Did you know that you may be eligible for compensation from a silicosis lawsuit if you have suffered harm from exposure to silica dust? Today, stone manufacturers and suppliers are facing silicosis lawsuits for failing to create safe working conditions, effectively putting their employees at risk of developing lung diseases.
While it may look harmless, silica dust can have devastating and irreversible health effects when it enters your lungs. Tiny dust particles can become lodged in lung tissue, accumulating over time. It can cause inflammation and scarring, leading to silicosis and other dangerous diseases.
Before taking legal action as a victim, take time to learn a few things about this terminal lung disease and the associated lawsuits. It will assist you in making informed decisions and taking appropriate measures to safeguard your legal entitlements.
Here’s everything you need to know.
Workers at Risk of Silica Exposure
Certain workers are at an increased risk of silica exposure. Work activities that involve handling or being around quartz, bitumen, grout, mortar, cement, sand, brick, granite, or engineered stone products may increase your chances of getting silicosis.
Quartz surfacing materials may contain up to 93 percent crystalline silica. As such, exposure to stones like quartz may cause you to inhale unsafe levels of the dust particles linked to silicosis.
The likelihood of developing lung disease depends on factors such as the amount of silica dust you encounter and the duration of your exposure to it.
According to the American Lung Association, over two million workers in the U.S. are at risk for silica exposure. People at high risk of exposure to silica dust are those who work in:
- Demolition
- Cement manufacturing
- Masonry
- Drilling concrete
- Quarrying and mining
- Sandblasting
- Construction
- Ceramics production and pottery
- Worktop manufacturing and cutting
Silicosis Lawsuit Updates
For years, health experts have deemed occupational silica dust exposure hazardous. Employees have filed numerous lawsuits against manufacturers and suppliers for injuries related to silicosis. Additionally, there have been efforts to change the landscape of silica dust exposure in the workplace.
Status of Silicosis Lawsuits
- November 2023: Workers who have developed silicosis and other illnesses from workplace exposure continue to file lawsuits against their employers.
- September 2023: The United States Department of Labor announced an enforcement compliance initiative to protect workers from silica hazards.
- July 2023: A study released by the American Medical Association examined occupational silica exposure and the associated dangers among 52 workers.
Global Silicosis Lawsuits
Exposure to airborne silica dust is a concern in many countries. In recent years, there have been rising cases of silicosis and an increase in related lawsuits.
- May 2023: Silicosis fears prompted the Australian Workers’ Union to sue building company John Holland for safety breach and barring the union from investigating concerns over silica dust levels on job sites.
- February 2023: Spanish kitchen worktop manufacturer Cosentino admitted negligence over silicosis in 1900 workers. After reaching a plea bargain with the court, the business owner received a six-month suspended prison sentence.
- February 2023: South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal dismissed an appeal by gold mining companies DRDGold and East Rand Proprietary Mines in a ruling that allowed the class-action suit brought by miners with silicosis to proceed.
- March 2021: The first seven claimants in a class-action suit against gold producers in South Africa received compensation after a court had approved the settlement in 2019.
- July 2019: A High Court in South Africa has granted final approval for a class action settlement, ordering the payment of $332 million (5 billion Rand) to mine workers who contracted silicosis.
Who Is Eligible to File Silicosis Lawsuits?
If you are suffering from silicosis, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the party responsible for your exposure. You can file a silicosis lawsuit if you were regularly exposed to silica during employment and later developed a disease linked to silica dust exposure. However, this will depend on how and where the exposure occurred.
A diagnosis of diseases that could develop from silica exposure can also play a role in determining if you have a case. The medical conditions include:
- Lung cancer
- Pulmonary tuberculosis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Histoplasmosis
- Chronic bronchitis
Silicosis is a progressive disease that may take as long as 10 to 30 years after first exposure to develop. Proving the cause of your illness can be challenging. When pursuing a compensation claim, a lawyer employs pertinent evidence to construct a compelling case to attain the most favorable outcome.
Filing a Silicosis Lawsuit
Silicosis can impede your ability to work, afford the associated medical bills, and enjoy life. Fortunately, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your losses.
Although each case is unique, the following steps outline the process for filing silicosis lawsuits:
- Contact a lawyer to assess your eligibility to pursue legal action.
- Choose the defendants, establish facts, and gather good evidence to help you build a strong case. Crucial evidence includes your medical records, work history, witness statements, and financial records.
- File your lawsuit within the statute of limitations
- Negotiate a settlement with the defendant
- If you are unable to settle, present your case in a court trial
Once you suspect you developed a disease from silica exposure, file a lawsuit as soon as possible. In many states, you only have a year from the date you discovered your injury to file a claim.
The Benefits of Hiring One of Our Lawyers
Having a good lawyer on your side will contribute to a smooth process and also help you win your claim. Here’s why you should work with one of our lawyers.
- Financial compensation: We offer competent legal representation to help you receive the financial compensation you deserve
- Legal expertise: We will assist you in navigating the legal process and ensure we handle your case.
