Artificial Stone Cutter Files Lawsuit Over Silicosis Lung Disease

California man says cutting countertops made from artificial stone and quartz led to silica exposure, which permanently damaged his lungs.

A former stone cutter and fabricator has filed a silicosis lawsuit against several countertop and artificial stone companies across California, indicating that 20 years of occupational exposure to silica dust has destroyed his lungs.

The complaint (PDF) was filed by Alejandro Contreras Lopez, and his wife, Sandra Martinez Alfaro, in the California Superior Court in San Francisco on March 26. The lawsuit links his silicosis diagnosis to dozens of artificial stone and kitchen countertop companies, many of whom Lopez worked for, or used materials and equipment they provided.

Silicosis is an irreversible lung condition known only to be caused by routine exposure and inhalation of silica dust. It begins with lung inflammation and scarring, and eventually can develop into lung failure, and the need for transplant surgery.

The artificial stone cutting and fabricating countertop industry is a primary source for silica dust exposure. Also known as “engineered stone,” quartz countertops are believed to be a significant silicosis risk for stone cutters, who regularly inhale large amounts of silica dust as they make countertops for consumers’ kitchens and bedrooms.

Between 2004 and 2024, Lopez was employed by several stone fabrication companies, beginning with Baker Marble & Granite in Oakland, where he worked from 2004 to 2018, followed by Innovation Stone & Ceramic, Inc. from 2019 through 2024. He received his silicosis diagnosis in 2024.

The lawsuit states that throughout his career, Lopez was regularly exposed to both artificial and natural stone products while cutting, grinding, drilling, edging, and polishing them into countertops for kitchens and bathrooms.

“Plaintiff, Alejandro Sergio Contreras Lopez was thereby exposed to and inhaled stone dust containing silica and other toxins and carcinogens, as well as artificial stone dust containing respirable crystalline silica, metals, and volatile organic compounds from polymeric resin and other binders emitted from these products,” the lawsuit notes. “As a direct and proximate result of his exposure to silica, metals and other toxins within said stone products manufactured, distributed, supplied, contracted, and/or brokered by Defendants, Plaintiff, Alejandro Sergio Contreras Lopez, developed lung disease characterized by pulmonary nodules, silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis, progressive massive fibrosis, and other forms of lung damage, and therefore has a significantly increased risk of developing other silica-related diseases such as lung cancer, chronic kidney disease, and autoimmune disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, and systemic sclerosis (scleroderma).”

Lopez presents claims of negligence, failure to war, design defect, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranty, and his wife has filed a loss of consortium claim.

April 2025 Silicosis Lawsuits Update

As the evidence linking silica dust exposure to silicosis continues to emerge, a growing number of silicosis lawsuits have been filed in recent months and years.

Each of the claims present similar allegations, that employers and manufacturers failed to provide adequate warnings and protections to workers who were exposed to silica dust. This alleged negligence has led to severe and sometimes fatal respiratory conditions, including chronic silicosis.

The lawsuits often involve individuals who have worked for years in industries such as sandblasting, mining, construction, and manufacturing of products like quartz countertops, concrete and glass, where workers are frequently in contact with silica. 

Plaintiffs argue that despite longstanding knowledge of the risks associated with inhaling silica particles, sufficient measures were not taken to educate or protect workers, violating occupational safety regulations.

As a result, lawyers across the United States are providing free case evaluations for individuals who were exposed to silica dust throughout their careers, and have subsequently been diagnosed with silicosis.