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If you or a loved one has been diagnosed because of exposure at work, or have a pre-existing disease that was made worse, you could be eligible to make an occupational disease compensation claim.
We all have the right to be safe at work, and employers should follow appropriate procedures to protect employees. If you've worked in an industry where you've been exposed to a disease, toxic substance or harmful dust, our experienced team can help you access compensation.
Time limits may apply for your claim, and vary from state to state, so it's best to seek expert legal advice to determine if you are eligible to make a compensation claim.
We’re also the only law firm with a specialist Lung Clinical Nurse Consultant who provides guidance throughout your diagnosis, treatment and legal journey.
Occupational cancers
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer caused by exposure to dust, chemicals or other toxins at work, we can help you seek compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Cancer refers to a group of diseases where some cells in the body grow in an uncontrolled way and can spread to other parts of the body. Some cancers can be caused by, or linked to, exposure to dust, chemicals, or other harmful substances in the workplace.
Safe Work Australia compiles a list of "deemed diseases". These are diseases that have a strong likelihood of being caused by workplace exposure.
Examples of cancers on this list include:
- nasal cancer
- cancer of the larynx
- lung cancer
- mesothelioma
- oesophageal cancer
- ovarian cancer
- kidney and bladder cancer
- leukaemia
- non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- skin cancers (melanoma and non-melanoma)
If your cancer isn’t listed above but you believe you were exposed at work, it’s best to have book an initial, obligation-free chat with one of our expert occupational disease lawyers.
Cancer can have a range of contributing factors. The International Agency of Research for Cancer (IARC) has identified substances that are strongly linked to cancers. These include:
- asbestos
- ionizing radiation
- silica dust
- soot and coal dust
- benzene
- aluminium production
- welding fumes
- diesel engine exhaust fumes
- industrial solvents
- solar radiation
- wood dust
Non-cancerous occupational diseases
If you have been diagnosed with a non-cancerous disease, such as a lung or autoimmune condition, because of exposure to dust, chemicals or other toxins at work, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Call us on 1800 111 222 or send us a message to speak with one of our specialist workplace disease lawyers for an obligation-free chat.
Alongside known cancerous diseases, there are other conditions that can be caused or worsened (exacerbated) by exposure to dust, chemicals or other harmful toxins. In some cases, secondary diseases can also develop months or years after your initial exposure.
Examples include:
- pneumoconiosis
- black lung disease
- scleroderma
- occupational asthma
- asbestosis
- silicosis
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD / emphysema)
The table below outlines common occupations and the types of dusts and fumes that workers may be exposed to. If your occupation isn’t listed, but you believe you have been exposed in your workplace, it’s best to speak with an expert occupational disease lawyer to understand your legal rights.
Asbestos dust
Common trades include:
- builders and carpenters
- plumbers
- sprinkler fitters
- electricians
- plasterers
- painters
- roofers
- floor layers
Silica dust
Common trades include:
- stonemasons
- quarry workers
- miners
- tunnellers
- bricklayers
- construction workers
- glass manufacturing
- pottery workers
Welding fumes
Common trades include:
- welders
- fitters
- turners
- boilermakers
- construction workers
- plumbers
Diesel engine exhaust emissions
Common trades include:
- diesel mechanics
- transport industry workers
- asphalt making
- traffic controllers
- miners
Am I eligible to make a compensation claim for work-related cancerous or non-cancerous disease?
If exposure to dust, chemicals or another harmful substance at work has caused or significantly contributed to your cancer or non-cancerous condition, you may be eligible to claim compensation.
Workplace exposure must be a contributing factor for these types of claims, but it doesn't need to be the main cause.
Time limits for lodging your claim vary depending on the state or territory you live in and where the exposure occurred. It’s important to seek expert legal advice as soon as possible after your diagnosis.
Our specialist workplace disease lawyers can help you claim compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, and pain and suffering.
Call us on 1800 111 222 or send us a message to get in contact with one of our specialist workplace disease lawyers for an obligation free chat.
Register your asbestos exposure
To help protect your legal rights, it’s important to document any history of dust, toxins or fumes exposure.
We’ve created the free National Asbestos, Silica, Chemicals, Fumes and Dusts Register to record details of exposure. This can help with any future compensation claims you might need to make. Registration is free and carries no obligation.
Any questions? Check out our FAQ.
Our lawyers will work with you through every step of the process
We are Australia’s largest practicing asbestos, silica and occupational exposures legal team, with over 150 years of combined experience. Our multidisciplinary team expands across legal, nursing and dedicated support staff who are caring, compassionate, and committed to putting your needs and best interest first to achieve the best possible outcome.
Contact us today for a confidential, no-obligation consultation.
Need to speak to us sooner? Call us on 1800 111 222
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Specialist Lung Nurse Support
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Frequently asked questions
If you've been diagnosed with a cancerous or non-cancerous disease that may have been caused by exposure to dust, chemicals or other harmful substances at work, the first step is to seek legal advice from an expert occupational disease lawyer.
Our experienced team at Maurice Blackburn can guide you through the claims process and help you understand your rights and legal options.
If your occupational exposure claim is successful, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- pain and reduction in life expectancy
- loss of earnings
- loss of quality of life
- medical expenses
- other costs related to your silicosis
- in some cases, punitive damages
Occupational disease claims can be made on a no-fault basis. This means you don't need to be able to prove that your cancerous or non-cancerous condition was entirely caused by workplace exposure.
Workplace exposure must be a contributing factor, but it doesn't have to be the main cause. For example, if you are a smoker and you later develop lung cancer that’s linked to workplace exposure, you may still be eligible to make a claim.
Yes. Workers’ compensation can cover occupational cancers. However, the process differs between states and depends on when and where the exposure occurred. It's important to seek expert legal advice to understand the options available to you.
Contact our expert dust disease team
Our team of dedicated dust disease lawyers is committed to helping you with your claim.
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Jonathan Walsh
Principal Lawyer, Dust diseases
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Brisbane, QLD
Sydney, NSW
Mount Isa, QLD
Ipswich, QLD
North Lakes, QLD
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(07) 3014 5073
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Sally Weir
Principal Lawyer, Dust diseases
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Melbourne, VIC
Traralgon, VIC
Ringwood, VIC
Mildura, VIC
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(03) 9605 2652
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Ross Sottile
Lawyer, Dust diseases, Asbestos & Silica dust diseases, Work injury
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Melbourne, VIC
Traralgon, VIC
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(03) 8102 2164
For additional support and information visit:
- Safe Work Australia - List of deemed diseases in Australia
- International Agency for Research on Cancer - Agents Classified by the IARC
- WorkSafe Victoria - Hazardous substances health and safety guide
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We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Australian Capital Territory. If you need a lawyer in Canberra or elsewhere in Australian Capital Territory, please call us on 1800 675 346.
We have lawyers who specialise in a range of legal claims who travel to Tasmania. If you need a lawyer in Hobart, Launceston or elsewhere in Tasmania, please call us on 1800 675 346.