National Silicosis Lawsuit Attorneys

Legal Options for Workers Diagnosed With Silicosis From Silica Dust Exposure Nationwide

Silicosis is a serious and incurable lung disease caused by inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust. Workers across construction, stone fabrication, mining, and manufacturing industries are now being diagnosed at alarming rates—often years after exposure.

As diagnoses increase, silicosis lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers and employers accused of failing to warn workers or provide adequate safety protections.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, you may have legal options.

What Is Silicosis?

Silicosis is a progressive lung disease linked to repeated inhalation of crystalline silica particles, which are small enough to penetrate deep into the lungs. Over time, these particles cause inflammation, scarring, and irreversible lung damage.

Once diagnosed, silicosis cannot be cured. Treatment focuses on symptom management and slowing disease progression.

Common Early Symptoms of Silicosis

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Chest tightness or pain
• Fatigue
• Lung inflammation and tissue scarring

Symptoms may worsen over time and can eventually require oxygen therapy or lung transplantation.

Causes of Silicosis and Silica Dust Exposure

Silica exists in two forms:

• Crystalline silica
• Non-crystalline (amorphous) silica

The most dangerous form is respirable crystalline silica (RCS)—fine dust particles released when materials containing silica are:

• Cut
• Ground
• Drilled
• Sanded
• Demolished

Construction materials, engineered stone, quartz countertops, ceramics, and mining byproducts commonly contain high levels of crystalline silica.

While the lungs can expel small amounts of silica, heavy or prolonged exposure overwhelms the body’s defenses, allowing particles to accumulate and permanently damage lung tissue.

If you suspect a silica-related illness, consult a qualified medical provider immediately.

Types of Silicosis

There are three medically recognized forms of silicosis:

Acute Silicosis

• Develops within weeks or months
• Caused by extremely high exposure
• Can result in fluid buildup in the lungs
• May be fatal

Accelerated Silicosis

• Develops within several years
• Associated with heavy, repeated exposure
• Progresses faster than chronic silicosis

Chronic Silicosis

• Develops after 10+ years of low-level exposure
• Most common form
• Symptoms worsen gradually over time

Who Is Being Diagnosed With Silicosis?

Artificial stone workers and countertop fabricators are among the highest-risk groups.

According to the California Department of Public Health:

• More than 1,000 countertop fabrication workers worldwide have been diagnosed since 2010
• Over 70 cases identified in California since 2019
• At least 10 workers—many in their 30s and 40s—have died

Engineered stone products often contain significantly higher concentrations of crystalline silica than natural stone, a fact confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

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Why Are People Filing Silicosis Lawsuits?

Workers are filing silicosis lawsuits alleging that:

• Engineered stone manufacturers failed to warn about silica dangers
• Employers failed to provide adequate protective equipment
• Dust control and ventilation measures were insufficient
• Exposure risks were known but ignored

These claims focus on product liability, negligence, and failure to warn.

Who May Be Eligible to File a Silicosis Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a silicosis lawsuit if:

• You have been diagnosed with silicosis
• You were exposed to crystalline silica at work
• Your exposure involved silica-containing products or materials

Industries commonly linked to silica exposure include:

• Stone countertop fabrication
• Construction and demolition
• Mining and quarrying
• Masonry and concrete work
• Ceramics and pottery
• Sandblasting
• Glassmaking
• Metalworking

A silicosis lawsuit attorney can review your work history, medical records, and exposure timeline to determine eligibility.

Silicosis Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

There is no standard settlement amount for silicosis lawsuits. Compensation depends on:

• Severity of the disease
• Length and intensity of exposure
• Medical costs and future care needs
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life

Notable Silicosis Verdicts and Settlements

• 2024: A California jury awarded $52.4 million to a 34-year-old worker who required a lung transplant
• 2018: South African gold miners reached a historic $360+ million settlement, with payouts based on disease severity

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Silicosis Lawsuits

Can you sue for silicosis?

Yes. Workers diagnosed with silicosis due to workplace silica exposure may seek compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Punitive damages (in certain cases)

Is there a silicosis class action lawsuit?

Currently, there is no nationwide silicosis class action. Most cases are filed individually. However, if litigation continues to expand, courts may consider mass tort consolidation or MDL proceedings.

Speak With a Silicosis Lawsuit Attorney

Silicosis cases are complex and require careful investigation of:

• Exposure sources
• Product composition
• Employer safety practices
• Medical causation

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, a qualified attorney can help you understand your legal options and whether compensation may be available.

Contact us for a confidential case evaluation.