Silicosis Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

Update: New Lung Illness,“Silicosarcoidosis,” Emerging in Stone Fabrication Workers

A potential new health concern is drawing attention in the world of occupational medicine. A growing number of cases among stone fabrication workers suggest that long-term exposure to silica dust may be linked to a unique combination of lung diseases. Researchers are now using the term “silicosarcoidosis” to describe this emerging pattern of illness.

Published recently in the American Journal of Industrial Medicine, the study involved a global team of researchers who found that a significant number of workers diagnosed with silicosis were also showing signs of sarcoidosis, an inflammatory condition that causes small clusters of immune cells, called granulomas, to form in the lungs and lymph nodes.

Common symptoms of sarcoidosis include fatigue, joint pain, swollen lymph nodes, persistent cough, and trouble breathing. While sarcoidosis has traditionally been seen as a condition with unknown origins, this research is pointing to silica dust exposure as a possible cause when it occurs alongside silicosis.

The team, led by Dr. Jeremy Hua at National Jewish Health in Colorado, studied 35 cases from workers in the United States, Taiwan, and Israel. The findings revealed that most individuals had signs of both diseases, and both were linked to extended exposure to silica in the workplace—specifically in environments where engineered stone is cut and processed.

To help streamline future diagnosis and treatment, the researchers introduced the term “silicosarcoidosis”, aiming to bring clarity to what they see as a unique overlap of two serious lung diseases. They believe that recognizing this combined condition could help guide better treatment strategies and public health efforts.

“Silicosarcoidosis” could also drive more focused studies into how genetics and environmental exposures interact, the researchers noted, and lead to stronger clinical guidelines for both prevention and care.

Silicosis Lawsuit Overview

Silicosis lawsuits focus on seeking compensation for workers who developed serious respiratory diseases after workplace exposure to crystalline silica dust.

These legal actions typically target negligent employers who failed to provide proper safety equipment and training, manufacturers of defective protective gear, or companies that didn’t follow OSHA regulations regarding silica exposure.

According to the American Lung Association, silica exposure affects nearly 2 million U.S. workers, with over 100,000 in high-risk industries such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.

More than 200 workers die from silicosis annually in the United States, while hundreds more become disabled, highlighting the devastating impact of this preventable occupational disease.

What is Crystalline Silica?

According to the American Cancer Society (ACS), Crystalline silica is a natural mineral found in stone, soil, and sand. It is a key component in construction materials such as concrete, brick, and mortar [1].

When materials containing silica are cut, drilled, or crushed, silica dust becomes airborne and can be inhaled, leading to serious health issues.

Latest Silicosis Lawsuit Updates

While the original article doesn’t mention specific dated lawsuit updates, recent developments in silicosis litigation have shaped the landscape for affected workers:

The CDC has reported multiple cases of silicosis in stone fabrication workers, with some leading to fatalities.

The agency warned that “given the serious occupational health hazard and a significant number of workers at risk, additional efforts are needed to reduce exposures and improve disease surveillance.”

This acknowledgment of the growing problem provides important support for current and future silicosis lawsuits.

Engineered stone fabrication has emerged as a particularly high-risk industry, with numerous workers developing accelerated silicosis after cutting and grinding countertop materials.

This has led to a new wave of litigation targeting manufacturers and employers in this industry sector.

OSHA continues to enforce its silica exposure regulations, with violations resulting in significant penalties for non-compliant companies. These regulatory actions often provide crucial evidence for workers pursuing silicosis lawsuits.

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OSHA Reports and Statistics

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other agencies provide comprehensive data on silica exposure and silicosis:

• Silica exposure affects nearly 2 million workers in the U.S., with over 100,000 in high-risk jobs such as construction, mining, and manufacturing.
• More than 200 workers die from silicosis each year in the United States.
• Hundreds more become disabled from silicosis annually.
• Many workers diagnosed with silicosis are only in their thirties; some are even in their twenties.
• Those diagnosed with accelerated silicosis may develop severe complications within 4 to 5 years.
• Silicosis reduces life expectancy by approximately 11.6 years on average.

OSHA has established specific exposure limits for silica dust and mandates strict safety measures, including wet cutting methods, ventilation systems, respirators, and regular medical monitoring for at-risk workers.

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Silicosis Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to crystalline silica dust can cause severe and irreversible damage to the respiratory system, leading to debilitating conditions and potentially fatal outcomes [2].

• Acute Silicosis: Develops within weeks to years of high exposure, causing rapid lung inflammation and respiratory failure.
• Chronic Silicosis: Manifests after 10-30 years of exposure, resulting in extensive lung scarring and progressive breathing difficulty.
• Accelerated Silicosis: Occurs within 10 years of intense exposure, leading to rapid disease progression and severe respiratory impairment.
• Lung Cancer: Silica is classified as a known human carcinogen, significantly increasing the risk of developing lung cancer.
• COPD: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, including chronic bronchitis and emphysema, causing persistent breathing difficulties.
• Respiratory Failure: Severe breathing impairment that may require oxygen therapy or mechanical ventilation.
• Tuberculosis: Silica exposure increases susceptibility to tuberculosis infection.
• Kidney Disease: Studies have linked silica exposure to increased risk of kidney disease.

