Silicosis Lawsuit

There currently is no multidistrict litigation established for silicosis lawsuits. Cases are in their early stages and no settlements have been announced.

Those diagnosed with silicosis from their exposure to silica dust during employment may receive financial compensation from a silicosis lawsuit. Occupational exposure to silica dust particles from construction materials and stones such as quartz and granite is the leading cause of silicosis.

Global Silicosis Lawsuits

Exposure to silica dust isn’t just a concern in the United States. Countries all over the world are facing rising cases of silicosis, with many of those diagnosed seeking justice from their legal systems.

Lawsuits are being filed against manufacturers that provided unsafe working conditions that led to workers developing this serious lung disease.

Given the impact of the disease and the close link to working conditions, there are several nations looking into restrictions on the use of materials that produce silica dust. Australia leads the way with the most comprehensive changes as it seeks a total ban on engineered stone products.

Silicosis lawsuits are a way for individuals to recover compensation and damages from parties responsible for their exposure to silica dust. While there are a number of symptoms and responses to prolonged inhalation of silica dust, the primary illnesses and complications at the root of many lawsuits include:

There is no cure for silicosis. The latency period, which is the time between exposure and first symptoms, ranges from a few years to decades.

Since exposure to silica dust is preventable, individuals required to work in unsafe conditions where inhalation is likely are not responsible for their exposure. Employers have a duty to implement prevention measures or work with safer materials. Liability for the resulting health complications rests with these employers.

Unfortunately, many workers are unaware of the dangers they face in their workplaces, especially if organizations are not forthcoming about the environmental health conditions. There is an increase in the number of marginalized workers receiving a diagnosis of silicosis. Latino men make up a large population of those affected.

The most common exposure to crystalline silica comes from quartz, naturally found in several forms of rock or in the Earth’s surface. Whenever cutting, drilling, sanding, grinding, demolishing or mixing materials containing silica, workers can experience exposure to airborne particles. Smaller particles get inhaled deep into the lungs and lodge in the lung tissue.

The smaller the particles, the greater the risk for silica damage. Cutting and polishing quartz countertops creates an environment where there is a high probability of exposure. While there has long been a movement to eliminate silicosis as a health concern through prevention and awareness, there are still changes that need to occur.

Silica Standards and Regulations

In June 2023, the United States Department of Labor announced a proposal by the Mine Safety and Health Administration to change the federal standards for exposure to respirable crystalline silica to improve protection levels. The changes will lower the accepted exposure limits.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration is just one of the governing bodies within the United States putting in place safety measures for workers. An acceptable level for respirable crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air in an eight-hour, time-weighted average, according to OSHA. Actionable levels are 25 micrograms over an eight-hour day.

In addition to monitoring the air quality for workers, personal protective equipment and countermeasures are also necessary. These can include respirators, dust controls, ventilation, water-suppression systems for dust, etc. Medical surveillance is another important element in preventing unnecessary silicosis.

It is important for workers who experienced exposure to silica dust during their employment to reach out to an attorney for guidance. Those who received a silicosis diagnosis within the last five years or who worked around or faced exposure to silica could have a case. A diagnosis of one of the following medical conditions can also play a role:

The complex nature of litigation and silicosis claims needs experienced legal counsel to navigate. Speak to a lawyer to determine the strength of your legal case and options for a silicosis lawsuit settlement.

If you received a diagnosis of silicosis and feel your employer is to blame, talk to a lawyer. An attorney can determine your eligibility for a claim, select the defendants and build evidence to support your claim. 

Silicosis lawsuit settlements can provide compensation and damages for lost wages, medical expenses and more. If you lost a loved one to silicosis, an attorney can help with a wrongful death lawsuit.