SILICOSIS LAWSUITS

Overview of Silicosis and Other Illnesses from Silica Exposure

Silicosis is an irreversible, progressive, and preventable lung disease caused by the inhalation of silica dust. Once the dust enters the lungs, the particles become embedded in lung tissue and cause inflammation and fibrosis (scarring).

Silicosis can develop and take on different forms:

• Chronic silicosis – occurs after long-term exposure
• Accelerated silicosis – develops within a few years of high exposure
• Acute silicosis – develops rapidly after extremely high exposure

In addition to silicosis, inhalation of silica is linked to several other serious and potentially fatal diseases, including:

• Lung cancer
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease or kidney failure
• Autoimmune diseases (such as rheumatoid arthritis and scleroderma)

These illnesses result from ongoing inflammation, immune system disruption, and organ damage caused by microscopic silica particles that remain lodged in the lungs.

What is Silicia?

Silica is a mineral found in common materials such as engineered stone, concrete, brick, granite, and sand. When these materials are cut, ground, polished, or otherwise manipulated, they release extremely fine dust particles invisible to the naked eye called respirable crystalline silica. If breathed in, these particles are small enough to enter a person’s deep lung tissue, become trapped, and cause inflammation, scarring, or other long-term and irreversible health damage.

Common Jobs with Exposure to Silica

Numerous occupations involve the use of silica-containing materials or the completion of tasks that generate respirable crystalline silica. High-risk industries include, but are not limited to:

• Engineered stone fabrication (cutting, grinding, and/or polishing crushed quartz countertops)
• Construction and demolition (concrete cutting, drilling, jackhammering, tuckpointing)
• Abrasive blasting/sandblasting
• Mining and/or quarrying
• Hydraulic fracturing (handling of fracking sand)
• Tunnel, highway, and/or subway construction
• Masonry and stone cutting (brick, block, pavers)
• Ceramics and pottery (mixing, grinding, sanding)
• Dental laboratories (molds, powders, grinding, polishing)

Many of these work environments can generate respirable crystalline silica dust levels that exceed occupational safety limits, especially in instances where proper engineering controls are not used or there is inadequate ventilation.

Engineered Stone

Engineered stone is a man-made material used widely for kitchen and bathroom countertops. In contrast to natural stone such as granite (20 to 45% silica content) or marble (less than 10% silica), engineered stone is comprised of crushed quartz bound together with polymer resin and may contain 90 to 95% silica.

Due to its extremely high silica content, cutting and shaping engineered stone releases large quantities of respirable silica dust. As documented by the CDC, NIOSH, and OSHA, this is the primary driver of accelerated silicosis cases among engineered stone workers. Accelerated silicosis progresses rapidly and is often fatal. Many affected workers require lung transplants, otherwise they will die within a few years of diagnosis.

Recoverable Damages

People who have been exposed to silica as part of their job may seek different kinds of damages. They may ask for money to cover their medical expenses. They also might want compensation for the emotional toll. On top of all this, many of the victims suffer lost wages, which may be recovered in the form of damages.

At Levy Konigsberg, we recognize how deeply the diagnosis of an occupational disease affects not just the individual but also the family. We are committed to winning justice for those harmed by exposure to silica. If you have been a victim of disease caused by silica exposure, or know someone who has, we urge you to get in touch with us. We will stand with you and work to return a semblance of normalcy for you. It is not too late to file a case. Call us today.

Why Choose Levy Konigsberg?

• Experience: With decades of experience in complex litigation, our attorneys are well-equipped to handle product liability lawsuits.

• Results: We have recovered billions of dollars on behalf of our clients in mass tort and product liability cases.

• Personalized Attention: Each case is unique, and we provide personalized legal strategies tailored to our clients’ needs.

There are time limits for filing claims, so don’t wait to seek legal advice.

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