Symptoms of silica-related diseases include:

Occupations at Risk of Silica Exposure

• Construction workers (cutting, drilling, and demolishing concrete)
• Mining and quarrying professionals
• Stone fabrication workers (engineered stone countertops)
• Oil and gas industry workers
• Glass manufacturing employees
• Sandblasters and masons

Source: CHEST Foundation [3]

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Do You Qualify for a Silicosis Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a silicosis lawsuit if:

• You worked in an industry with silica exposure, such as construction, mining, stone fabrication, oil and gas, glass manufacturing, or sandblasting.
• You have been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, COPD, or other silica-related illnesses.
• Your employer failed to provide proper protective equipment or training.
• You were not adequately warned about the dangers of silica exposure.
• Your condition required medical treatment and has impacted your quality of life.

Even if your exposure occurred years ago, you may still have a valid claim. Silicosis can take decades to develop, and many states’ statutes of limitations begin from the date of diagnosis rather than the date of exposure.

Evidence Required for a Silicosis Lawsuit

Building a strong silicosis lawsuit requires specific types of evidence:

• Medical Records: Documentation of your diagnosis, including chest X-rays, pulmonary function tests, and specialist evaluations.
• Employment History: Records showing you worked in an industry or position with silica exposure.
• Exposure Documentation: Evidence demonstrating the presence of silica in your workplace and inadequate safety measures.
• Expert Testimony: Medical and occupational experts who can link your condition to workplace silica exposure.
• Safety Violation Records: Documentation of OSHA violations or other safety infractions by your employer.
• Witness Statements: Testimony from co-workers regarding workplace conditions and safety practices.

Our legal team can help you gather and organize this evidence to build the strongest possible case.

Damages You Can Recover

If your silicosis lawsuit is successful, you may be eligible to recover various types of damages:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for past, current, and future medical treatments, including. hospitalizations, medications, oxygen therapy, pulmonary rehabilitation, and potentially lung transplants.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to inability to work.
• Reduced Earning Capacity: Damages for diminished ability to earn income in the future.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical pain and emotional distress.
• Disability Benefits: Payment for permanent disability resulting from silica-related diseases.
• Punitive Damages: Additional compensation designed to punish particularly negligent employers or manufacturers.

In fatal cases, family members may pursue wrongful death claims to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and compensation for the loss of companionship.

OSHA Silica Regulations and Safety Measures

OSHA has established comprehensive regulations to protect workers from silica exposure:

• Permissible Exposure Limit (PEL) for respirable crystalline silica is 50 micrograms per cubic meter of air, averaged over an 8-hour shift.
• Requirements for employers to implement engineering controls such as water systems or ventilation to reduce dust.
• Mandated use of respiratory protection when engineering controls cannot adequately reduce exposure.
• Required medical surveillance for workers exposed at or above the action level for 30 or more days per year.
• Worker training on silica hazards and how to limit exposure.
• Record-keeping requirements for exposure measurements, objective data, and medical surveillance.

Companies that fail to comply with these regulations may face OSHA penalties and increased liability in silicosis lawsuits.

Statute of Limitations for Silicosis Lawsuits

The time limits for filing a silicosis lawsuit vary by state and are often complicated by the long latency period of silica-related diseases:

• Most states have statutes of limitations ranging from 1-6 years for personal injury claims.
• Many jurisdictions apply the “discovery rule,” meaning the clock starts when you knew or reasonably should have known that your illness was related to silica exposure.
• Some states have specific provisions for occupational diseases that extend the filing deadline.
• Workers’ compensation claims typically have shorter deadlines than civil lawsuits.

Because these timeframes can be complex, it’s crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible after diagnosis to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable deadlines.

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FAQs

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get a Free Silicosis Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for silicosis and other silica-related diseases. With statutes of limitations varying by state, typically ranging from 1-6 years from diagnosis, waiting too long could permanently bar you from seeking the compensation you deserve.

The progressive nature of silicosis means that your health condition may worsen over time, increasing your medical expenses and diminishing your quality of life.

Taking prompt legal action can help secure the financial resources needed for your ongoing care and support your family through this challenging time.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP, we offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case or secure a settlement
• Extensive experience in occupational disease litigation

Don’t delay in seeking the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact our experienced silicosis attorneys today to understand your legal options and begin the process of filing your claim.

References:

1. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/causes-prevention/risk/substances/crystalline-silica
2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/silica/symptoms/index.html#:~:text=Breathing%20in%20dust%20from%20crystalline,debilitating%2C%20and%20sometimes%20fatal%20disease.
3. https://foundation.chestnet.org/patient-education-resources/silicosis/