Silicosis Lawsuit: Silica Exposure Lawyers
Millions of U.S. workers are at risk of exposure to silica dust on the job. If you developed silicosis from exposure to silica dust, contact the silicosis lawyers from The Lanier Law Firm for a free consultation.
Legally Reviewed By: Manny Cabrera
Senior Attorney | Asbestos Litigation
- Page Last Updated:
- August 25, 2025
Legally Reviewed By: Darron Berquist
Managing Attorney | Asbestos Litigation
- Page Last Updated:
- August 25, 2025
Why Choose The Lanier Law Firm’s Silicosis Attorneys?
Which Occupations Are at Risk of Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure?
What Silicosis Compensation Is Available for Workers Exposed to RCS?
Who Can File a Silicosis Lawsuit and What Do You Need To Prove?
How Long Do You Have To File a Silicosis Claim?
How the Lanier Law Firm Handles Every Step of Your Silicosis Lawsuit
Why Choose The Lanier Law Firm’s Silicosis Attorneys?
Here are the key reasons why our firm stands out as a trusted choice for legal representation in silicosis cases, highlight our commitment to delivering exceptional legal service and achieving the best outcomes for silicosis victims.
Be Represented by an Award-Winning Law Firm With Decades of Experience
With over three decades of experience, our award-winning firm has built a nationwide reputation for successful representation, securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients.
We Provide High-Quality Legal Care for Silicosis Victims
We pride ourselves on the high-quality legal care we offer clients. We provide serious and sound legal representation and are committed to giving our clients individualized attention, ensuring their needs are met.
No Upfront Fees to Pursue Your Silicosis Claim
We don’t charge any upfront fees, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win your silicosis case. We invest significant resources into fighting for your rights with no obligation from you.
Our Experienced and Trial-Ready Silicosis Attorneys
Our attorneys bring vast trial experience to the table and are fully prepared to take your silicosis case to court if necessary, ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Managing Attorney Darron E. Berquist has a strong track record in asbestos exposure litigation and toxic exposure cases, helping us win billions of dollars in verdicts against negligent companies. Darron was recently recognized by Best Lawyers in Mass Tort Litigation and Class Actions, Plaintiffs (2024-2025).
Senior Attorney Manny Cabrera has extensive experience in toxic exposure cases and asbestos litigation. He was recently named in the 2025 Lawdragon 500 X – The Next Generation guide, for Asbestos Exposure, Plaintiff Personal Injury, and Class Actions. Manny is bilingual and provides legal representation and support in Spanish for those who may have been exposed to silica dust and toxic substances on the job.
The Lanier Law Firm’s Results: Verdicts and Settlements
Our firm has extensive experience in environmental contamination and toxic torts, holding companies accountable for product liability and getting justice for our clients. We have a proven track record of securing extraordinary results. Some of our notable case results include the following:
for a man with two years’ worth of joint compound exposure
verdict on behalf of an Illinois laborer
settlement for the family of a deceased construction worker
settlement in Texas on behalf of an industrial worker’s family
What Is Silicosis?
Silicosis is a type of pulmonary fibrosis that causes scarring of the lungs and is usually traced back to occupational exposure to silica dust. This disease can develop slowly, but it is incurable and can be fatal within years of diagnosis in severe cases.
Silicosis can also increase your risk of developing other diseases, such as lung cancer and tuberculosis, according to the American Lung Association.
What Are the Types of Silicosis?
Silicosis can be chronic, accelerated, or acute, depending on the severity of silica dust exposure and whether it occurred over a short or long period.
While heavy short-term exposure can prompt symptoms within weeks, it can take years for symptoms of chronic silicosis to develop.
Which Occupations Are at Risk of Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure?
High-risk occupations include mining, artificial stone fabricators, construction, metal casting, ceramics manufacturing, sandblasting, and fracking. Roughly 2.3 million U.S. workers encounter crystalline silica in the workplace. Crystalline silica is a common mineral found in sand, quartz, and other rocks, can become an inhalation hazard when disturbed.
Silica Dust Exposure in Artificial Stone Fabricators
Artificial stone fabricators and those who work with stone countertops are among the people with the highest risk of silica dust exposure, as the materials they work with often contain significantly more crystalline silica. In fact, artificial stone may contain over 90% crystalline silica, compared to granite, which contains less than 45%.
Silicosis that develops from artificial stone dust is usually diagnosed after seven to 19 years of exposure, and most often occurs in relatively young individuals from marginalized communities. Artificial stone silicosis tends to be accelerated and severe, typically precipitating lung transplants or death.
Artificial Stone Fabricators
Mining
Construction Workers
Foundry Workers and Metal Casters
Ceramics Manufacturing Workers
Sandblasting
Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking Workers
Which Artificial Stone Manufacturers and Suppliers May Have Exposed Workers to Crystalline Silica?
The following are some of the many artificial stone brands, manufacturers, and suppliers who potentially exposed their workers to respirable crystalline silica:
- Consentino: Silestone and Dekton
- Cambria
- Caesarstone
- Vicostone
- Q Quartz
- Totem Quartz
- Gulfstone
- Hanstone Quartz
- LG Viatera
- Pental Quartz
The artifical stone from these brands can contain up to 93% silica.
