LOS ANGELES, March 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Brayton Purcell LLP has secured the first two major legal victories on behalf of artificial stone fabrication workers suffering from accelerated silicosis, an incurable and fatal lung disease caused by inhaling silica dust from artificial stone slabs. The cases, Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez v. Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, Color Marble, Inc., et al., and Anonymous v. Caesarstone USA, Cambria Company LLC, EIDP, Inc., Francini, Inc., et al. resulted in combined settlements and verdicts exceeding $78 million, highlighting the severe health risks associated with artificial stone fabrication.
$26 Million Settlement for Plaintiff with Silicosis and Pulmonary Massive Fibrosis
In April 2025, in Anonymous v. Caesarstone, U.S.A., et al., Brayton Purcell LLP's client, a 51-year-old oxygen-dependent stone slab fabricator with accelerated complicated silicosis and pulmonary massive fibrosis (PMF) received confidential settlements from slab manufacturer and supplier defendants exceeding $26 million during jury selection at trial in the Superior Court of California, Los Angeles County. The plaintiff had worked for over two decades (2000–2022) fabricating natural and artificial stone slabs for use in kitchen and bathroom countertops. His exposure occurred while working at multiple fabrication shops in Sun Valley, Burbank, and Los Angeles, California.
Despite OSHA regulations, there is no safe way to fabricate artificial stone, as even wet-cutting techniques and respirators fail to eliminate silica dust exposure. The plaintiff, now awaiting a lung transplant, is one of thousands of workers suffering from this entirely preventable disease.
Historic $52.4 Million Verdict in Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez v. Caesarstone USA, Inc., et al.
In a groundbreaking six-week trial ending in August 2024, 34-year-old Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, represented by Brayton Purcell LLP, obtained a $52,437,366 verdict against artificial stone manufacturers Caesarstone USA, Cambria, and Color Marble. This verdict—the first, largest, and only verdict of its kind in U.S. history—exposes the catastrophic dangers of artificial stone fabrication and the fatal consequences for workers. All post-trial motions have been resolved and the case is now under appeal.
Severe Health Consequences for Young Workers
Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, an immigrant from Mexico, spent 15 years working in stone fabrication shops across Los Angeles and Orange County, cutting and polishing artificial stone slabs for homes, hotels, hospitals, and commercial buildings. By age 33, he developed accelerated silicosis, leading to a double lung transplant at Cedars-Sinai Hospital.
Medical experts warn that lung transplants only last an average of five years, meaning Gustavo will require multiple transplants to survive. His case underscores the devastating impact of artificial stone fabrication, especially for younger workers exposed to high volumes of respirable silica dust.
Brayton Purcell LLP's Response to Landmark Decisions
James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, managing the firms artificial stone litigation practice, emphasized the industry-wide implications:
"This is the first of hundreds of trials, and the message is clear—artificial stone slab manufacturers must stop selling these deadly fashion products. The health and lives of these young fabrication workers are far more important than corporate profits. On behalf of Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez and our entire legal team, we want to thank the jury for their courageous verdict. These workers deserve justice, and today, their voices were heard."
The Growing Silicosis Epidemic in Artificial Stone Workers
These cases shine a spotlight on an escalating public health crisis. Artificial stone contains up to 95% silica, compared to as little as 3% in some natural stone. Cutting and fabricating these slabs releases highly toxic nano-sized silica dust, which is easily inhaled despite protective measures.
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) maintains a dashboard on this epidemic at https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CCDPHP/DEODC/OHB/Pages/essdashboard.aspx They currently note there are 253 confirmed cases in California alone, with 15 deaths. The median age of the workers is only 46. CA and other state health authorities are trying to keep up. At Brayton Purcell LLP, we present more than 350 fabrication workers with silicosis and their families. As this epidemic continues, confirmed cases and deaths steadily rise.
In Australia, the government has already banned engineered stone entirely, acknowledging that it cannot be fabricated safely. U.S. experts are now urging similar action to prevent more worker fatalities.
What This Verdict and Settlements Mean for the Future of Artificial Stone
These historic legal outcomes send a powerful message to the artificial stone industry: workers' lives cannot be sacrificed for profits. With over 350 workers represented by Brayton Purcell LLP and hundreds of cases pending, this is just the beginning of a wave of litigation against artificial stone manufacturers.
A Call for Industry Change
The verdict in Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez's case and the recent settlements of over $26 million to a 51-year-old stone fabrication worker are expected to influence future lawsuits, regulatory changes, and calls for banning artificial stone in the U.S. Public health experts, worker safety advocates, and legal teams agree:
The only way to truly protect fabrication workers is for the slab manufacturers and suppliers to stop making and selling artificial stone slabs.
Contact Information
For media inquiries or further information about these cases, please contact:
Brayton Purcell LLP
Phone: (800) 598-0314
Email: nlowry@braytonlaw.com
Website: www.braytonlaw.com
About Brayton Purcell LLP
Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm specializing in occupational disease litigation, including asbestos and silica-related illnesses. With decades of experience representing workers exposed to toxic substances, the firm remains committed to securing justice for victims of workplace-related diseases.
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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP
