Wexler Wallace is investigating claims from workers who manufacture or work with artificial stone that exposure to silica dust in the workplace has led to them contracting silicosis, lung cancer, and other respiratory diseases. If you work with artificial stone and have been harmed, contact us today to discuss your potential silicosis lawsuit claim.
Artificial stone has become a popular option for countertops and furniture due to its relatively low cost, stain resistance, and durability. However, the materials artificial stone is made from can cause a serious and often fatal respiratory disease known as silicosis.
Weakened federal regulations and unsafe work environments have contributed to endanger the lives of nearly 100,000 workers in the artificial stone manufacturing industry.
What is Silicosis?
Workers who inhale microscopic silica dust particles, like those who work with or manufacturer artificial stone created from embedded quartz pieces, are at severe risk of developing silicosis. Particles of silica dust can become embedded in the tissue of the lungs, where they can’t be cleared naturally. The silica particles trigger a persistent inflammatory response that results in fibrosis and the formation of nodular lesions, which may lead to the development of silicosis.
Silicosis is an incurable and often progressive respiratory condition that can dramatically increase the risk of contracting diseases such as tuberculosis or lung cancer. Patients who have been diagnosed with silicosis report severe and life-altering symptoms, such as:
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent and severe cough
- Fatigue
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Chest pain
- Fever
- Lack of appetite and weight loss
- Gradual darkening of the skin to a bluish tint
If you have been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or similar respiratory illness that you believe is related to working with artificial stone, you may be able to take legal action. Contact Wexler Wallace today to speak with an attorney about filing a silicosis lawsuit.
Why File a Silicosis Lawsuit?
The causes and risks of silicosis have been well-known for decades. Ultimately, it’s the employer’s responsibility to provide a safe and healthy workplace free from recognized hazards. Artificial stone manufacturers can choose from variety of proven methods to control silica dust; however, a deregulatory push and a desire to put profits over safety continue to put worker’s lives at risk.
A recent Australian study found that at least 12% of workers who cut stone countertops had some level of silicosis. Multiple silicosis-related deaths of younger workers in the artificial stone industry have been confirmed in the U.S, and workers in dozens of other manufacturing trades may also be at risk.
Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or a similar respiratory disease you believe is a result of working in the manufacturing industry? Wexler Wallace is here to help. Our attorneys have decades of experience litigating cases of hazardous substance exposure, including a recent lead paint poisoning victory in Wisconsin. Contact our attorneys to file a silicosis lawsuit claim today by submitting the contact form on this page.