In a historic decision that has sent shockwaves through the artificial stone industry, a Los Angeles jury awarded $52.4 million to a Southern California man diagnosed with accelerated silicosis—a fatal lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. The August 2024 verdict marks the largest known silicosis award in U.S. history and sets a precedent for hundreds of similar cases now pending across California.
This article outlines the case background, legal claims, and implications for workers exposed to engineered stone products.
Case Overview: Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez v. Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, Color Marble Inc.
- Plaintiff: Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez, age 34
- Occupation: Countertop fabricator and installer
- Diagnosis: Accelerated silicosis after years of exposure to engineered stone dust
- Defendants: Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, Color Marble Inc.
- Verdict: $52.4 million awarded by Los Angeles County jury on August 7, 2024
- Filed: September 2022
- Trial Duration: 3 weeks
- Lead Counsel: James Nevin, Brayton Purcell LLP
Reyes-Gonzalez worked at multiple fabrication shops across Southern California, cutting and polishing quartz slabs without adequate respiratory protection or dust control systems. He was diagnosed with silicosis in 2021 and now requires continuous oxygen therapy and palliative care.
Breakdown of the $52.4 Million Award
The jury’s verdict included:
- Economic damages: $4.4 million for medical expenses and lost income
- Non-economic damages: $18 million for pain, suffering, and loss of quality of life
- Punitive damages: $30 million for willful misconduct and failure to warn
Most of the 130+ defendants named in the original complaint settled confidentially before trial. The verdict focused on three remaining companies found liable for product defects and inadequate safety disclosures.
Sources: Stone Update (2024), NBC Los Angeles (2024), Public Health Watch (2024)
Legal Claims and Industry Impact
Plaintiff attorneys argued that:
- Engineered stone manufacturers failed to warn workers about the high silica content and dust hazards
- Products were defectively designed without adequate labeling or safety instructions
- Distributors and employers ignored OSHA and Cal/OSHA standards for silica exposure
- The industry prioritized profit over worker safety, despite known risks
The case is considered a bellwether for hundreds of pending silicosis lawsuits in California, many of which involve similar exposure scenarios and product lines.
Implications for Future Litigation
The $52 million verdict signals:
- Increased liability for artificial stone manufacturers and distributors
- Expanded eligibility for workers diagnosed with silicosis in fabrication, construction, and mining
- Greater scrutiny of workplace safety practices and product labeling
- Potential for coordinated civil actions and class certifications
Legal analysts expect additional verdicts and settlements to follow, with some cases already coordinated in Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego counties.
What Affected Workers Should Do
If you or a loved one worked with engineered stone and developed respiratory symptoms:
- 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
The $52 million verdict awarded to Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez represents a turning point in silicosis litigation and a call to action for industry reform. As more workers come forward with diagnoses linked to engineered stone dust, the legal and ethical accountability of manufacturers and employers will continue to grow.
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
- NBC Los Angeles. (2024, September 18). SoCal man with silicosis wins lawsuit against makers of artificial stone slabs. Retrieved from https://www.nbclosangeles.com/news/local/socal-man-with-silicosis-wins-lawsuit-against-makers-of-artificial-stone-slabs/3514932/
- Stone Update. (2024, August 13). L.A. jury finds $52.4 million in damages in silicosis case. Retrieved from https://stoneupdate.com/l-a-jury-finds-52-4-million-in-damages-in-silicosis-case/
- Public Health Watch. (2024, August 8). Jury awards $52.4M in case against artificial-stone countertop makers. Retrieved from https://publichealthwatch.org/2024/08/08/jury-awards-52-4m-in-case-against-artificial-stone-countertop-makers/
- Daily Journal. (2024, August 9). Engineered stone companies found partially liable for worker’s silicosis. Retrieved from https://www.dailyjournal.com/articles/380327
- 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
- Helbock Law Offices. (2025). Top Caesarstone Lawsuit Settlements and Amounts. Retrieved from https://www.helbocklaw.com/top-caesarstone-lawsuit-settlements-and-amounts/
