December 17, 2024 — Earlier this year, a jury in Los Angeles awarded $52.4 million to a man who developed a severe lung disease called silicosis after cutting engineered stone countertops.
The verdict was awarded in a silicosis lawsuit that was filed in California by Gustavo Gonzalez, a 34-year-old man who breathed silica dust while cutting engineered-stone slabs (also known as “quartz countertops”) made by Caesarstone, Cambria, and other companies.
He told reporters: “I’m hoping that other workers won’t have to face the same illness and possible death.”
He was diagnosed with silicosis, a severe and incurable lung disease, and required a double lung transplant.
The lawsuit blames his silicosis on years of breathing silica dust at a shop in California while cutting engineered stone countertops, which have boomed in popularity for kitchens and bathrooms in recent years.
Engineered stone slabs can contain over 90% crystalline silica, which is significantly higher than natural stones, such as granite or marble. Cutting these slabs poses a health hazard for workers who breathe silica dust.
The defendants include Caesarstone USA, Cambria, and Color Marble, which were all found to be partially liable for his lung injuries by a jury in Los Angeles.
Lawyers for Gonzalez argued that the companies failed to provide his employers with adequate warnings about the dangers of breathing silica dust (which may be invisible in the air) for employees who are working with engineered-stone slabs.
The trial was closely watched because it was the first case to go to trial, testing whether juries would agree that companies like Caesarstone could be held liable for silicosis injuries among workers.
Do I Have a Silicosis Lawsuit?
The Schmidt Firm, PLLC is currently accepting silicosis induced injury cases in all 50 states. If you or somebody you know was diagnosed with silicosis after cutting engineered stone countertops (also known as “quartz countertops”), you should contact our lawyers immediately for a free case consultation. Please use the form below to contact our Disease Litigation Group or call toll free 24 hours a day at (866) 920-0753.
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