Stone fabricators who work with natural and engineered countertop products may be at risk of inhaling silica dust and developing serious illnesses like silicosis. If you became ill after being exposed to silica dust, you may be eligible for compensation from a silicosis lawsuit.
At Sokolove Law, we have decades of experience standing up for those who have been harmed through no fault of their own. To date, we’ve recovered over $9.3 Billion for our clients across the country. Call (800) 995-1212 now for a free case review.
Stone Countertop Workers at Risk of Silicosis
Stone countertops are typically made from materials like granite, quartz, and marble, all of which contain respirable crystalline silica (RCS), or silica dust. The cutting, grinding, and polishing of these materials may release fine particles of silica dust into the air, and these particles may be unknowingly inhaled by workers.
Silica dust that settles in the lungs can cause irritation and inflammation. Over time, this irritated lung tissue may lead to a lung disease known as silicosis.
Also referred to as quartz surfacing, engineered stone contains substantially more silica than natural stone. However, both countertop products put workers at risk of developing silicosis.
In recent years, there has been a spike in silicosis rates due to the increased popularity of engineered stone countertops, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Workplaces that fail to meet safety standards have needlessly put thousands of stone fabricators at risk of developing silicosis and other diseases caused by silica dust. This has led some victims to take legal action.
If you were diagnosed with silicosis, let us fight for justice on your behalf. Fill out our contact form now to learn about the legal options available to you.
Who Can File a Silicosis Lawsuit?
You may be able to file a silicosis lawsuit if you or a loved one was:
- Exposed to silica dust while working as a stone fabricator
- Later developed an illness linked to silica dust exposure
Even if you’re not an American citizen, Sokolove Law may still be able to help you file a silicosis lawsuit.
Silicosis lawsuits may be filed against stone manufacturers and suppliers that failed to create a safe workplace for their employees, causing them to be exposed to unsafe levels of silica dust.
“Silicosis is preventable through effective workplace exposure controls; in the stone fabrication industry, this can include tools equipped with water feeds and well-designed local exhaust ventilation, and, when needed, appropriate respiratory protection.”
– Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
State laws, known as statutes of limitations, restrict how long you have to file a legal claim after an injury. It’s very important to reach out to an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Call Sokolove Law now at (800) 995-1212 to learn if you may be eligible to file a silicosis lawsuit.
Silicosis & Other Diseases Caused by Silica Dust
When stone countertop fabricators are exposed to high levels of silica dust, they may develop serious injuries over time.
Illnesses linked to silica dust exposure can include:
- Silicosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
- Lung cancer
- Lung infections, like tuberculosis
In cases of silicosis, scarring in the lungs continues to develop over time. This progressive disease often causes trouble breathing and, in severe cases, may lead to death.
While symptoms of silicosis may take decades to appear, it is also possible for the disease to develop after just a few months of heavy exposure to silica dust.
If you became ill after working with stone countertop products, you should not be further burdened with expensive medical bills. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
Get Help Paying for Treatment
Our silicosis lawyers can fight on your behalf for the compensation you need. Take the first steps toward justice now.
How to File a Silica Lawsuit
At Sokolove Law, we strive to make the legal process as accessible and stress-free as possible for our clients. That’s why our silicosis lawyers can handle every step of the legal process if you have a case.
Your silicosis lawyers and legal team will work to:
- Verify your eligibility to take legal action during a free case review
- Build a strong case with evidence like your medical records and testimony
- File your silica lawsuit within any statutes of limitations or state deadlines
- Negotiate silicosis lawsuit settlement amounts with the defendant(s)
- Present your case in a court trial if a silicosis settlement is unable to be reached
Let us get you the money you deserve. Call Sokolove Law now at (800) 995-1212 to get started.
Determining Silicosis Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
When the defendant and your silicosis lawyer can agree on an amount of compensation in your case, it’s known as a silicosis settlement.
Silicosis lawsuit settlement amounts vary depending on many factors in each case, including how:
- Severe your injuries are
- Much your medical costs and related expenses are
- Long you were exposed to silica dust
- Many companies may be responsible for your exposure
If your case doesn’t settle, it may proceed to a trial in court, where your legal team will present your case and fight for a verdict instead.
