How much compensation do you get for silicosis?

Compensation for silicosis varies based on factors like severity of the condition, loss of
income, medical expenses, and jurisdiction. There is no fixed amount and each case is evaluated
individually. There are no class actions. There is no free claims process. A lawsuit must be
filed. All of the manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products that a fabrication worker
used will be sued as defendants in the lawsuit. Each defendant will either settle or go to verdict.
The Stone Silicosis Center has more information on this at What Type of Monetary Damages
Can You Receive? Brayton Purcell LLP discusses this topic at Engineered Stone (Quartz)
Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of Limitations, &
Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers You can read about Brayton Purcell LLP verdicts and
settlements at Providing Excellent Representation and Service – Trial Verdicts

How much is the settlement for the silicosis lawsuit?

Settlements for silicosis varies based on factors like severity of the condition, loss of
income, medical expenses, and jurisdiction. There's no fixed amount and each case is evaluated
individually. There are no class actions. There is no free claims process. A lawsuit must be
filed. All of the manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products that a fabrication worker
used will be sued as defendants in the lawsuit. Each defendant will either settle or go to verdict.
The Stone Silicosis Center has more information on this at What Type of Monetary Damages
Can You Receive? Brayton Purcell LLP discusses this topic at Engineered Stone (Quartz)
Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of Limitations, &
Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers You can read about Brayton Purcell LLP verdicts and
settlements at Providing Excellent Representation and Service – Trial Verdicts

What is a compensation claim for silicosis?

A compensation claim for silicosis is a legal action taken by an individual who has
developed silicosis due to workplace silica dust exposure, seeking financial compensation for
damages such as medical costs and lost wages. There's no fixed amount and each case is
evaluated individually. There are no class actions. There is no free claims process. A lawsuit
must be filed. All of the manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products that a
fabrication worker used will be sued as defendants in the lawsuit. Each defendant will either
settle or go to verdict. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information on this at What Type of
Monetary Damages Can You Receive? Brayton Purcell LLP discusses this topic at Engineered
Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of
Limitations, & Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers You can read about Brayton Purcell LLP
verdicts and settlements at Providing Excellent Representation and Service – Trial Verdicts

Can you sue for silica dust exposure?

Yes, individuals exposed to silica dust and diagnosed with silicosis or related conditions may sue responsible parties for negligence, workplace safety violations, or product liability. There’s no fixed amount and each case is evaluated individually. There are no class actions. There is no free claims process. A lawsuit must be filed. All of the manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products that a fabrication worker used will be sued as defendants in the lawsuit. Each defendant will either settle or go to verdict. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information on this at What Type of Monetary Damages Can You Receive? Brayton Purcell LLP discusses this topic at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of Limitations, & Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers You can read about Brayton Purcell LLP verdicts and settlements at Providing Excellent Representation and Service – Trial Verdicts

Does real natural stone cause silicosis?

Yes, cutting, grinding, or working with natural stone can release silica dust, potentially leading to silicosis if inhaled over time without adequate protective measures. Usually it takes 10 or more years from working with natural stone to cause chronic silicosis. Unlike natural stone, artificial stone silica dust usually causes accelerated silicosis after only 2 years or acute silicosis in as little as a few months. For more information on silicosis from fabrication of natural stone and artificial stone, see the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases and Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit

Can you get silicosis from cutting granite?

Yes, cutting granite can generate respirable crystalline silica dust, which can lead to silicosis upon prolonged and unprotected inhalation. Usually it takes 10 or more years from working with natural stone to cause chronic silicosis. Unlike natural stone, artificial stone silica dust usually causes accelerated silicosis after only 2 years or acute silicosis in as little as a few months. For more information on silicosis from fabrication of natural stone and artificial stone, see the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases and Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit

Can you get disability for silicosis?

Silicosis can qualify as a disability under various disability insurance and social security programs, depending on the severity and impact on the individual’s ability to work. Workers diagnosed with silicosis should also consider a workers compensation claim. In addition to civil third party lawsuits against manufactures and suppliers, the attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP can file a worker compensation claim for artificial stone workers suffering from silicosis. Also, regardless of citizenship status, artificial stone workers in California now qualify for Medi-Cal if you meet the income level requirements. For more information see the Stone Silicosis Center at Expanding Access to Health Care: New Medi-Cal Eligibility for Californians

Is silicosis a disability?

Yes, silicosis can be considered a disability, especially in advanced stages, as it significantly impairs respiratory function and the individual’s ability to perform work-related tasks. Workers diagnosed with silicosis should also consider a workers compensation claim. In addition to civil third party lawsuits against manufactures and suppliers, the attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP can file a worker compensation claim for artificial stone workers suffering from silicosis. Also, regardless of citizenship status, artificial stone workers in California now qualify for Medi-Cal if you meet the income level requirements. For more information see the Stone Silicosis Center at Expanding Access to Health Care: New Medi-Cal Eligibility for Californians

What is the life expectancy of a person with silicosis?

