In this compelling episode of From Dust to Verdict, host James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, dives deep into the “verdict” side of the podcast’s title—why juries assess multi-million-dollar verdicts for countertop fabricators harmed by artificial stone silicosis.
James revisits the groundbreaking first plaintiff’s trial, where a jury awarded $52 million to artificial stone fabricator Gustavo Reyes González, and explains how this case set the stage for other cases settling for tens of millions more. He unpacks the medical evidence presented at trial, focusing on the devastating realities of accelerated silicosis—a disease that leaves workers gasping for air, tethered to oxygen tanks, and facing the grim prospect of lung transplants that only extend life by a few years.
Through clear explanations, James outlines how artificial stone differs from natural stone: its nano-sized silica particles and toxic resins overwhelm the body’s defenses, destroying lung tissue at an alarming rate. Unlike the chronic silicosis of past decades, which took years to develop, today’s artificial stone fabricators can fall ill within just a few years—or even months—of exposure. He also explores the various stages of silicosis, from early symptoms to the advanced scarring and fluid buildup that literally leave workers suffocating (and drowning) from within.
Listeners will gain insight into:
- The shocking contrast between the near eradication of silicosis in natural stone workers by the 1980s and the surge of cases allegedly tied to artificial stone since 2010.
- Why even sophisticated fabrication shops with prescribed safety controls in place are seeing high rates of disease.
- The legal and moral reasons a jury decided that manufacturers and suppliers must pay significant damages.
- How accelerated silicosis represents not just an occupational hazard, but an entirely man-made epidemic allegedly created by companies prioritizing profit over people.
This episode is a must-listen for workers, advocates, legal professionals, and anyone concerned about the safety of workers. It’s both a medical primer and a legal exposé, underscoring the urgent need for accountability, transparency, and reform in a manufacturing industry that has placed thousands of fabrication worker lives at risk.
Popular Podcasts
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Crime Junkie
Does hearing about a true crime case always leave you scouring the internet for the truth behind the story? Dive into your next mystery with Crime Junkie. Every Monday, join your host Ashley Flowers as she unravels all the details of infamous and underreported true crime cases with her best friend Brit Prawat. From cold cases to missing persons and heroes in our community who seek justice, Crime Junkie is your destination for theories and stories you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you're a seasoned true crime enthusiast or new to the genre, you'll find yourself on the edge of your seat awaiting a new episode every Monday. If you can never get enough true crime... Congratulations, you’ve found your people. Follow to join a community of Crime Junkies! Crime Junkie is presented by audiochuck Media Company.
Cardiac Cowboys
The heart was always off-limits to surgeons. Cutting into it spelled instant death for the patient. That is, until a ragtag group of doctors scattered across the Midwest and Texas decided to throw out the rule book. Working in makeshift laboratories and home garages, using medical devices made from scavenged machine parts and beer tubes, these men and women invented the field of open heart surgery. Odds are, someone you know is alive because of them. So why has history left them behind? Presented by Chris Pine, CARDIAC COWBOYS tells the gripping true story behind the birth of heart surgery, and the young, Greatest Generation doctors who made it happen. For years, they competed and feuded, racing to be the first, the best, and the most prolific. Some appeared on the cover of Time Magazine, operated on kings and advised presidents. Others ended up disgraced, penniless, and convicted of felonies. Together, they ignited a revolution in medicine, and changed the world.