Which Laws and Regulations Seek To Mitigate Worker Exposure to Silica Dust?
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued respirable crystalline silica standards that seek to protect construction and general industry workers. These standards include regulations that require employers to limit their workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica. Specifically, employers must ensure that exposure does not exceed the permissible limit of 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air (50 µg/m³), averaged over an 8-hour workday. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Labor and Mine Safety Health Administration issued a final rule that went into effect on June 17, 2024. This rule lowers the permissible exposure limit, matching the one issued by OSHA, and includes guidelines for exposure control and monitoring.
However, cutting artificial stone often creates unsafe levels of respirable crystalline silica even when using preventive measures. Only a complete ban on the use, supply, and manufacture of artificial stone, like the one issued by the Australian Government in 2024, could fully prevent workers from being exposed in this particular, high-risk industry.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Occupational Silica Dust Exposure?
Employers that violate these standards can be held liable for silica dust exposure through a silicosis lawsuit, as can stone manufacturers and suppliers.
What Silicosis Compensation Is Available for Workers Exposed to RCS?
Respirable crystalline silica exposure victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages.
What Are the Economic Damages in Silicosis Lawsuits?
Economic damages cover the quantifiable financial losses, including lost wages, diminished earning potential, and past and future medical expenses.
What Non-Economic Damages Can Be Awarded in Silica Exposure Lawsuits?
Non-economic damages cover impacts with a more subjective financial value and compensate for harms to the victim’s quality of life. They can include emotional distress, pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment, depression, and more.
Can You Claim Punitive Damages?
Punitive damages are also possible in rare circumstances. If the liable party committed gross negligence or acted intentionally, a judge may award punitive damages to penalize their egregious behavior. These damages can be very lucrative but are seldom available.
Who Can File a Silicosis Lawsuit and What Do You Need To Prove?
Either the victim or their loved ones can file a silicosis lawsuit. To succeed, the claimants must prove that the victim was exposed to silica dust at work and developed silicosis as a result.
Most silicosis lawsuits are personal injury cases, though they can also be wrongful death claims if the victim is deceased. Sometimes, victims can file a silicosis lawsuit as a product liability claim against manufacturers of products that exposed them to silica dust.
How Long Do You Have To File a Silicosis Claim?
Most states allow two years to file a silicosis claim after a diagnosis, but the deadline can be longer or shorter depending on state law and the circumstances involved. Each state has a different statute of limitations governing the amount of time available to file a personal injury claim.
Regardless, it’s important to get started on your claims immediately to avoid losing your chance at recovering compensation. A knowledgeable silicosis attorney can help you understand the statute of limitations in your state and how it applies to your case.
How the Lanier Law Firm Handles Every Step of Your Silicosis Lawsuit
Our experienced attorneys can handle every aspect of your silicosis claim, allowing you to focus on spending time with your family. As we navigate your case through the legal system, we will:
- Provide convenient, on-site consultations
- Compile all the necessary evidence and documentation to get your case trial-ready from day one
- File lawsuits in a timely manner
- Handle expert settlement negotiations
- Fight at trial to protect your rights and your compensation
“The Lanier Law Firm represented me on a case these past few years. Their sincere concern for my health, welfare, and case was genuine and greatly appreciated. They communicated with me throughout the process, made sure I understood my options, and went above and beyond seeking the highest award for my injuries. I would highly recommend their legal services as they truly fulfilled their reputation as one of the best firms in the country.”
Carl W.
“Speaking from experience, I would like to highly recommend The Lanier Law Firm. This is a group of highly qualified, dedicated attorneys who will work tirelessly to achieve a positive outcome for their clients. The support staff are courteous and very willing to answer questions. This is definitely a superior five-star firm.”
Betty S.
Contact Our Award-Winning Silicosis Lawyers
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with silicosis after exposure to silica dust, our committed attorneys are here to help. We’ll fight hard to get you justice and win the compensation you deserve. Contact The Lanier Law Firm or call (800) 723-3216 today to schedule a free consultation.
FAQs About Silica Dust Exposure and Silicosis
How Is Silicosis Diagnosed?
Specialists may use chest x-rays, lung function tests, a lung biopsy, or other tests to determine whether you have silicosis.
Silicosis is a complicated condition to diagnose. Early signs are hard to detect, and patients may also be at risk for other lung diseases.
What Are the Symptoms of Silicosis?
Common symptoms of silicosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Swollen legs
- Blue libs
Silicosis symptoms tend to become more severe as the disease advances.
What Is the Life Expectancy of a Person With Silicosis?
Life expectancy for silicosis depends on several factors, including the severity of your exposure and how long it occurred, your age, your general health, and whether you’re a smoker. Those with early to mid-stage silicosis may live 15 to 22 years after a diagnosis, while those with advanced silicosis might have fewer than seven years to live.
What Are the Treatment Options for Silicosis?
Treatment options can include cough medicines, supplemental oxygen, inhalers, and other alternative options. Silicosis is incurable and the available treatment options aim to help manage symptoms. Advanced silicosis could require a lung transplant.
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