- No upfront cost: We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you will only pay a percentage of your settlement if and when you win your case.
If you file a lawsuit, contact one of our California silicosis lawyers or call us at (800) 718-4685.
Average Silicosis Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Silicosis exposure cases are still in their early stages. Therefore, it’s difficult to determine the average settlement value for silicosis lawsuits.
Potential silicosis settlement amounts will vary based on factors such as:
- The severity of the injuries sustained
- Medical and other related expenses you have had to pay
- How long were you exposed to silica dust?
- Pain and suffering experienced
- Your current and future care and support needs
- Current and future loss of earnings
The quality of your legal team could also greatly impact your financial compensation. Trust that Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers has the experience and expertise to maximize your settlement.
Silicosis Symptoms
The symptoms of silicosis usually take many years to develop and may appear after exposure has ceased. Recognizing the symptoms of the lung disease will enable you to seek treatment and identify the cause so you can seek legal redress.
Generally, symptoms will depend on the stage and severity of the disease. Common symptoms include:
- A persistent cough
- Shortness of breath and difficulty breathing
- Coughing that brings up sputum
- Chest pain
- Wheezing
- Tiredness and weakness
- Night sweats
- Leg swelling
- Discoloration of the lips
How to Treat Silicosis
Unfortunately, there is no cure for silicosis. The focus of treatment is on managing symptoms and slowing the progression of the disease. During treatment, patients need to avoid further exposure to silica and other irritants like cigarette smoke.
Once your doctor has determined the extent of lung damage, they will recommend a suitable treatment plan. Treatment options include:
- Cough medicine
- Using a bronchodilator
- Supplemental oxygen
- Pulmonary rehabilitation
- In severe cases, a lung transplant may be necessary
Silicosis Lawsuit Updates
November 6, 2024 Update
A new report by the BBC has referred to silica dust as the "new asbestos."
The report details the deaths of two stoneworkers in the UK from silicosis.
One of the men began work in 1997 as a stone dresser, using hand and power tools to create paving slabs out of quarried stone. The man saw good health prior to suffering breathing problems in 2017, dying in 2021.
His family had to watch him "slowly decline for nearly four years" and felt "helpless," according to the report.
The other man, in 2013, ended up with a persistent cough, then collapsed while at work in 2017, never to return to work. The man received a diagnosis in 2018, despite being "fit and active" prior to the diagnosis, and died only 14 months later.
The report refers to silica dust as "the single biggest risk to construction workers" aside from asbestos.
According to the report, those with the highest risk of developing the disease are those who have inhaled a lot of silica dust.
October 30, 2024 Update
A lawsuit filed by a California man on October 22 in California alleges that numerous quartz countertop distributors and manufacturers failed to sufficiently warn about the risks of inhaling silica dust while installing, fabricating or cutting engineered stone products.
The lawsuit alleges that the man developed silicosis and additional lung injuries including pulmonary fibrosis after he inhaled silica dust which was released by quartz countertops while he worked cutting stone.
The man allegedly worked as an installer, fabricator and cutter of engineered stone products from 1992 through 2021, routinely engaging in the tasks of polishing, drilling, grinding and cutting stone materials for the purpose of creating countertops for commercial buildings and residential homes.
The lawsuit alleges the man developed silicosis, pulmonary nodules, pulmonary fibrosis, progressive massive fibrosis and additional forms of lung damage requiring numerous medical treatments.
The lawsuit claims these conditions have increased his risk of ending up with additional diseases like lung cancer, systemic sclerosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, rheumatoid arthritis and chronic kidney disease.
FAQs
What Causes Silicosis?
Breathing in large amounts of silica dust, typically over a long period, causes this lung disease. Silica is a common mineral in clay, sand, rock, and stone.
Which Companies Face Lawsuits for Silicosis?
Several stone countertop manufacturers and suppliers are facing silicosis lawsuits. They include Caesarstone USA Inc., Cambria USA, Colorquartz USA Inc., and Cosentino Group.
What Diseases Are Caused by Silica Dust?
Silica exposure can cause a wide range of diseases. Breathing in silica dust can lead to the development of silicosis, lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney disease, and tuberculosis.
How Much Do Silicosis Attorneys Cost?
You will not pay any legal fees unless you receive financial compensation. We at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers are contingency fee lawyers, meaning you pay no money upfront for our legal help. You’ll only pay a portion of your settlement if we win your case.
Contact A Silicosis Attorney Today
Silicosis lawsuits take the form of class action or mass tort filings. To increase your chances of getting a favorable outcome, contact a lawyer with expertise in legal claims related to silica dust exposure. The expert will explain your legal options, help you navigate the complex legal processes, and successfully pursue a silica exposure lawsuit.
If you or your loved one has received a diagnosis of a silica exposure-related illness, you may be eligible for financial compensation in a silicosis lawsuit. The silicosis attorneys at Nadrich Accident Injury Lawyers have a wealth of experience representing silica dust victims and will fight for justice on your behalf. Contact our lawyers for a free case evaluation today.
