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.
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:
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.
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:
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.
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 314-241-1919 or contact us online for a FREE consultation.
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:
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.
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.
You may have grounds to file a lawsuit if you:
Family members of workers who died from silicosis may also be able to file wrongful death claims.
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:
Our experienced attorneys at NGK Law Firm are skilled in identifying all potentially liable parties and fighting to hold them accountable for their negligence.
The damages you may be eligible to recover depend on the specifics of your case but can include:
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.
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:
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 314-241-1919 or complete an online contact form.
Our attorneys have handled thousands of cases and can bring that experience to bear throughout your case.
We have successfully recovered over $700 million for our clients.
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Our team is available 24/7 to address your concerns and provide support.
Trust us to get you through the frustrating process of seeking compensation with empathy, respect, and dedication.
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