If you’ve been diagnosed with silicosis after working on engineered or natural stone countertops, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against manufacturers, distributors, or employers who failed to protect you from respirable crystalline silica dust. Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling fine silica particles—commonly released during the cutting, grinding, and polishing of quartz, granite, and marble slabs.
This article outlines the legal basis for silicosis claims, who qualifies, and what compensation may be available.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis caused by prolonged exposure to airborne silica dust. 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
Countertop fabricators, installers, and stonecutters are especially vulnerable due to high-volume exposure in poorly ventilated environments.
Legal Grounds for a Silicosis Lawsuit
You may be able to sue if your illness resulted from:
- Defective product design: Engineered stone slabs with dangerously high silica content
- Failure to warn: Manufacturers did not disclose silica hazards or provide safety instructions
- Negligent distribution: Products sold to fabrication shops without dust control systems
- Workplace safety violations: Employers failed to comply with OSHA or Cal/OSHA silica standards
- Medical misdiagnosis or delayed treatment: Leading to worsened outcomes
These claims can be filed under product liability, negligence, or wrongful death statutes depending on the circumstances.
Who Qualifies to File?
You may qualify if:
- You worked with quartz, granite, marble, or other silica-containing countertop materials
- You were diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or a related respiratory condition
- You can document your exposure history and medical diagnosis
- You file within your state’s statute of limitations (typically 2–3 years from diagnosis or discovery)
Family members may also file wrongful death claims if a loved one died from silicosis linked to countertop work.
What Compensation Is Available?
Successful plaintiffs may receive compensation for:
- Medical expenses (diagnosis, treatment, oxygen therapy)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death and dependent care costs
- Punitive damages in cases of willful misconduct
Recent verdicts and settlements have ranged from $250,000 to over $50 million depending on severity and liability.
What You Should Do
If you suspect your illness is linked to countertop work:
- Get a pulmonary evaluation and imaging (CT scan, chest X-ray)
- Request your employment and exposure records
- Preserve product labels, safety data sheets, and workplace photos
- Consult a qualified occupational disease attorney
- Avoid signing waivers or accepting informal compensation without legal review
Conclusion
Silicosis from countertop fabrication is a preventable disease with devastating consequences. If you’ve been harmed by unsafe products or negligent workplace practices, you have the right to pursue legal action and secure 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 after working on countertops, we are here to help you understand your legal options and pursue justice.
References
- LawFirm.com. (2025, June 16). Silicosis lawsuit: Legal help for countertop workers. https://www.lawfirm.com/product-liability/countertop-silicosis/
- Personal Injury San Diego. (2025). Can I sue for a silicosis disease from working on countertops? https://www.personalinjurysandiego.org/topics/can-i-sue-for-a-silicosis-disease-from-working-on-countertops/
- NGK Law Firm. (2025). Silicosis lawsuits for countertop workers. https://www.ngklawfirm.com/silicosis-lawsuits-for-countertop-workers/
- Sokolove Law. (2025, October 1). Silicosis lawsuit: Settlements for silica lung diseases. https://www.sokolovelaw.com/product-liability/countertop-silicosis/
- King Law. (2024, December 30). Silicosis lawsuit: Settlement amounts for silica lung diseases. https://www.robertkinglawfirm.com/personal-injury/silicosis-lawsuit/