Silicosis Treatment Options
Treating silicosis involves pulmonary or lung care options that can help improve symptoms and slow the progression of this disease.
Treatments for silicosis include:
- Bronchodilators: These medications relax muscles in the lungs, which widens the airway and makes breathing easier.
- Lung transplants: In severe cases of silicosis, some patients may require a single or double lung transplant to help extend a patient’s life expectancy.
- Pulmonary rehabilitation: Educational programs can teach patients exercises and breathing techniques to strengthen their lungs, leading to an improvement in their quality of life and ability to breathe.
- Supplemental oxygen: Breathing oxygen through a tube or mask can help patients get much-needed oxygen and relief from shortness of breath.
Unfortunately, silicosis treatments can be very expensive. Lung transplants, for example, may cost more than $1 Million per lung.
At Sokolove Law, we may be able to help you afford silicosis surgery or other treatment options. Contact our team now to find out if you may be eligible for compensation from a silicosis lawsuit.
Get Help from a Silicosis Attorney
Since 1979, Sokolove Law has been committed to holding negligent manufacturers responsible for the harm they cause innocent people.
If you worked with stone countertop products and later developed silicosis, we may be able to fight on your behalf for compensation that can help cover the costs of medical care, lost wages, and more.
Learn how Sokolove Law stands out from other law firms:
- Free Legal Consultations: We provide all potential clients with a free consultation to determine whether or not they may be eligible to file a lawsuit.
- No Financial Risk: There are no out-of-pocket costs or hourly fees to work with our silicosis lawyers — we only get paid if you do.
- Decades of Experience: For over 40 years, Sokolove Law has helped clients in all 50 states pursue justice and hold the companies responsible for their injuries accountable.
- Track Record of Results: We’ve secured over $9.3 Billion total for our clients, including thousands of families affected by dangerous products.
- Offices & Attorneys Nationwide: As a national law firm, Sokolove Law can help with your case wherever you may be in the United States.
Let our silicosis attorneys get you the money you deserve. Call (800) 995-1212 now to speak with a member of our team.
Silica Dust Exposure Lawsuit FAQs
What is silicosis?
Silicosis is a lung disease caused by the inhalation of crystalline silica dust. Over time, these airborne silica dust particles can cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, making it difficult for victims to breathe.
In some instances, silicosis may lead to other health issues like tuberculosis and lung cancer.
Can you get compensation for silicosis?
Yes. You may be able to secure compensation by filing a silicosis lawsuit against the stone manufacturer responsible for your illness.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to learn if you may be eligible to file a silicosis lawsuit with the help of our attorneys.
What are silicosis symptoms?
Symptoms of silicosis may include:
- Discoloration of the lips
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sputum
- Swelling of the legs
If you notice any of these symptoms and work with stone countertops, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Which stone countertop manufacturers are being sued for silicosis?
Silicosis lawsuits have been filed against multiple stone countertop manufacturers and suppliers, including:
- Caesarstone USA Inc.
- Cambria USA
- Colorquartz USA Inc.
- Cosentino Group
How much does it cost to file a silica lawsuit?
At Sokolove Law, there are no upfront costs or hourly fees to file a silica lawsuit.
Our team only gets paid if your case successfully results in compensation, so there's no financial risk to taking legal action.
Is there a silicosis class action lawsuit?
At this time, there is not a class action lawsuit for silicosis. However, you may still be able to take action through an individual lawsuit.
What disease can you get from inhaling silica dust?
While silicosis is the most common illness linked to silica dust exposure, inhaling this toxic substance can also lead to:
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Kidney disease
- Lung cancer
- Lung infections
You shouldn’t be burdened with costly medical bills following an illness caused by silica dust exposure. Contact Sokolove Law now to see if we can help you fight for the compensation you deserve.
What is the OSHA standard for respirable silica?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) requires employers to protect their workers from being exposed to more than 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m3) over the course of an 8-hour work day.
