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Toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases compensation

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Making a toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases claim

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an illness because of exposure to a hazardous substance, you may be entitled to compensation. Our expert toxic exposure and dust disease lawyers can pursue a claim on your behalf to achieve the compensation you are entitled to. 

Symptoms resulting from toxic exposure or dust diseases may not present until years later and can then progress very quickly. With our years of experience and technical expertise, we know how to effectively advance your claim and quickly secure the best outcome possible for you and your family and conduct each case with sensitivity and compassion. 

  • Occupational exposure There are many industries where workers are at a high risk of exposure to silica, asbestos and other toxic dust and substances including; tunnelling, stonemasonry, building and construction, boiler making, power station work and painting.

  • Non-occupational exposure Toxic exposure in a non-occupational setting can also result in disease; for example, exposure to asbestos dust during home renovations or exposure from laundering dust-ridden clothes.

Your entitlements

Your compensation is related to your situation and the evidence available.

A successful claim will often include financial compensation for:

  • Medical treatment and related expenses

  • Care and domestic assistance

  • Loss of income

  • Pain and suffering

  • Loss of enjoyment of life

How long will it take?

Your claim could be fast-tracked through the legal process, to be a matter of months from start to finish depending on your diagnosis.

It is very important to seek legal advice as soon as possible as time limits apply to submitting your claim.

Fees

Everyone has the right to stand against injustice regardless of their financial situation.

That’s why we provide our toxic exposure and dust disease services on a No Win, No Fee* basis, ensuring survivors don’t need to worry about out-of-pocket legal expenses.  

*Conditions apply.

Learn more

Injury Types

Common injuries that could occur as a result of exposure to toxic substances: 

Asbestos

Silica

  • Silicosis

  • Progressive Massive Fibrosis

  • Lung Cancer

  • Tuberculosis

  • Rheumatoid Arthritis

  • Scleroderma

  • Lupus

  • Sjõgren’s Syndrome

  • Other auto-immune conditions generally

Coal dust

Hard and soft metals

  • Aluminous (aluminium in the lung)

  • Hard Metal Pneumoconiosis

Spray painting

  • Occupational asthma

Timber

  • Asthma

  • Rhinitis

  • Sino-nasal cancer

Water

Additional claim types

Depending on the circumstances of your claim you may be eligible for other forms of compensation. Our expert team will help you understand your claim options.

They could include:

Preparing for a claim

When preparing to make a claim there are some important steps you need to take.  

Document your exposure

If you know that you have been exposed to dangerous dust or other toxic substances, either at work or in a non-occupational setting, document your exposure. This will help us to support your claim if you are diagnosed at a later date.

Suspect you are ill?

See your doctor - be clear about the industry that you work in, the toxic substance you have been exposed to, what symptoms you are suffering from and what your concerns are, as some diseases will not turn up on initial scans.

Contact Shine Lawyers

Find out if you have a claim or contact us for a free no obligation legal consultation.

Do you have a claim?

We’re here to make the legal process as simple and stress-free as possible.

Claim process

We listen and assess your case confidentially

During an obligation-free initial consultation we’ll take the time to listen and understand your individual needs. We will fully explain the legal process to you so that you understand your rights and feel in control.

We'll build your case and keep you informed

Your go-to legal team will work with you to gather all the evidence needed to support your claim. All evidence will be considered so we can assess your options and provide guidance tailored to your specific situation. 

We'll negotiate to settle your claim early

This may involve directly approaching those involved to engage in informal negotiations outside of the court process.

We know that you’ve been through enough. Wherever possible we will seek to minimise any stress this process could have for you and resolve your claim in a way that is sensitive to your needs.

If required, go to court

Only a small percentage of cases result in a court hearing. If this happens, we will be by your side; providing support, compassion and skilled legal representation every step of the way.

We will also work closely with your family, primary care providers and/or medical support to reduce any stress or inconvenience from this process wherever possible. 

Resolve your claim

We will passionately work to deliver the outcome and compensation you deserve.

No Win, No Fee*

We do our best up-front to make sure you understand your legal claim, including whether your claim is on our No Win, No Fee* basis.  

*Conditions apply

Learn more

We're here to help

We’re here to make the legal process as simple and stress-free as possible.

FAQs

Is there a toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases lawyer near me?

With more than 40 branches across Australia and 1000+ team members, location is no barrier when it comes to accessing Shine Lawyers legal advice and support.

If you’d like to speak to our Toxic Exposure, Silica and Dust Diseases team in person, you can see our full list of locations here.

If you aren't able to find a location near you, we can easily arrange an obligation-free virtual appointment or discuss the option to meet at a location that’s comfortable and convenient for you. No matter where you are located, we will always provide the same, expert advice and manage your claim with the same level of quality and commitment.

Why trust Shine to be my toxic exposure, silica and dust disease lawyers?

We have helped thousands of Australians right wrong and access more than $1 billion per year in entitlements and compensation through our expert services. 

95% of the cases we represent are settled without the stress of going to court.

We offer access to affordable legal advice including on a No Win, No Fee* basis and an obligation-free initial consultation so you can understand your rights and know where you stand.

*Conditions apply

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