Silicosis Lawsuit
Silicosis is an occupational lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust, a byproduct of a mineral commonly found at many job sites. Silicosis can develop slowly, but it is incurable and can be fatal within years of diagnosis in severe cases.
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 Lanier Law Firm today for a free consultation.
Legally Reviewed By: Darron E. Berquist
Managing Attorney | Asbestos Litigation
- Page Last Updated:
- May 6, 2025
Legally Reviewed By: Darron Berquist
Managing Attorney | Asbestos Litigation
- Page Last Updated:
- May 6, 2025
Which Occupations Are at Risk of Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure?
Why Choose The Lanier Law Firm’s Silicosis Attorneys?
Who Can File a Silicosis Lawsuit?
Silicosis Compensation Available for Workers Exposed to RCS
How the Lanier Law Firm Handles Every Step of Your Silicosis Lawsuit
Crystalline silica, a common mineral found in sand, quartz, and other rocks, can become an inhalation hazard when disturbed. Breathing in silica dust can cause diseases like silicosis, an incurable, deadly lung condition. Workers in numerous industries are at risk of silica dust exposure, which is released when materials containing crystalline silica are crushed, struck, cut, or similarly impacted.
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.
If you or a loved one has developed silicosis, The Lanier Law Firm’s experienced attorneys can help. Contact us online today for a free consultation.
Which Occupations Are at Risk of Crystalline Silica Dust Exposure?
Roughly 2.3 million U.S. workers encounter crystalline silica in the workplace and are at risk of inhaling silica dust. High-risk occupations include mining, construction, metal casting, ceramics manufacturing, sandblasting, and fracking.
Engineered 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 on often include significantly more crystalline silica than naturally occurring rocks. Cutting engineering stone often creates unsafe levels of respirable crystalline silica even when using wet saws, proper ventilation, and other prevention measures.
Silicosis that develops from engineered stone dust is usually diagnosed after seven to 19 years of exposure, and most often occurs in relatively young individuals from marginalized communities. Engineered stone silicosis tends to be accelerated and severe, typically precipitating lung transplants or death.
The Occupational Safety and Health Administration has issued standards requiring construction employers to limit their workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, such as by wetting handheld saw blades. However, some companies may refuse or fail to follow proper safety practices. Employers that violate these standards can be held liable for silica dust exposure through a silicosis lawsuit, as can stone manufacturers and suppliers.
Engineered Stone Fabricators
Mining
Construction Workers
Foundry Workers and Metal Casters
Ceramics Manufacturing Workers
Sandblasting
Hydraulic Fracturing or Fracking Workers
Why Choose The Lanier Law Firm’s Silicosis Attorneys?
With more than three decades of experience, our award-winning firm has built a nationwide reputation for successful representation by securing billions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. 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.
We don’t charge any upfront fees, and you won’t pay us anything unless we win. Instead, we will invest significant resources into your case with no obligation. Our attorneys have vast trial experience and aren’t afraid to take your case to court if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
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. Managing Attorney Darron E. Berquist has a strong track record in asbestos exposure litigation and silica dust exposure cases, helping us win billions of dollars in verdicts against negligent companies.
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
Who Can File a Silicosis Lawsuit?
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.
Silicosis Compensation Available for Workers Exposed to RCS
Respirable crystalline silica exposure victims may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover the quantifiable financial losses, including lost wages, diminished earning potential, and past and future medical expenses.
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.
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.
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 documentation to get your case trial-ready from day one
- Handle expert negotiations
- File lawsuits in a timely manner
- Fight at trial to protect your rights and maximize 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 Cases
Silicosis is a complicated condition to diagnose. Early signs are hard to detect, and patients may also be at risk for other lung diseases.
Specialists may use chest x-rays, lung function tests, a lung biopsy, or other tests to determine whether you have silicosis.
Each state has a different statute of limitations governing the amount of time available to file a personal injury 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.
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.
Silicosis symptoms tend to become more severe as the disease advances. Common symptoms of silicosis include:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue and general weakness
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
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.
Silicosis is incurable, but some treatment options are available to help manage symptoms. These can include cough medicines, supplemental oxygen, inhalers, and other alternative options. Advanced silicosis could require a lung transplant.
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