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.

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.

Please note: We are no longer accepting clients for this litigation.