Silicosis is an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica (quartz) dust. In Georgia, this issue is prevalent among workers in the construction sector, stone processing, glass manufacturing, and tunneling operations. Silicosis often develops due to employer negligence, such as failing to provide workers with proper respirators or wet-cutting technologies to minimize dust. The disease causes lung fibrosis, severe respiratory failure, and total loss of working capacity. Silicosis litigation involves holding the employer accountable for violating safety regulations and seeking material and moral damages for the victim.
What does this service cover?
Silicosis litigation services include:
- Exposure Confirmation: Gathering evidence that the employee worked in an environment emitting silica dust (e.g., concrete cutting, stone grinding).
- Identifying Safety Violations: Proving that the employer failed to provide HEPA-filter respirators or use dust suppression systems.
- Medical Records Management: Presenting pulmonologist reports and radiological studies confirming the presence of silicosis.
- Labor Inspection Involvement: Requesting an inspection to measure harmful factors at the workplace based on a complaint.
- Compensation Claims: Seeking court-ordered reimbursement for treatment costs, disability pensions, and moral damages.
Common Real-World Scenarios
Risk groups and scenarios:
- Stone Workshops: Workers making tombstones or kitchen countertops (artificial stone). Engineered stone contains high silica levels and is particularly dangerous.
- Construction: Demolishing or cutting concrete walls in enclosed spaces without ventilation.
- Glass Manufacturing: Processing sand (quartz) in glass factories.
- Tunneling: Drilling through rock formations, releasing dust.
Georgian Legal Framework
Silicosis is a recognized occupational disease. The Law on Labor Safety and technical regulations oblige employers to measure air dust concentration and keep it within permissible limits. Under the Civil Code, if an employer knew (or should have known) about the risk and failed to act, they are liable. The burden of proof often shifts to the employer to show compliance with all norms.
Process: How does a specialist work?
The lawyer gathers information on the work process. Witness testimonies (from colleagues) are crucial. The lawyer collaborates with medical experts to determine disease severity. If the employer is uninsured, the lawyer investigates company assets for compensation enforcement. The lawsuit is based on the Labor Code and Civil Code.
Why Legal.ge?
Silicosis is often fatal and requires expensive treatment (sometimes lung transplantation). On Legal.ge, you will find lawyers who will fight for your right to life and health. They know how to confront unscrupulous employers and secure maximum compensation for your family.
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