Life expectancy with silicosis can vary significantly based on factors such as age at diagnosis, and the severity of the disease, and the type of silicosis. Advanced stages can lead to significant health complications, reducing life expectancy. Chronic silicosis generally takes ten years or more to develop and, while debilitating, it is not usually fatal. However, both accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis are both fatal unless the patient is able to obtain a lung transplant. If a patient is able to obtain a lung transplant, they have another 5.8 years on average before they need a replacement lung transplant. If they are not able to achieve a lung transplant, acute or accelerated silicosis patients life expectancy is 0 to 2 years. For more information, see Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit or the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases

Can lungs heal from silicosis?

Silicosis causes permanent lung damage, and there is no cure. While the progression can be slowed in some cases, the lungs cannot heal from the damage caused by silicosis. The only cure for silicosis is a lung transplant. However, both accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis are both fatal unless the patient is able to obtain a lung transplant. If a patient is able to obtain a lung transplant, they have another 5.8 years on average before they need a replacement lung transplant. If they are not able to achieve a lung transplant, acute or accelerated silicosis patients life expectancy is 0 to 2 years. For more information, see Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit or the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases

Is silicosis a permanent condition?

Yes, silicosis is a permanent and irreversible condition. The damage to the lungs cannot be reversed, though management strategies can help control symptoms. Silicosis causes permanent lung damage, and there is no cure. While the progression can be slowed in some cases, the lungs cannot heal from the damage caused by silicosis. The only cure for silicosis is a lung transplant. However, both accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis are both fatal unless the patient is able to obtain a lung transplant. If a patient is able to obtain a lung transplant, they have another 5.8 years on average before they need a replacement lung transplant. If they are not able to achieve a lung transplant, acute or accelerated silicosis patients life expectancy is 0 to 2 years. For more information, see Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit or the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases

Is silica worse than asbestos?

Both silica and asbestos are hazardous and can cause serious lung diseases (silicosis and asbestosis, respectively). Comparing their danger depends on factors like exposure level, duration, and individual susceptibility. While both silicosis and asbestosis can be debilitating, the only cure for either is a lung transplant. The only cure for silicosis is a lung transplant. However, both accelerated silicosis and acute silicosis are both fatal unless the patient is able to obtain a lung transplant. If a patient is able to obtain a lung transplant, they have another 5.8 years on average before they need a replacement lung transplant. If they are not able to achieve a lung transplant, acute or accelerated silicosis patients life expectancy is 0 to 2 years. For more information, see Brayton Purcell LLP at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit or the Stone Silicosis Center at Engineered Stone Countertop Diseases

How many people have died from silicosis?

The exact number of deaths from silicosis varies by region and over time. It’s a globally recognized occupational hazard, particularly in industries involving stone, sand, and mineral dust. Silicosis is known as the oldest occupational disease, with countless deaths since the slaves building the Egyptian pyramids up through the present. Specific to artificial stone, hundreds of thousands of workers have died from silicosis and hundreds of thousands are projected to die in the future. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information at Why Are Engineered Stone Countertops Deadly? and What do the Engineered Stone Manufacturers and Suppliers Know, and When did They Know It?

What is the lawsuit for silica dust?

Lawsuits for silica dust typically involve civil third party claims against manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone slabs and/or workers compensation claims against fabrication shop employers, both leading to silicosis or other disease. There are no class actions. There is no free claims process. A lawsuit must be filed. All of the manufacturers and suppliers of artificial stone products that a fabrication worker used will be sued as defendants in the lawsuit. Each defendant will either settle or go to verdict. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information on this at What Type of Monetary Damages Can You Receive? Brayton Purcell LLP discusses this topic at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of Limitations, & Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers You can read about Brayton Purcell LLP verdicts and settlements at Providing Excellent Representation and Service – Trial Verdicts Workers diagnosed with silicosis should also consider a workers compensation claim. In addition to civil third party lawsuits against manufactures and suppliers, the attorneys at Brayton Purcell LLP can file a worker compensation claim for artificial stone workers suffering from silicosis. Also, regardless of citizenship status, artificial stone workers in California now qualify for Medi-Cal if you meet the income level requirements. For more information see the Stone Silicosis Center at Expanding Access to Health Care: New Medi-Cal Eligibility for Californians

What is the OSHA final rule for silica?

