Tai spent six years working with manufactured marble, cutting benchtops and bathroom surfaces for a building supplier in NSW. It was hard work, and he took pride in it. But what he didn’t know at the time was that the material he was working with, now banned, was slowly damaging his lungs.
Manufactured marble contains high levels of silica, and when cut without proper safety measures, it releases fine particles that lodge deep in the lungs. Unlike asbestos, which can take decades to cause illness, silicosis can develop in just a few years. At Law Partners, we’re now supporting clients as young as 28 who are struggling to breathe after only five years of exposure.
Silicosis is a cruel disease. It fills the space between lung cells, making it hard to exhale. Many sufferers describe the sensation as suffocating. And once silica particles enter the lungs, they can trigger long-term inflammation and even cancer.
A specialist lawyer will review your circumstances and tell you how much you can claim.
By 2025, Tai was 60 years old and struggling to breathe. He didn’t know where to turn. As a sole trader with limited English, he wasn’t aware of his rights or the support available. That’s when he contacted Law Partners on the recommendation of a friend.
Associate lawyer and dust disease specialist Dean Pefani took on Tai’s case. He began with medical assessments, compiling radiology reports and pulmonary evaluations that confirmed Tai had silicosis. The evidence showed a clear decline in lung function over time.
The defendant, the company Tai had worked for, didn’t deny the diagnosis. But they tried to downplay its severity. They argued that Tai’s history of smoking was the major factor in his condition. But recent court findings have shown that silica exposure causes damage far more rapidly than smoking, weakening that defence.
Then came a crucial discovery: during Tai’s entire time with the company, no personal protective equipment (PPE) had been provided. And it wasn’t just the lack of masks, it was a lack of best practice. There were no fans provided. No wet saws. No safety policies. Nothing. It was a stunning breach of duty.
To support Tai through the process, we arranged Mandarin-speaking staff to assist with translations and ensure he felt comfortable and informed every step of the way. We also helped him understand that he had every right to make a claim, even if he wasn’t sure he could “rock the boat.”
We argued that Tai had been taken advantage of due to both his lack of English and his limited understanding of workplace safety standards. The result was a $522,000 settlement, which included general damages, future domestic care costs (such as in-home nursing), and loss of future earning capacity.
Medical expenses weren’t part of the settlement, because Tai is now covered for life by the Statutory Dust Disease Care body, a branch of iCare NSW. This coverage also extends to his loved ones and dependents.
As Tai told us, “I’m so grateful to Dean and the Law Partners team. I can hardly work anymore, just 15 minutes of effort feels like a full day. But now I have financial security, and my family has support. I never thought I could do this, but my legal team really helped me every step of the way.”
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Get startedDust disease claims are complex, but Law Partners has deep expertise in this area. We know the legal systems inside and out, and we fight tirelessly to get our clients every dollar they’re entitled to.
One important point to remember for our clients and the community: dust disease law allows for a second claim if a new condition develops later. That means if someone like Tai is later diagnosed with cancer linked to silica exposure, we can reopen the case and seek further compensation.
If you or someone you know has worked with silica, asbestos, or other hazardous materials, and is now experiencing health issues, please reach out. You have rights, and we’re here to help.
Our senior lawyers will assess your case for free.
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