Silicosis Lawsuits

Fighting for Workers Exposed to Dangerous Silica Dust

Silicosis is a deadly lung disease caused by breathing in respirable crystalline silica—a fine dust released during cutting, grinding, or polishing materials like stone, concrete, and engineered quartz countertops. Despite decades of research showing its hazards, many employers and manufacturers have failed to protect workers from this known danger.

If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with silicosis, our firm can help you hold the responsible companies accountable. We represent workers across the country who have suffered serious and preventable injuries due to silica exposure. 

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease that develops when tiny silica particles lodge deep in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring that make it hard to breathe. Even short-term exposure can cause permanent damage when dust levels are high or protective equipment is inadequate.

The disease can take years—or even decades—to appear, and symptoms often worsen over time, even after exposure stops.

Common Symptoms of Silicosis

• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity

• Persistent cough

• Chest pain or tightness

• Fatigue and weakness

• Weight loss or fever

• Increased vulnerability to infections like tuberculosis

If you’ve worked in an industry where silica dust is present and are experiencing these symptoms, you should seek medical evaluation immediately.

Industries at High Risk

Silica exposure is most common in:

• Stone fabrication and countertop manufacturing (quartz, granite, engineered stone)

• Construction and demolition work

• Sandblasting and abrasive cleaning

• Concrete, cement, and masonry work

• Mining, tunneling, and quarry operations

• Foundries and glass manufacturing

Recent reports have shown alarming rates of silicosis among countertop fabricators working with engineered stone—some as young as their 20s and 30s.

The Link Between Silica Dust and Lung Disease

Crystalline silica is classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) as a known human carcinogen. Long-term exposure can cause:

• Chronic silicosis

• Accelerated silicosis (within 5–10 years of high exposure)

• Acute silicosis (within months of intense exposure)

• Lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

Employers and manufacturers of silica-containing products have long known these dangers but often failed to implement basic safety measures like dust suppression, ventilation, or respirators.