Silica exposure is dangerous, and can cause a great deal of damage to those hurt by it. It is a common occupational hazard for people in the manufacturing, mining, construction, and countertop industries. The particles you inhale can cause life-threatening and painful respiratory conditions. Often, this is because your employer failed to properly protect your health, or you were exposed by some third party.
At Edward O. Moody, P.A., our silica exposure attorneys can help prepare your case and seek the compensation you deserve. We’re with you for every step of your silica exposure lawsuit.
Economic Damages in Arkansas Silica Exposure Lawsuits
Economic damages help you with the actual financial losses you’ve suffered. These are the kinds of compensation that can be proven with documents, testimony, and medical records. Expert testimony might also be necessary to establish future or long-term damages.
Medical Expenses
Silica-related diseases often require extensive medical care, including:
- Diagnostic testing
- Ongoing treatment for chronic respiratory conditions
- Hospitalizations and emergency care
- Prescription medications
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- Long-term oxygen therapy
Victims may recover compensation for both past medical bills and future medical costs expected over the course of the illness.
Lost Wages
Many workers with silicosis or silica-related lung disease are unable to continue working in physically demanding jobs. Arkansas law allows victims to recover:
- Income lost during periods of medical treatment
- Wages lost due to reduced work capacity
- Income lost due to job changes or forced early retirement
Loss of Future Earning Capacity
Silica-related illnesses are progressive and often permanent. If your health condition limits your ability to work, or forces you out of work completely, compensation could help you with future earnings, based on:
- Age
- Work history
- Expected career trajectory
- Medical prognosis
Non-Economic Damages in Silica Exposure Claims
Non-economic damages are compensated financially, but are not typical financial harm you’ve had to pay for necessarily. They are other impacts, like to your emotional well-being, or the trauma you’ve suffered. While less well-defined by numbers on paper, they are just as compensable and can be a substantial party of your overall award.
Pain and Suffering
Silica related illnesses can cause a lot of difficulty for you, and pain. It might cause symptoms like:
- Chronic coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Reduced lung function
These symptoms can cause you to suffer, and you’re allowed to seek monetary damages for what you went through.
Emotional Distress
Living with a respiratory disease can lead to anxiety, depression, and loss of independence. Victims may recover damages for the emotional toll of:
- Difficulty breathing
- Fear of disease progression
- Loss of mobility
- Reduced quality of life
Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Your illness could prevent you from doing the things you once loved. This might include:
- Hobbies
- Sports
- Romantic relationships
- Familial relationships
Compensation may reflect these losses.
Wrongful Death Damages in Fatal Silica Exposure Cases
If you lose a loved one because of silica exposure, you can likely file an Arkansas wrongful death claim. Who may file is based on state law, but compensation could include:
- Funeral costs
- Burial expenses
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship, guidance, and care
- Mental anguish
- Grief
Hire an Experienced Silica Exposure Attorney for Help Winning the Compensation You Deserve
Exposure to silica isn’t something that just happens. Someone exposed you to it. Whether it was at work or somewhere else, you have the right to investigate and hold the responsible party liable for your injuries.
Let us help you seek the compensation you are owed.Let the dedicated silica exposure attorneys at Edward O. Moody, P.A. review your case. Contact us today for a consultation.