Silicosis Lawsuits for Countertop Workers

Helping Workers Exposed to Silica Dust Nationwide

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, a deadly and incurable lung disease, after working with engineered stone or quartz countertops, you may be entitled to compensation. 

Silicosis is a preventable disease, but thousands of workers are exposed to silica dust daily, often without proper protection. Our team at NGK Law Firm is here to fight for you and your family, hold negligent companies accountable, and recover the compensation you deserve.

NGK Law Firm is an award-winning trial practice that’s recovered millions of dollars for clients in some of the country’s largest and most complex cases. Now, we’re ready to discuss how we can fight for you. Call (314) 350-1900 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a lung disease caused by breathing in tiny particles of silica dust. This dust becomes airborne when materials containing silica—such as engineered stone, quartz, granite, or marble—are cut, ground, or polished. Once inhaled, silica dust settles deep in the lungs, causing inflammation and scarring. Over time, this scarring leads to significant breathing difficulties, chronic coughing, and lung damage that worsens as the disease progresses.

Silicosis is irreversible and can be fatal. Unfortunately, workers exposed to high concentrations of silica dust over time, often in poorly ventilated or unsafe environments, are at the greatest risk.

Symptoms of silicosis may take years to develop and include:

• Persistent cough
• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Weight loss

While silicosis is the most common illness linked to the inhalation of silica dust, exposure has also been associated with other serious health conditions, including COPD, bronchitis, lung infections, lung cancer, and kidney disease. 

Because these conditions often take years to develop, workers may not notice symptoms until it’s too late. It’s crucial for those exposed to silica dust to seek medical evaluations regularly, even if symptoms are not yet present.

Who Is at Risk for Silicosis?

Workers in industries handling engineered stone and quartz countertops are at heightened risk due to the high levels of silica in these products. Those particularly at risk include:

• Countertop fabricators
• Construction workers
• Stone polishers and installers
• Tile and stone cutters
• Other building trade workers

Many of these workers are Latino immigrants, and the median age of silicosis diagnosis is 45—young for such a devastating illness. Tragically, many were never properly warned about the risks of silica exposure or provided with the necessary protective equipment to keep them safe.

Silicosis in the Countertop Industry

The growing demand for engineered stone countertops—made primarily of quartz—has contributed to a sharp increase in silicosis cases among workers in this industry. Engineered stone contains significantly higher levels of silica than natural stone, such as granite or marble, making the risk of dangerous dust exposure even greater. For example:

• Engineered quartz countertops can contain up to 90% silica, compared to less than 45% in granite and less than 10% in marble.
• Cutting, grinding, polishing, or otherwise disturbing these materials releases respirable crystalline silica (RCS) into the air. These fine particles are small enough to be inhaled deeply into the lungs, where they cause damage.

The countertop fabrication industry has been particularly hard-hit, with studies showing a disturbing increase in cases of accelerated silicosis—a fast-progressing form of the disease—among workers who are cutting and grinding engineered stone. Workers, many of whom are Latino immigrants, are often not provided with adequate respiratory protection or warned about the hazards they face on the job.

• In a 2023 study published by JAMA, it was found that 40% of workers exposed to silica dust in the countertop industry had developed advanced silicosis, and 19% had died from the disease.
• According to OSHA, silica particles released during countertop fabrication are 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, making them easy to inhale without proper protective equipment.

Despite these known risks, many companies in the countertop industry continue to fail in their responsibilities to protect workers from harmful silica exposure. These failures include a lack of proper ventilation systems, inadequate training, and failure to enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE), such as respirators.

This alarming rise in silicosis cases has prompted increased scrutiny from OSHA, the CDC, and other public health organizations. Efforts are underway to raise awareness about the dangers of silica dust in the workplace and push for stronger safety standards, but the toll on workers' health has already been significant.

Can I File a Silicosis Lawsuit?

You may have grounds to file a lawsuit if you:

1. Were exposed to silica dust in your workplace.
2. Have been diagnosed with silicosis or other silica-related health conditions (such as COPD, lung cancer, or kidney disease).
3. Have a loved one who passed away due to silica dust exposure.

Family members of workers who died from silicosis may also be able to file wrongful death claims.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Silicosis Lawsuit?

In many silicosis lawsuits, various parties may be held liable for failing to protect workers from dangerous exposure to silica dust. Liable parties could include:

• Manufacturers of Engineered Stone Products: Companies producing quartz and engineered stone countertops may be liable if they failed to warn users about silica hazards or provide proper safety instructions. Manufacturers like Caesarstone, Cambria, and Cosentino may face legal action for negligence.
• Suppliers and Distributors: These entities can be held accountable for failing to ensure that buyers, fabricators, and installers are adequately warned about the risks of working with silica-heavy materials.
• Employers: Employers who fail to follow OSHA standards—by neglecting to provide respirators, ventilation systems, or silica hazard training—can be held liable for exposing workers to unsafe conditions.
• Contractors and Subcontractors: These parties may also be responsible if they oversee unsafe working environments or fail to enforce the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) and safety protocols.
• Safety Equipment Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective safety gear, such as faulty respirators, can also be held liable if the equipment fails to protect workers from silica dust exposure.

Our experienced attorneys at NGK Law Firm are skilled in identifying all potentially liable parties and fighting to hold them accountable for their negligence.

Compensation for Silicosis Victims

The damages you may be eligible to recover depend on the specifics of your case but can include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)
• Loss of companionship and financial support

We understand how devastating silicosis can be for both workers and their families. Our legal team will fight to recover the maximum compensation available to cover your losses and secure your future.

How Our Silicosis Attorneys Can Help

At NGK Law Firm, we have a proven track record of fighting for injured workers and their families. Here’s why you should choose us:

• Nationwide Reach: We handle silicosis cases across the country.
• Experienced Team: Our attorneys specialize in toxic exposure, defective product, and work injury cases.
• No Fees Unless We Win: We work on contingency, meaning there are no upfront fees and you only pay if we secure compensation for you.
• Personalized Attention: We provide one-on-one support throughout your case, ensuring you are informed and comfortable with the legal process.
• A Proven Track Record: We've taken on some of the nation’s largest corporations and secured substantial verdicts and settlements for our clients.

Contact Our Silicosis Lawyers for a Free Case Evaluation

If you have a potential claim involving silicosis or other health probels caused by exposure to countertop silica dust, NGK Law Firm can help. Our award-winning lawyers serve clients nationwide, offer FREE consultations, and collect no fee unless we win. 

To learn more about your rights and legal options, call (314) 350-1900 or complete an online contact form.