Silicosis Lawsuits | Engineered Stone | Countertop Fabrication
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, or required a lung transplant after working with granite or engineered stone, call Cronauer Law today at 815-895-8585
Contact Cronauer Law: 815-895-8585
You may be entitled to compensation.
What Is Silica and Why Is It Dangerous?
Silica is a naturally occurring mineral found in granite, marble, quartz, and engineered stone countertops. These materials are sold in bulk slabs and then cut, ground, and polished by fabrication shops for residential and commercial installations.
When these slabs are cut and polished, microscopic silica dust becomes airborne.
Workers inhale it.
And over time, that dust hardens the lungs.
Unlike normal dust, silica particles are sharp and microscopic. Once inhaled, they become embedded deep in lung tissue. The body cannot remove them.
The result is silicosis — a progressive, irreversible lung disease.
Very similar to asbestos exposure causing asbestosis, silica exposure causes fibrosis of the lungs.
And fibrosis is not minor.
It is serious.
It is permanent.
And it can be fatal.
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a form of pulmonary fibrosis — meaning the lungs become scarred and hardened.
As scar tissue builds:
- Breathing becomes difficult
- Oxygen levels drop
- Chronic coughing develops
- Workers experience fatigue and chest pain
- Lung infections become more common
- In severe cases, respiratory failure occurs
Over time, the lungs become so stiff that they can no longer expand properly.
Some workers ultimately require double lung transplants.
We represent individuals who have faced exactly that reality.
Why Countertop Fabrication Shops Are High Risk
Engineered stone often contains extremely high concentrations of crystalline silica — sometimes more than 90%.
During:
- Cutting
- Grinding
- Sanding
- Polishing
- Dry fabrication
Silica dust becomes airborne in dangerous quantities.
Smaller fabrication shops frequently:
- Lack proper ventilation systems
- Do not use adequate water suppression
- Fail to provide appropriate respirators
- Do not warn workers of long-term health risks
Meanwhile, manufacturers sell these slabs in bulk knowing they require fabrication that releases respirable silica dust.
Workers pay the price.
How This Is Similar to Asbestos
Many people are familiar with asbestos litigation.
The comparison is important:
| Asbestos | Silica |
|---|---|
| Inhaled fibers | Inhaled silica particles |
| Causes lung fibrosis (asbestosis) | Causes lung fibrosis (silicosis) |
| Progressive and irreversible | Progressive and irreversible |
| Often fatal | Often fatal |
History shows what happens when industries ignore known respiratory hazards.
We are seeing the same pattern with engineered stone and silica exposure.
Who May Have a Claim?
You may qualify for a case if you:
- Worked in a stone fabrication shop
- Cut, ground, or polished granite or engineered stone
- Were exposed to silica dust over time
- Have been diagnosed with silicosis or pulmonary fibrosis
- Required oxygen therapy or lung transplant
- Lost a loved one due to silica-related lung disease
Even if your exposure happened years ago, you may still have legal options.
The Consequences Are Life-Changing
Silicosis is not just a diagnosis.
It can mean:
- Permanent breathing limitations
- Inability to continue working
- Lifelong medical care
- Transplant surgery
- Emotional and financial strain on families
This is not a temporary injury.
This is a lifetime condition.
And manufacturers and suppliers who profited from these materials should be held accountable.
Legal Options for Silicosis Victims
Victims of silica exposure may pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Long-term disability
- Wrongful death damages
Product manufacturers, distributors, and potentially negligent employers may be legally responsible.
These cases are complex and often involve corporate defendants with significant resources.
You need a firm prepared to stand up to them.
Get a Free Confidential Case Review
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis after working with granite, quartz, or engineered stone:
📞 Call Cronauer Law today: 815-895-8585
Or complete the free consultation form below.
There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you.
Silicosis is preventable.
Lung fibrosis is not.
If companies put profits over worker safety, they must be held accountable.