If you've been exposed to toxic silica dust on the job, a silicosis lawyer can be your strongest ally in holding negligent employers accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.

According to the American Lung Association, over 2.3 million workers, including 2 million in construction and 300,000 in other industries, are exposed to silica in the US. Workers in industries such as stone fabrication, construction, and mining face a high risk of inhaling dangerous silica particles, often due to employers failing to follow proper safety standards. Silicosis is a life-altering, incurable disease, and those affected may be entitled to compensation.

We Help Injured Workers File Silicosis Lung Cancer Lawsuits in Los Angeles, CA

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., we accept cases for silicosis lung cancer lawsuits. Our Los Angeles silicosis lawyer is committed to helping injured workers and their families as a result of employers failing to meet the proper safety standards. If you've developed silicosis or another silica-related illness due to unsafe working conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses and long-term care.

Why Act Now?

• The statute of limitations may expire soon
• Key evidence can be lost over time
• You may be entitled to compensation
• No upfront fees—only pay if we win

Contact us today to learn how we can help you take legal action.

What Is Silicosis and How Does It Happen?

Silicosis is a serious and irreversible lung disease caused by inhaling tiny silica dust particles, often in industrial workplaces. Over time, these particles cause inflammation and scarring in the lungs, leading to difficulty breathing and other long-term health problems.

Respirable Crystalline Silica (RCS) is the primary cause of silicosis. It is 100 times smaller than a grain of sand and easily inhaled during cutting, grinding, or drilling of silica-containing materials.

What are the common Symptoms and Long-Term Risks of Silicosis?

Silicosis can develop before noticeable symptoms appear.. Many workers unknowingly suffer lung damage during their regular job tasks, especially when exposed to respirable crystalline silica over long periods. Chronic silicosis often develops after 10 or more years of low-level exposure, but high-level exposure (like dry-cutting engineered stone) can cause symptoms to develop much faster.

The symptoms may include:

• Persistent dry cough
• Shortness of breath during physical activity
• Chest pain or tightness
• Fatigue and weakness

As the condition progresses, it can lead to life-threatening complications, such as:

• Lung cancer
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
• Kidney disease
• Increased risk of tuberculosis

In fact, silicosis research in the United States shows that the official number of silicosis deaths may be significantly underreported. According to Dr Kenneth Rosenman, a professor of medicine at Michigan State University, "Our research showed that silicosis deaths represent only 4 to 8 percent of total cases per year." Based on those findings, as many as 2,500 to 5,000 new silicosis cases could be occurring annually in the US, many of them undiagnosed or misclassified.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms and have worked around silica dust, consult our silicosis attorney in Los Angeles immediately.

Silica/Silicosis Claims and Lawsuit - Your Legal Options in California

California law requires employers to provide a safe working environment, especially in industries where workers are routinely exposed torespirable crystalline silica. If your employer fails to implement proper safety protocols like ventilation systems, protective equipment, or training, they may be held accountable under state workplace safety laws.

But your legal options don't end there. Suppose a third party, such as a contractor, equipment manufacturer, or product supplier, contributed to your exposure by failing to warn you about the dangers of silica dust or designing equipment that lacked proper safeguards. In that case, you may also be eligible to bring a civil lawsuit for negligence or product liability.

Whether you're looking to file a workers' compensation claim or pursue a civil lawsuit, our Los Angeles, California silicosis attorney can help guide you through the legal process and fight for the justice you deserve.

What Is a Silicosis Claim in California?

A silicosis claim is a legal action brought by individuals who have developed lung disease due to inhaling respirable crystalline silica dust, commonly found in materials like concrete, granite, and engineered stone. These claims are increasingly filed in California, especially among workers in high-risk industries such as construction, countertop fabrication, and mining.

Legal Options for Silicosis Victims in California

California offers multiple legal pathways depending on how your exposure occurred and who is responsible. Understanding your legal options for silicosis will help you and your attorney build a stronger case.

Types of Silicosis Lawsuits You Can File in California

Silica claims in California can fall under several legal categories:

• Workers' Compensation Claim: California follows a no-fault system where injured employees can file a claim with their employer's workers' compensation to recover benefits such as medical treatment and wage replacement without needing to prove employer negligence.
• Personal Injury or Third-Party Lawsuit: In California, a personal injury lawsuit for silicosis involves filing a claim against parties responsible for silica exposure, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages. The lawsuit must be filed within two years from the date of injury or when the plaintiff becomes aware of silica-related lung disease.
• Product Liability Claim: In silicosis cases, a product liability lawsuit against manufacturers may involve claims such as negligence, gross negligence, defective product design, failure to provide proper safety instructions, inadequate product testing, failure to warn about known risks, and breach of warranty. These allegations aim to hold manufacturers accountable for exposing workers to hazardous silica-containing products without sufficient protections or warnings.
• Cal/OSHA Violations: Employers who violated Cal/OSHA safety rules may face regulatory penalties—your attorney can use these violations as supporting evidence in a lawsuit.

Understanding what type of silicosis claim best fits your situation is the first step toward holding the right party accountable.

Who Is Eligible to File a Silicosis Lawsuit?

If you're asking, "Can I sue my employer for silicosis?"—the answer depends on your specific situation. In most cases, you cannot sue your direct employer due to workers' compensation exclusivity rules, but you can file a lawsuit against third parties responsible for your exposure.

