Founding Partner
Workers in the quartz countertop fabrication industry are facing a severe and often fatal health crisis linked to prolonged exposure to silica dust. A growing number of fabricators, primarily Latino men, are developing silicosis, an irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling microscopic silica particles. The condition has already claimed at least ten lives, and others have required lung transplants. One study found more than 12% of workers who cut stone countertops developed silicosis. Public health experts are now concerned about the nearly 100,000 U.S. workers in this industry. California is now taking steps to impose stricter regulations to protect workers, as public health experts warn that the problem is widespread across the United States.
Silicosis is a progressive and incurable lung disease that occurs when silica dust embeds itself deep within lung tissue, causing scarring and reducing the ability to breathe. Natural stone materials like granite contain some silica, but engineered stone made from quartz has significantly higher levels, making it far more hazardous when cut or ground. Workers who inhale these particles over time suffer irreversible lung damage that can lead to respiratory failure and, in severe cases, death.
In California alone, at least 77 workers have been diagnosed with silicosis, and medical experts fear that many more cases remain undiagnosed. A new study published in JAMA Internal Medicine found that nearly all affected workers were Spanish-speaking immigrants from Mexico, El Salvador, and other Central American countries. The median age of those diagnosed was just 45, highlighting how quickly the disease can develop after prolonged exposure.
The early symptoms of silicosis, such as persistent coughing and shortness of breath, are often mistaken for other respiratory conditions like pneumonia or tuberculosis. Because of this, many workers do not receive a proper diagnosis until the disease has already caused significant lung damage. Some, like Ever Ramón, a countertop worker featured in a workplace safety video, were shocked to discover the extent of their lung deterioration. After 16 years in the industry, Ramón learned that his exposure to silica dust had permanently compromised his ability to breathe.
Federal regulations limit the amount of airborne silica that workers can be exposed to, and safety measures like wet-cutting techniques, proper ventilation, and respirators can reduce the risk. However, a 2019–2020 investigation by California safety officials found that nearly 72% of the 808 countertop fabrication shops in the state were failing to comply with these existing silica standards, leaving hundreds of workers at risk.
California’s Occupational Safety & Health Standards Board recently voted to expedite new regulations aimed at protecting workers from silica exposure. The board expects to propose an Emergency Temporary Standard within the next few months. Meanwhile, Los Angeles County officials are even considering an outright ban on engineered quartz countertops due to the dangers they pose to workers.
Although much of the attention has been focused on California, the problem is not confined to a single state. Cases of silicosis linked to quartz countertop fabrication have been identified in Texas, Colorado, Washington, and Florida. Occupational health experts believe that the number of cases nationwide is severely underreported, with many workers either unable to seek medical care due to their immigration status or misdiagnosed by doctors unfamiliar with the disease.
The impact of silica dust exposure on countertop fabricators is devastating. Many of these workers are young, in the prime of their lives, and unaware of the dangers until they experience serious health complications. Unlike some occupational illnesses that take decades to manifest, silicosis can develop within a few years of repeated exposure, making it especially dangerous for workers who have no idea they are breathing in hazardous particles.
Silica exposure can cause permanent lung scarring, which severely limits lung capacity and leads to chronic shortness of breath. Over time, this progresses to respiratory failure, requiring oxygen therapy or lung transplants for survival. Many affected workers find themselves unable to work, leaving them without income and struggling with medical bills. Because of the progressive nature of silicosis, even workers who leave the industry may continue to see their condition worsen over time.
Workers in this industry often lack adequate workplace protections. Despite existing federal limits on silica exposure, employers in the countertop fabrication business have repeatedly failed to comply with safety regulations, putting workers’ health at risk. Many of these workers do not receive adequate training on the dangers of silica dust, nor are they always provided with the proper protective equipment. This negligence has led to unnecessary suffering and deaths, raising serious legal questions about employer responsibility.
Workers suffering from silicosis due to exposure to quartz dust may have the right to file lawsuits against their employers, countertop manufacturers, and other responsible parties. Lawsuits can be based on claims of negligence, failure to warn, and defective product liability, depending on the circumstances of each case.
The legal process for a product liability or workplace injury claim typically begins with identifying the responsible parties. In many cases, this includes the employer for failing to provide a safe working environment, the manufacturer of the engineered quartz for not adequately warning about the risks, and potentially even equipment manufacturers if their tools contributed to excessive dust exposure.
After determining liability, attorneys gather evidence, which may include workplace safety records, medical reports, and expert testimony. This phase is critical, as proving that silica exposure directly caused a worker’s illness requires strong documentation. Once evidence has been collected, lawsuits are filed, and the discovery phase begins, where both sides exchange information and build their cases.
While many cases settle before trial, some may go to court, where a judge or jury determines whether the defendants are responsible for the injuries and what damages should be awarded.
Handling a workplace injury or product liability case alone is extremely difficult, especially for workers who are dealing with a life-threatening illness. An attorney can help build a strong case, ensuring that all responsible parties are held accountable.
Employers and manufacturers will often try to avoid responsibility by downplaying the risks or blaming the worker for their condition. Without legal representation, victims may struggle to obtain compensation for medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses. Lawyers with experience in occupational disease cases can present compelling evidence, negotiate fair settlements, and take cases to trial if necessary.
Workers with silicosis need a legal advocate who understands the complexities of workplace injury and product liability claims. Without experienced legal representation, they risk being left without the financial support needed for ongoing medical care and lost income.
Victims of silica exposure can seek compensation for a variety of damages, depending on the severity of their condition and the impact it has had on their lives. These damages may include:
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis due to quartz countertop fabrication work, legal action may help secure the compensation needed for medical care and financial stability. The national product injury law firm Parker Waichman LLP is committed to holding negligent companies accountable and protecting the rights of injured workers.
Contact us today by calling 800-968-7529 for a free consultation and find out how our legal team can help you pursue justice. Regardless of your location or where your injury occurred, our national product injury law firm is ready to assist you.
Parker Waichman LLP
Our law firm is ready to represent you in your injury case. We’ve helped many New York residents as well as those needing help nationwide. Contact our team for a free case consultation today.
I had a great experience with them , everyone was very helpful and sweet.
Michelle Murphy
4 months ago
Zarahi was very professional and very Quick and very knowledgeable i realy appreciated her patience and perseverance she Deserves 100 stars 🌟 but since i can only send 5 i Guess i will just have to send that truly yours Rashine Downs
Kush Three
6 months ago
VERY NICE WORK PLACE THEY HAVE BEEN GOOD TO MY MOM
Whitney Brinson
5 years ago
They treated me with tender love and care
Terrell Weaver
2 months ago
Wonderful people. They made the whole process if dealing with a gov’t agency so easy. Special compliments to Gina Viti
Michael Ross
2 months ago
I’m a 9/11 first responder, and I can honestly say that Parker Waichman made me feel like they had my best interest in my VCF case. Ms Candalino & Ms Viti are top notch in my book. I was constantly informed on the status of my case. I would definitely recommend Parker Waichman LLP to family and friends.
D D
6 years ago
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard, Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
We handle mass torts cases nationwide. Please contact our office to learn more.