The OSHA rule for silica dust, 29 CFR 1910.1053, requires employers to limit worker exposure to respirable crystalline silica to 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift, among other safety requirements. The OSHA final rule for silica, implemented to limit workers’ exposure to respirable crystalline silica, sets permissible exposure limits (PEL) and mandates protective measures in industries where silica exposure is a risk. It is vital to recognize that that the PEL does not establish a safe level, but is simply a regulatory compromise between industry and government safety scientists. Also, the silica PEL was established for natural stone, which has much lower silica content, and the silica is much larger, and therefore can be captured by the lung defense mechanisms. In contrast, artificial stone has an extreme high level of silica that is intentionally pulverized to nano-sized. It travels right past, and overwhelms, the defense mechanisms. The Stoen Silicosis Center has more information at Worker Safety and Medical Resources Brayton Purcell LLP has more information at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Safety and Medical Resources – Reduce or Eliminate Exposure

What is the OSHA rule for silica dust?

Why is artificial stone dangerous?

Artificial stone can be dangerous because it often contains high levels of crystalline silica, which, when cut or ground, can release hazardous dust that leads to silicosis if inhaled. Engineered stone countertops, also known as quartz, artificial, manufactured, agglomerate, composite, reconstituted, or synthetic stone, contain a much higher percentage of silica fibers than natural stone. Engineered stone countertops can contain up to 90-95% silica, while natural stones like granite, slate, and porcelain typically contain only 45%, 30%, and 15% silica, respectively. Marble (3% silica) and limestone (2% silica) contain even less silica. The silica in engineered stone countertops is finely crushed into a powder and then bonded together with polymer resins, pigments, and other additives. This process creates a strong and durable countertop material that is also scratch-resistant and stain-resistant. However, the high nano-sized silica content of engineered stone countertops also makes them a potential health hazard. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information at Why Are Engineered Stone Countertops Deadly? Brayton Purcell LLP has mor information at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Countertop Silicosis and Cancer Lawsuit

How is silicosis diagnosed?

Silicosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, occupational exposure history, physical exams, chest X-rays or CT scans, PFT lung function tests, and/or pathology to assess the extent of lung damage. To properly diagnose silicosis caused by engineered stone, the doctor must consider the following: Occupational exposure to engineered stone (quartz) (artificial) (manufactured) slabs or block for fabricating countertops, sometimes after as little as 2 years of exposure; Abnormal Chest X-Ray or CT Scan consistent with silicosis: bilateral, multiple rounded opacities in the upper lung zones that may conglomerate in advanced silicosis; Medical exam; PFT – Pulmonary Function Test showing restrictive lung disease; If medically indicated, a lung biopsy; If medically indicated, a lung tissue analysis for silica content. The Stone Silicosis Center has more information at How Is Silicosis from Engineered Stone Diagnosed? Brayton Purcell LLP has more at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Diagnosis Criteria and Treating Specialists Doctors

How do I find a doctor for silicosis?

For silicosis, seek a pulmonologist or an occupational medicine specialist experienced in diagnosing and treating occupational lung diseases, including silicosis. Brayton Purcell LLP maintains a list of the artificial stone silicosis doctors at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Diagnosis Criteria and Treating Specialists Doctors The Stone Silicosis Center has more information at How Do I Find A Doctor who Specializes in Engineered Stone Silicosis?

How do I apply for Medi-Cal?

To apply for Medi-Cal, you can submit an application online through the Covered California website, by mail, in person at a county social services office, or by phone. Interested individuals can apply for free Medi-Cal Healthcare coverage by visiting the official Department of Health Care Services website at https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/services/medi-cal/pages/applyformedi-cal.aspx The Stone Silicosis Center has information on how to apply for Medi-Cal at Expanding Access to Health Care: New Medi-Cal Eligibility for Californians

Is there a time limit to file a claim for silicosis?

Yes, there is typically a statute of limitations for filing silicosis claims, which varies by jurisdiction. It’s important to consult with a lawyer to understand the specific time limits applicable in your case. For most states, the deadline to file a civil third party lawsuit is 2 years for diagnosis or death, and the deadline to file a workers compensation claim can be as little as one year from diagnosis depending on the circumstances. Brayton Purcell LLP has more information at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Lawsuit Monetary Damages, Statute of Limitations, & Defendant Manufacturers and Suppliers The Stone Silicosis Center has more information at What is the Statute of Limitations for Engineered Stone Silicosis Lawsuits?

What safety equipment do I need to fabricate stone?

When fabricating artificial stone, it is vital to use both wet equipment and air-fed respirators. Wet equipment alone is not safe. Canister respirators are not safe. N95 masks are not safe. The Stone Silicosis Center as more information at Worker Safety and Medical Resources Brayton Purcell LLP has more information at Engineered Stone (Quartz) Silicosis And Cancer Lawsuit – Safety and Medical Resources – Reduce or Eliminate Exposure

Stone Silicosis FAQ