Stone Fabrication Shop Worker Awarded $52 Million Verdict in Silicosis Case

Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez v. Arroha Radiant Marble & Granite Slabs, et al. (Los Angeles County Super Ct. No. 22STCV31907): On August 7, 2024 a jury awarded a $52 million verdict to plaintiff Gustavo Reyes Gonzalez, who worked in stone fabrication shops for 15 years. Plaintiff alleged that he was exposed to toxic dust from stone products manufactured by multiple defendants, including Caesarstone; Cambria Company and Color Marble. Plaintiff was diagnosed with silicosis which ultimately required a lung transplant. Plaintiff further alleged that defendants failed to warn of the toxic nature of exposure to dust particulates from their products and that they failed to provide proper safety protocols. Defendants denied all allegations leading up to verdict. A jury ultimately attributed 15 percent liability to Caesarstone USA; 10 percent to Cambria and 2.5 percent to Color Marble. 70 percent liability was attributed to plaintiff’s employer and 2.5 percent to plaintiff himself. Post verdict, Color Marble prevailed on Motion for Judgment Notwithstanding the Verdict (JNOV) and the verdict against them was reversed. Plaintiff was represented by Brayton Purcell and Metzger Law Group. Caesarstone was represented by King & Spaulding LLP. Cambria Company was represented by Manning Gross & Massenburg LLP.