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July 31, 2026
A Santa Monica, California jury has assessed more than $47 million in damages to the family of Wilmer Ruben Martinez Paredes, a countertop fabrication worker who developed artificial stone silicosis, artificial stone-caused rheumatoid arthritis, and artificial stone-caused autoimmune disease before his death at age 41. The verdict was returned on August 3, 2026, against Dal-Tile Distribution, LLC and Dal-Tile, LLC.
The case was brought by Evelin Liseth Gonzalez Rodriguez, individually and as successor-in-interest of her deceased husband, and on behalf of the couple's children. Jurors assessed $2,035,380 in economic damages and $45 million in non-economic damages, resulting in a total verdict of $47,035,380.
The verdict represents an important development in the growing body of litigation involving workers diagnosed with severe silica-related diseases after fabricating artificial stone countertops.
Jury Finds Dal-Tile Liable
Jurors found both Dal-Tile Distribution, LLC and Dal-Tile, LLC liable for negligence, product liability design defect under both the consumer expectation and risk-benefit tests, and failure to warn. The jury also rejected several affirmative defenses advanced by the defendants.
According to the verdict, Dal-Tile Distribution, LLC and Dal-Tile, LLC were each assigned 3% fault for the injuries suffered by Wilmer Ruben Martinez Paredes. Jurors found that he bore no responsibility for his illness. Resolved defendants Architectural Surfaces Group, Caesarstone USA, Inc./Caesarstone Ltd., Cambria Company LLC, and Cosentino (C&C North) were each found to be 6% at fault.
The case highlights the principle that multiple parties within a product's chain of distribution may bear responsibility when a defective product contributes to injury or death.
Why This Verdict Matters
The Martinez Paredes verdict is significant because it is one of a growing number of artificial stone silicosis cases reaching juries in the United States. The jury determined that artificial stone slabs containing high concentrations of crystalline silica, combined with highly toxic metals, dyes, glues and resins, constituted a defective product that could not be safely fabricated under real-world working conditions.
Artificial stone is composed of at least 90% crystalline silica. The remaining approximate 10% consists of other toxins and carcinogens such as resins, pigments, glues, and heavy metals. During fabrication, artificial stone releases nano-sized silica particles that penetrate deep into the lungs, regardless of engineering controls and PPE put in place.
Medical researchers and occupational health professionals have increasingly focused on high- silica content artificial stone because workers have developed severe and often rapidly progressing diseases after relatively short exposure periods. Those diseases include silicosis, autoimmune diseases, rheumatoid arthritis, chronic kidney disease, and lung cancer.
One of Several Artificial Stone Silicosis Trials
The Martinez Paredes case was the fourth artificial stone silicosis trial conducted in the United States and the third verdict returned in favor of plaintiffs.
The trial comes amid increasing scientific, regulatory, and legal attention on the dangers associated with crystalline silica artificial stone products. During trial, evidence was presented that Dal-Tile began distributing crystalline silica artificial stone in 2006 and did not place warning labels on the products until 2023. Evidence also showed that the company introduced an alternative product known as Purevana in 2025 while continuing to sell its OneQuartz product.
As additional cases move through courts nationwide, verdicts such as this one continue to shape discussions regarding product design, warnings, banning of the material, and accountability within the artificial stone manufacturing and distribution industry.
Brayton Purcell LLP Trial Team
The Martinez Paredes family was represented by James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, and Liliana Carbone, associate at Brayton Purcell LLP.
"We are grateful to the jury for understanding that the global medical consensus is that crystalline silica artificial stone is a 'uniquely toxic' defective product, and that all entities in the chain of distribution are liable for the devastating consequences on young workers and their families," said James Nevin.
“Dal-Tile spent the whole trial kicking and fighting, refusing to accept their share of accountability,” said Ms. Carbone. “We were proud to represent the Martinez Paredes family, to find them some small measure of justice for the loss of their husband and father.”
“Once again, we hope this verdict sends a clear message,” stated Nevin. “As the American Thoracic Society, Cal-OSHA, and global health authorities have already determined, crystalline silica artificial stone must be banned before this epidemic of artificial stone silicosis will abate.”
The case involved extensive testimony from professionals in industrial hygiene, occupational medicine, pulmonology, epidemiology, lung transplantation, and economics.
Looking Ahead
The Martinez Paredes verdict is expected to be one of many cases involving workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis and related diseases. As more claims proceed toward trial, courts and juries will continue to evaluate evidence concerning the health effects associated with artificial stone fabrication and the responsibilities of companies involved in the manufacture and distribution of these products.
For workers and families impacted by artificial stone-related disease, the verdict underscores the importance of understanding the medical, scientific, and legal issues surrounding respirable crystalline silica exposure.
Learn More About Artificial Stone Silicosis Claims
Individuals diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis or other illness related to the fabrication of artificial stone slabs or families who have lost a loved one to artificial stone silica-related disease may wish to learn more about the legal issues involved in these cases.
Brayton Purcell LLP represents workers and families affected by artificial stone silica exposure. To discuss your situation with an experienced attorney, contact Brayton Purcell LLP for a confidential consultation.