deadlines in these cases, and you do not want to miss your opportunity for compensation. The employer or other party that exposed you to the silica dust should be held responsible for your medical condition and the suffering you’ve endured.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our silicosis injury attorneys are ready to help. We have decades of experience with these types of cases and want to put that experience to work for you. Our team helps you navigate the complex legal process and seek compensation for your injuries.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a form of interstitial lung disease. It mostly occurs after you breath in tiny silica particles over time, usually as part of your employment. The particles cause inflammation and scarring in your lungs. This leads to permanent and debilitating lung damage. The damage can even be fatal.
There is no cure for silicosis, so it is crucial to get medical attention right away if you notice the symptoms to slow its progression.
Early Signs of Silicosis
According to the American Lung Association, early symptoms are typically mild and may include:
- Persistent cough
- Sputum (mucus production)
- Progressive shortness of breath
The CDC also identifies several early symptoms that may appear as the disease develops:
- Fatigue
- Chest pain
- Shortness of breath during activity
Many workers overlook these symptoms at first, thinking they are normal respiratory conditions. However, if you work in the mining industry, with countertops, or other areas where silica dust is in the air, you could be seeing the early signs of silicosis.
How Silicosis Progresses
As lung scarring worsens, symptoms become more noticeable and debilitating. Worsening silicosis may lead to:
- Bronchitis-like symptoms
- Difficulty breathing
- Weakness
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Leg swelling
- Bluish discoloration of the lips
Why Early Detection Matters
Silicosis is irreversible, but early detection can help:
- Slow disease progression
- Prevent further exposure
- Improve long-term health outcomes
- Document medical evidence for a legal claim
Because symptoms often appear years after exposure, workers may not connect their breathing issues to silica dust. This delay can make both medical treatment and legal claims more challenging.
Arkansas Industries at Highest Risk
Arkansas has a large workforce in industries known for high silica exposure, including:
- Construction and demolition
- Concrete cutting and finishing
- Masonry and brickwork
- Oil and gas drilling
- Mining and quarry operations
- Manufacturing
- Foundry work
When to Contact an Arkansas Silicosis Attorney
You should contact an Arkansas attorney as soon as you:
- Receive a silicosis diagnosis
- Notice early symptoms and have a history of silica exposure
- Learn that your employer failed to provide proper respiratory protection
- Discover unsafe working conditions involving silica dust
- Are unable to work due to breathing problems
- Believe your illness may be linked to workplace exposure
Because silicosis is preventable, employers and manufacturers may be liable for failing to protect workers from silica dust. An attorney can help determine whether you qualify for compensation through:
- Workers’ compensation
- Third-party lawsuits
- Product liability claims
- Disability benefits
What an Attorney Can Do for You
A qualified Arkansas silicosis attorney can:
- Investigate your work history and exposure sources
- Obtain expert medical evaluations
- Determine whether safety regulations were violated
- File claims within the required deadlines
- Pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term disability
Contact an Arkansas Attorney Right Away if You Experience Silicosis Symptoms
Silicosis is a devastating diagnosis to receive, but there are options available for you. You should not be on the hook for all of the costs when you are not responsible for what you are going through. You could be owed significant compensation for your injuries and your suffering.
Let the dedicated silicosis attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.