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A major development has emerged for workers in the artificial stone countertop fabrication industry: Brayton Purcell LLP has secured two landmark outcomes, bringing total awards and settlements to more than $78 million for individuals suffering from fatal accelerated silicosis. (PR Newswire)
In the first and only verdict of its kind in the U.S. for an artificial stone silicosis case, Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez v. Caesarstone USA, Inc., et al., a jury assessed in excess of $52 million in damages in August 2024. (PR Newswire) In another case, an anonymous plaintiff received more than $26 million in settlements while proceeding to trial, after years of working in artificial stone countertop fabrication and developing accelerated complicated silicosis and pulmonary massive fibrosis. (PR Newswire)
The press release explains that artificial stone slabs contain up to 95% crystalline silica, far higher than natural stone alternatives. (PR Newswire) The inhalation of respirable silica dust from cutting, polishing and grinding these slabs allegedly leads to accelerated silicosis—an incurable, rapidly-progressing and fatal lung disease. The release states there is “no safe way to fabricate artificial stone” because even methods like wet cutting and respirators fail to eliminate the hazardous exposures. (PR Newswire)
Brayton Purcell LLP represents over 350 workers diagnosed with silicosis from artificial stone fabrication and notes that hundreds more cases are pending. (PR Newswire) The firm underscores that these verdicts and settlements send a powerful message: manufacturers and distributors of artificial stone must face accountability for allegedly putting workers’ lives at risk.
As the industry faces mounting legal exposure, the takeaway for manufacturer and supplier liability and occupational disease advocacy is clear: the high-silica content of artificial stone plus the conditions of fabrication creates a lethal combination, and the recent multimillion-dollar outcomes reflect that reality.
Read the full press release from Brayton Purcell LLP here.
If you or someone you know worked in artificial stone fabrication and developed respiratory symptoms, the team at Brayton Purcell LLP stands ready to evaluate your legal options.