Is Silica Dust the Next Asbestos? - A Guide Live at Your Desk

Introduction

Silica - the second biggest killer of construction workers after asbestos in the UK; with the HSE estimating it causing 500 deaths per year. Despite these shocking statistics relatively few claims have been brought for diseases caused by exposure to silica dust in England and Wales, but this appears to be changing.

Recent high profile international claims, as well as the work of the HSE and the All Parliamentary Group for Respiratory Health has drawn attention to the issue of exposure to silica. Insights from the insurance industry show an increase in claimants enquires including the ‘term’ silicosis received by the Employers Liability Tracing Office.

The aim of this session is to provide a practical guide to silica dust exposure claims from pre-litigation to trial and enable claim handlers and practitioners to develop the skills to litigate and defend this new litigation.

What You Will Learn

This live and interactive session will cover the following:

• What is silica and what are the consequences of exposure to silica dust?
• The history of silica dust exposure
• Common limitation issues and how to deal with these
• Pre-litigation problems including dealing with dissolved companies, obtaining expert evidence and dealing with terminally ill claimants
• Possible causes of action including relevant statutes and defenses
• How the Court will direct and budget these matters
• Expert evidence needed for these claims including proportionality considerations, joint instruction and conferences
• Valuing these claims
• Trial

Recording of live sessions: Soon after the Learn Live session has taken place you will be able to go back and access the recording - should you wish to revisit the material discussed.