Silicosis Cases from Countertop Silica Dust Lead to Rising Litigation
Silicosis, a progressive occupational lung disease caused by inhaling crystalline silica dust, is leading to increasing litigation in the U.S. Tyler Jordan, a former countertop fabricator diagnosed with silicosis, is suing manufacturers of engineered stone, including Cambria Co. LLC and Caesarstone USA Inc. His case is set to go to trial in Denver, following a landmark jury verdict in California that awarded $52 million to a former fabricator. An estimated 100,000 U.S. workers in the stone fabrication industry have been exposed to high levels of silica dust, prompting concerns about a potential wave of lawsuits similar to those seen with black lung and asbestos-related diseases. 
