Quartz Countertop Worker Files Silica Exposure Lawsuit After Silicosis Diagnosis

Raul Mata Martinez filed suit in California Superior Court for Los Angeles County on August 10, 2026, against Caesarstone USA Inc., Bella Stones Inc., Colorquartz USA Inc., and other engineered stone manufacturers and distributors. Martinez alleges that his occupational work cutting, fabricating and polishing engineered stone (also called quartz) exposed him to hazardous respirable silica dust over many years, resulting in silicosis, pulmonary fibrosis and related lung injuries.

Enhausted stone products can contain up to 90% crystalline silica, which becomes airborne as dangerous dust during fabrication and installation processes. Repeated inhalation of silica dust poses severe and potentially life-threatening risks to stoneworkers, including permanent lung damage. Martinez contends that the defendant manufacturers deliberately misrepresented their products as safe while concealing the known respiratory hazards associated with engineered stone.

The case is part of a growing body of silicosis litigation targeting engineered stone manufacturers for failing to adequately warn workers and consumers of the silica exposure risks inherent in their products.

This is a curated brief from the PlaintiffWire news desk. Read the original report at AboutLawsuits.