Missouri Occupational Lung Disease Lawyer

Posted on by David G. Hughes

I am handling workers’ compensation lung disease cases all over the State of Missouri for employment-related conditions including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and silicosis.

Some of the jobs which are more likely to cause occupational lung diseases include:

  • Construction Workers: Workers who are involved in drywall, cement insulation, concrete, sanding, and drilling tools are likely to develop lung diseases. These workers inhale dust in renovation and demolition work that can cause asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer, and silicosis.
  • Welders: The welding process involves working with molten metal that produces toxic fumes which can cause various lung conditions, including, but not limited to, asbestosis.
  • Miners: Workers at mining sites are at a high risk of developing several lung diseases, as they are prone to lung ailments such as silicosis.
  • Aerospace Industry Workers: These workers are exposed to beryllium, which causes berylliosis, or lung cancer. Some of the symptoms of berylliosis are shortness of breath, weight loss, fatigue, and dry cough.
  • Factory Workers: Factory workers inhale gases, chemicals, and dust that can cause a variety of lung diseases.

Symptoms of occupational lung diseases can take many years to surface. In the earliest stages, they are often misdiagnosed as the cold or flu. The difference is that the symptoms of occupational lung disease are persistent. Often, patients suffering from occupational lung disease will stop responding to treatment. Any cough or upper respiratory distress you experience that lasts longer than two weeks should be evaluated by your physician. In order to accurately diagnose your condition, a biopsy, x-ray, or other tests may be required.

If you believe you have suffered a work-related lung disease, please call David G. Hughes at Mogab & Hughes Attorneys, P.C. at 314-241-4477. Visit my Attorney Profile

Missouri Silicosis Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Posted on by David G. Hughes

I am handling workers’ compensation cases all over the State of Missouri for employment-related exposure to silica. Silicosis is a long-term lung disease caused by inhaling large amounts of crystalline dust, usually over many years. Silica is a substance naturally found in certain types of stone, rock, sand, and clay. Working with these materials can create a fine dust that can be easily inhaled. Many of the jobs involving silica include drilling, cutting, chipping, grinding of soil, sand, granite and other materials. Those who work, or have worked, in glass manufacturing, tunnel work, and stone cutting are more likely to develop silicosis.

If you believe you have been exposed to silica in the work place and suffered lung related health conditions, please call David G. Hughes at Mogab & Hughes Attorneys, P.C. at 314-241-4477.

Missouri Workplace Beryllium Exposure Worker’s Compensation

Posted on by David G. Hughes

I am handling worker’s compensation cases all over the state of Missouri for employment-related beryllium exposure. The most common health effects associated with over exposure to beryllium in the workplace include beryllium sensitization, chronic beryllium disease (CBD), and lung cancer.

OSHA estimates that approximately 62,000 workers are potentially exposed to beryllium in approximately 7,300 establishments in the United States, including approximately 12,000 workers in the construction and shipyard industries. The highest exposures to beryllium occur in the workplace, and exposure data from OSHA’s Occupational Safety and Health Information System (OIS) identifies workers engaged in primary beryllium manufacturing, alloy production, and recycling as having the highest exposures to beryllium.

General industry occupations with potential exposure to beryllium include: 1) primary beryllium production workers; 2) workers processing beryllium/metals/alloys/composites including, but not limited to, foundry workers, furnace tenders, machine operators, machinists, metal fabricators, welders, and dental technicians; 3) secondary smelting and refining (recycling electronic and computer parts, metals); and 4) abrasive blasters. Construction and shipyard occupations with potential exposure to beryllium include: 1) abrasive blasters and pot tenders; 2) laborers; and 3) welders.

If you believe you have been exposed to beryllium in the workplace and suffered exposure-related health conditions, please call David G. Hughes at Mogab & Hughes Attorneys at 314-241-4477.