You may be eligible to file a silicosis lawsuit in California if:

• You worked in a high-risk industry such as:

• Stone fabrication or cutting

• Construction and demolition

• Mining, drilling, or sandblasting

• Foundries or glass manufacturing

• You were diagnosed with silicosis or a silica-related illness.
• You can provide evidence of exposure to silica dust.
• A third party (e.g., equipment manufacturer, contractor, or property owner) failed to implement or warn about safety precautions.

If you meet these conditions, you may be entitled to compensation through a civil claim in addition to any workers' comp benefits.

How to File a Silica Exposure Lawsuit in California

Filing a silicosis lawsuit in California involves several important legal and medical steps. Here's how the silicosis claim process typically unfolds:

1. Get a Medical Diagnosis
2. The process begins with a proper diagnosis of silicosis, typically confirmed through a chest radiograph reviewed by a NIOSH-certified B Reader.
3. Consult a California Silicosis Attorney
4. A qualified attorney will help assess your work history, exposure timeline, and potential liable parties. Your lawyer can determine whether you qualify for a workers' comp claim, a third-party lawsuit, or both.
5. Investigate the Workplace and Employer History
6. Your attorney will gather documentation, OSHA citations, witness statements, and employment records to prove negligence or regulatory violations.
7. File the Appropriate Legal Action
8. This could involve submitting a workers' comp claim or initiating a lawsuit against responsible third parties.
9. Be Mindful about Statue of Limitation of Silicosis Lawsuit
10. California has a strict statute of limitations. Typically, a claim must be filed within 1–2 years of diagnosis or discovery of illness. Delaying action may result in losing your legal rights.
11. Prepare Evidence for Settlement or Trial
12. Medical records, work history, radiographic proof, and expert testimony are often needed to support your case.

Speak with the California silicosis attorney at Fassonaki Law Firm P.C. today to begin the process of filing your silicosis lawsuit.

What is the Average Silicosis Lawsuit Settlement Amount?

The average silicosis lawsuit settlement in California can range from $25,000 to over $1 million, depending on several key factors—such as the severity of the illness, how long the worker was exposed to respirable crystalline silica, and whether the employer or manufacturer was found negligent.

More serious cases involving advanced lung damage, long-term silica exposure, or failure to provide proper safety equipment often result in higher compensation. Settlements or verdicts may also increase if a California silicosis attorney can prove violations of OSHA standards, Cal/OSHA regulations, or product safety laws.

Example of Silicosis Lawsuit settlement:

Jury Awards $52.4M in Case Against Artificial-Stone Countertop

In Los Angeles County, a jury awarded $52.4 million to a 34-year-old stone countertop fabricator who developed silicosis after 15 years of working with engineered quartz. The lawsuit targeted artificial stone manufacturers for failing to warn about the risks of high silica content and not providing safe-cutting guidelines.

Compensation Available in Silicosis Lawsuits

In a silicosis lawsuit, victims may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and in serious cases, punitive damages. The amount depends on how severe the disease is, how long you were exposed to silica dust and the impact on your life.

Most successful silicosis claims in California recover both economic damages (like treatment costs and lost wages) and non-economic damages (such as emotional distress and reduced quality of life).

Our Los Angeles, CA silicosis lawyer can help you understand your legal options and fight for full compensation of your silicosis lawsuit.

Victims who file a successful silicosis claim in California may be entitled to a range of damages:

Economic Damages

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Rehabilitation and nursing care costs

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross employer negligence or reckless exposure, particularly when safety violations are ignored, California courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Find out what your case may be worth. Contact our team for a free consultation today.

How Our Silicosis Injury Attorneys Help You with Silicosis Lawsuit

At Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C., oursilicosis lawyer in Los Angeles understands the life-changing impact of occupational lung diseases. We provide personalized legal support to workers suffering from silicosis due to silica dust exposure across California. Whether you were exposed at a construction site, stone fabrication shop, or industrial facility, our goal is to secure the maximum compensation you are legally entitled to.

Why Choose Fassonaki Law Firm, P.C.?

Here's how our experienced silicosis injury attorney can help you:

• Free Consultation & Contingency Fee Representation: We offer free case evaluations and work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case.
• Thorough Case Investigation: We investigate your worksite conditions, gather employment records, and consult with medical experts to confirm your diagnosis. We also identify any Cal/OSHA violations, third-party negligence, or product liability issues tied to engineered stone, quartz surfacing materials, or defective equipment.
• Medical Evidence Collection: Our team works closely with your healthcare providers to obtain diagnostic reports, including chest radiographs reviewed by NIOSH-certified B Readers, essential in building a strong silica exposure lawsuit.
• Filing and Negotiating Claims: Whether it's filing a workers' compensation claim, negotiating a silicosis settlement, or pursuing a civil lawsuit, we fight for your best interest. We're skilled negotiators and trial-ready when necessary.

If you're suffering from occupational silicosis, don't delay. The statute of limitations in California is strict, and time lost could mean lost compensation.

Contact Our Los Angeles Silicosis Lawyer Today

If you've been diagnosed with silicosis, don't wait—time is limited to file a claim. Call 323-524-8994 today for a free consultation.