Silica Dust Lawsuits

Why Choose Hilliard Law?

• Over 40 Years of Experience – A trusted trial firm led by founder Bob Hilliard since 1985.
• Proven Results – Millions recovered in complex cases against some of the nation’s largest corporations.
• Nationally Recognized – Listed in Best Lawyers® Best Law Firms (Tier 1 – Corpus Christi, Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs, since 2020).
• Reach Across the U.S. – Offices in Texas and Chicago, representing clients nationwide.
• Client Focused – We tell real clients’ stories, demand accountability, and fight for real justice.

Proven Results in Complex Cases

At Hilliard Law, our results demonstrate our ability to take on powerful corporations and win life-changing outcomes for our clients. Here are a few examples:

• $575 Million Settlement – Wrongful Death. We represented victims and families in the GM ignition switch litigation, the largest product liability MDL in U.S. history.
• $310 Million Verdict – Wrongful Death. $310 million verdict for the family of a man killed in the defective Orlando FreeFall ride that led to the Tyre Sampson Act.
• $50 Million Settlement – Wrongful Death. Our attorneys secured $50 million for the family of a father of four who was tragically killed in a trucking accident.
• $33 Million Award – Work Injury. We won $33 million for two delivery drivers who were shot on the job after being misclassified by a major online retailer.
• $25 Million Verdict – Negligent Security. We achieved a $25 million verdict for a Corpus Christi security guard who was severely beaten while at work.
• $20.8 Million Settlement – Oil Field Accident. We secured $20.8 million for the family of a man killed in an oil field explosion.

See more of our results.

Understanding Silica Dust Exposure

Silica dust is created when materials such as quartz, engineered stone, granite, or concrete are cut, ground, or polished. 

These particles, often 100 times smaller than a grain of sand, are invisible to the eye but can lodge deep in the lungs when inhaled. Over time, the body cannot expel them, causing inflammation, scarring, and permanent lung damage.

Diseases Linked to Silica Dust:

• Silicosis – A progressive, incurable disease caused by lung scarring.
• Lung Cancer – Recognized by OSHA and the CDC as linked to silica exposure.
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) – Including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
• Kidney Disease – Long-term exposure has been tied to serious renal problems.
• Other Lung Infections – Including increased susceptibility to tuberculosis and pneumonia.

Silicosis can take years or even decades to develop but accelerated forms have been documented in countertop workers after only months of heavy exposure. Once diagnosed, the disease is irreversible and can be fatal.

Who Is at Risk?

Although silica dust exposure can occur in a range of industries, certain jobs carry the highest risks:

• Countertop Fabricators and Installers – Especially those working with engineered quartz, which can contain up to 90% silica.
• Foundry Workers – Where sand molds and high-heat environments release respirable silica.
• Sandblasters – Who disturb massive quantities of fine silica particles.
• Glass Manufacturers – Inhaling dust during the production of glass and ceramics.
• Oil and Gas Workers – Exposed to “frac sand” during hydraulic fracturing operations.

Many of the hardest-hit workers are young, Latino immigrants employed in countertop fabrication, with median ages of diagnosis as low as 45. Tragically, many were never warned of the risks or provided adequate protective equipment.

Can I File a Silica Dust Lawsuit?

You may have grounds to file a lawsuit if you or a loved one:

• Worked in an industry where silica dust exposure is common.
• Developed silicosis, lung cancer, or another silica-related illness.
• Lost a family member to complications from silica exposure.

Symptoms may include shortness of breath, persistent coughing, chest pain, fatigue, and unexplained weight loss. 

Even if your exposure was years ago, you may still have a claim. Speaking with an attorney can help determine whether your illness is connected to silica dust and whether you are eligible for compensation.

Who May Be Held Liable?

Silica dust lawsuits often involve multiple defendants. Depending on the circumstances, those responsible may include:

• Manufacturers of Engineered Stone and Quartz Products – For failing to warn about hazards or provide safety instructions.
• Suppliers and Distributors – For pushing silica-heavy materials into the market without adequate warnings.
• Employers and Contractors – For failing to follow OSHA safety standards, such as providing respirators, ventilation systems, and training.
• Safety Equipment Manufacturers – If protective equipment such as respirators or masks was defective.

At Hilliard Law, we investigate every angle to identify all potentially liable parties to maximize your chances of a meaningful recovery.

Compensation for Victims and Families

Every case is different, but potential compensation in silica dust lawsuits may include:

• Medical expenses (past, ongoing, and future care)
• Lost wages and diminished earning potential
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs in wrongful death cases
• Loss of companionship, care, and support for surviving family members

Our attorneys fight to recover not just financial damages, but also accountability for the failures that put workers in harm’s way.

The Statute of Limitations

Every state has a statute of limitations — a strict deadline that limits how long you have to file a claim. 

In some cases, these time limits are only a few years from diagnosis or discovery of illness. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to recover damages. That’s why it is critical to consult an attorney as soon as possible, even if you’re unsure whether you qualify.

How Hilliard Law Can Help

Silica dust cases require more than just knowledge of the law — they demand careful investigation, medical evidence, and an aggressive approach against corporations that will fight to avoid responsibility. At Hilliard Law, we guide clients through every stage of the process:

• Case Evaluations – We review your work history, medical records, and diagnosis to determine whether you may have a claim.
• Evidence Collection – Our attorneys work with medical experts, workplace safety specialists, and investigators to connect your illness to silica dust exposure.
• Identifying Liable Parties – We pursue claims not only against employers but also manufacturers, suppliers, and others who may share responsibility.
• Filing Claims on Time – We track all statute of limitations deadlines to ensure your case is filed before time runs out.
• Negotiating and Litigating – We push for maximum settlements but are always prepared to take cases to trial if that’s what it takes.
• Supporting Families – Whether through wrongful death claims or by seeking compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering, we fight for the long-term security of our clients and their loved ones.

With decades of trial experience and a history of standing up to powerful corporations, we have the resources and determination to move these cases forward and pursue justice for victims and families.

Silica Dust Claims FAQ 

What Makes Silica Dust So Dangerous?

The particles are microscopic, easily inhaled, and lodge deep in the lungs where the body cannot remove them, leading to permanent and progressive damage.

Do I Have to Be a Countertop Worker to Have a Case?

No. While countertop fabricators face high exposure, many other workers — from foundry employees to oil field crews — may have valid claims.

What If My Loved One Passed Away From Silica Exposure?

You may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of support.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire Hilliard Law?

Nothing up front. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay legal fees if we recover compensation for you.

What Sets Hilliard Law Apart?

We are an award-winning trial firm with the resources, reputation, and determination to hold powerful corporations accountable — and we’ve been doing it for over 40 years.

Call For a Free Consultation: (866) 927-3420

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with silicosis, lung cancer, or another silica-related illness, don’t wait to get help. Call (866) 927-3420 for a free, confidential consultation. Our attorneys represent clients nationwide and are ready to fight for you.