Silica Dust Lawsuit Alleges Manufacturers Knew of Silicosis Risks From Quartz Countertops

Complaint joins a growing number of silica dust lawsuits filed nationwide on behalf of countertop workers who developed silicosis and other respiratory diseases after exposure to engineered stone products.

A California stoneworker has filed a lawsuit alleging that quartz countertop manufacturers knew for years that the stone fabrication process could expose workers to dangerous silica dust linked to lung diseases like silicosis, yet failed to provide adequate warnings or protections.

The complaint (PDF) was brought by Carilo Padilla Gomez and Laura Gallegos Gomez in California Superior Court, naming more than 25 manufacturers and distributors of quartz countertop products as defendants.

Quartz countertops, often sold under brand names like Silestone and Colorquartz, have become increasingly popular for their durability and appearance. However, these engineered stone products can contain up to 90% crystalline silica, significantly more than many natural materials, and may release hazardous dust during cutting and fabrication. 

As a result, numerous silicosis lawsuits filed in recent years allege that quartz countertop fabricators, installers and stoneworkers have developed severe and potentially life-threatening lung injuries after repeated exposure to the dust from working with engineered stone products.

Silicosis, one of the most common of these injuries, is a permanent and progressive respiratory disease caused by inhaling fine silica particles. This exposure can lead to inflammation and scarring of lung tissue, reduced breathing capacity, and in severe cases, respiratory failure requiring a lung transplant.

Quartz Countertop Silicosis Allegations

According to the complaint, Carilo Gomez worked with quartz countertop materials in the course of his employment, where he was regularly exposed to airborne silica dust generated during cutting, grinding and installation processes. The lawsuit alleges that even when basic dust control measures were used, workers were still exposed to levels of silica that exceeded permissible safety limits.

Gomez alleges he was never adequately warned about the risk of silicosis or other serious lung diseases, despite longstanding industry knowledge that inhaling respirable crystalline silica can cause permanent and potentially fatal respiratory conditions. The complaint cites internal data, safety materials, and prior litigation indicating manufacturers were aware of the risks but failed to take proper steps to protect workers.

It further claims safety data sheets and product warnings were misleading, downplaying the severity of the dangers and suggesting basic protections like dust masks were sufficient, even though they do not prevent inhalation of fine silica particles. The lawsuit also points to a growing body of medical and occupational evidence showing a rise in aggressive, fast-progressing silicosis cases among countertop workers, with some developing severe lung damage after relatively short exposure periods.

As a result, Gomez claims he developed permanent lung injuries, including silicosis, which have impaired his breathing, limited his ability to work, and caused ongoing physical and emotional suffering.

“Cutting, grinding, drilling, chipping, edging, and/or polishing (collectively ‘fabricating’) stone products produces large amounts of respirable crystalline silica dust which stone fabrication workers inhale, typically causing chronic silicosis as well as lung cancer and various other silica-related diseases.”

— Carilo Padilla Gomez et al v. Architectural Surfaces Group LLC et al

The lawsuit raises claims of negligence, products liability, design defect, failure to warn, fraudulent concealment, breach of implied warranties and loss of consortium against the defendants. It seeks past, present and future damages for medical expenses, loss of wages and earning potential, as well as loss of consortium.

Gomez’s case joins a growing number of silica dust lawsuits being filed across the country on behalf of countertop workers who have developed silicosis and other respiratory diseases after working with engineered stone products.

Attorneys nationwide are currently offering free case reviews to individuals who were exposed to silica dust on the job and later diagnosed with silicosis.

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