Silicosis—a progressive and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust—has triggered a wave of litigation across California in 2025. With over 80 cases pending in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Francisco counties, the state has become a focal point for legal action against artificial stone manufacturers, importers, and employers who failed to protect workers from hazardous silica exposure.
This article outlines the scope of California’s silicosis litigation, key case developments, and what affected workers need to know about their legal rights.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by prolonged exposure to airborne silica particles. It leads to inflammation, scarring, and stiffening of lung tissue, resulting in:
- Chronic cough and shortness of breath
- Fatigue and chest pain
- Increased risk of tuberculosis and lung cancer
- Progressive respiratory failure
- In severe cases, death
Workers in countertop fabrication, construction, mining, and industrial manufacturing are especially vulnerable.
California Litigation Landscape
1. Coordinated Civil Actions
In April 2025, the Los Angeles County Superior Court initiated efforts to coordinate nearly 80 silicosis lawsuits filed across three counties. These cases involve claims that workers contracted silicosis while fabricating and installing engineered stone countertops containing high levels of crystalline silica.
- Presiding Judge Sergio C. Tapia II is overseeing coordination efforts
- Plaintiffs allege exposure from products manufactured by Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, Francini Inc., and others
- At least a dozen judges have stayed proceedings pending coordination rulings
2. Landmark Settlements
Two major California cases have already resulted in historic payouts:
- Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez v. Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, Color Marble, Inc.
- Settlement: $26 million
- Injury: Accelerated silicosis from artificial stone fabrication
- Outcome: Lifetime care costs, lost income, punitive damages
- Anonymous v. Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, EIDP, Inc., Francini, Inc.
- Settlement: $52 million
- Injury: Fatal silicosis after 12 years in countertop fabrication
- Outcome: Wrongful death claim, family compensation
These cases highlight the severe health risks associated with artificial stone and the legal exposure facing manufacturers and distributors.
Legal Claims and Allegations
Plaintiffs in California silicosis lawsuits typically allege:
- Failure to warn: Manufacturers did not disclose silica hazards in product labeling
- Negligent workplace practices: Employers failed to implement dust control measures
- Product liability: Engineered stone slabs with high silica content were defectively designed
- Wrongful death: Families of deceased workers seek compensation for preventable loss
- OSHA violations: Employers ignored Cal/OSHA standards for silica exposure limits
Who Qualifies to File a Silicosis Lawsuit in California?
To be eligible, plaintiffs must generally show:
- Documented occupational exposure to silica dust
- Diagnosis of silicosis confirmed by imaging and clinical evaluation
- Exposure linked to specific products or workplace conditions
- No prior history of lung disease unrelated to silica
- Willingness to provide medical records and employment history
Workers in countertop fabrication, stone cutting, construction, and mining are among the most commonly affected.
Regulatory Enforcement
California’s Division of Occupational Safety and Health (Cal/OSHA) has ramped up enforcement in 2025:
- Multiple employers cited for silica violations
- Substantial fines issued for failure to implement engineering controls
- Increased inspections of stone fabrication shops and construction sites
These actions support civil litigation and reinforce the importance of workplace safety standards.
Estimated Compensation Ranges
Based on recent California settlements and national trends, estimated payout tiers include:
- Tier 1 – Fatal or accelerated silicosis with permanent disability: $1 million–$5 million
- Tier 2 – Chronic silicosis with oxygen dependency: $500,000–$1 million
- Tier 3 – Diagnosed silicosis with moderate impairment: $250,000–$500,000
- Tier 4 – Documented exposure with early-stage symptoms: $50,000–$250,000
Class actions and coordinated proceedings may also include medical monitoring funds and workplace reform mandates.
What Affected Workers Should Do
If you or a loved one developed silicosis in California:
- Seek pulmonary evaluation and imaging
- Document your work history and exposure sources
- Preserve employment records, safety reports, and product information
- Consult a qualified occupational disease attorney
- Avoid signing waivers or accepting informal compensation without legal review
Conclusion
California’s silicosis litigation in 2025 reflects a growing recognition of silica exposure as a preventable occupational hazard. With coordinated civil actions, landmark settlements, and regulatory enforcement underway, affected workers have a clear path to justice and compensation.
At The Law Office of Melinda J. Helbock, A.P.C., we represent victims of silica exposure with precision, compassion, and strategic clarity. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, we are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue full compensation.
References
- Brayton Purcell LLP. (2025, March 12). Landmark results against artificial stone manufacturers total over $78 million. Retrieved from https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/landmark-results-against-artificial-stone-manufacturers-total-over-78-million-for-workers-with-fatal-silicosis-302399277.html
- AboutLawsuits.com.. (2025, October). Silicosis lawsuit – Engineered stone silica dust exposure. Retrieved from https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/silicosis-lawsuit/
- Daily Journal. (2025, April 29). LA County court seeks to coordinate 80 silicosis lawsuits. Retrieved from https://www.dailyjournal.com/article/385182-la-county-court-seeks-to-coordinate-80-silicosis-lawsuits
- Lawsuit Information Center. (2025, March 26). Silicosis lawsuit settlement amounts. Retrieved from https://www.lawsuit-information-center.com/silicosis-lawsuit-silica-exposure-attorneys.html
- US Mesothelioma Law. (2025, January 19). Recent U.S. silicosis settlements. Retrieved from https://www.usmesotheliomalaw.com/blog/recent-us-silicosis-settlements/
