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California Countertop Silicosis Lawsuit

Q: How long do I have to file a silicosis lawsuit in California?

California product liability claims are evaluated under a 2-year limitations framework. However, the exact deadline depends on when your lung disease was diagnosed, when you connected your illness to engineered stone exposure, and applicable tolling rules. Many workers only recently learned the connection — the discovery rule may mean your deadline starts from your diagnosis date or date of knowledge.

Q: Does California use a discovery rule for silicosis claims?

California generally follows a discovery framework for product liability claims. Under the discovery rule, the limitations period starts when you knew or reasonably should have known your lung disease was connected to engineered stone exposure — not necessarily when you first developed symptoms.

Q: Does my immigration status affect my silicosis claim in California?

No. Your immigration status does NOT affect your right to file a product liability lawsuit in California. Product liability law protects all workers on US soil regardless of immigration status. Your personal status is protected and cannot be used as a defense by stone manufacturers.

Q: Is there a cost to evaluate a silicosis claim in California?

No upfront cost. Attorneys handling countertop silicosis cases work on contingency — they only get paid if you receive compensation. The initial case evaluation is free and confidential.

Updated March 2026

California At a Glance

Statute of Limitations: 2 years
SOL Type: Discovery rule applies
Workers' Comp: California workers' compensation does not bar a separate product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers. These are separate legal remedies.
State Bar: California Bar Association →
Major City: Los Angeles
Major City: San Diego
Major City: San Jose

Filing Deadline in California

California has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Critically, California was the FIRST state to ban engineered stone countertops (effective July 2024). California documented a cluster of silicosis cases among countertop fabricators in a 2019 MMWR study. The discovery rule applies — many workers may have only recently connected their lung disease to engineered stone exposure.

⚠️ Important: Many workers don't connect their lung disease to engineered stone until years after exposure. Under the discovery rule, your deadline may start from when you discovered the connection. Don't assume you've missed your window — consult an attorney.

Workers' Compensation & Your Lawsuit Rights in California

California workers' compensation does not bar a separate product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers. These are separate legal remedies.

You can pursue both workers' compensation benefits and a product liability lawsuit against stone manufacturers simultaneously in most cases. An attorney can advise on coordination rules specific to California.

Do You Qualify? — California Stone Workers

To have a viable silicosis claim in California, you generally need to show:

You worked with engineered stone countertops — cutting, grinding, polishing, installing, or fabricating
You have been diagnosed with silicosis, PMF, lung cancer, or another occupational lung disease — or have significant respiratory symptoms after fabrication work
You were not adequately warned about silicosis risks or provided proper respiratory protection
You are within California's 2-year filing window (discovery rule may extend this)

Free Case Review — California Residents

Find out in 2 minutes if you may qualify for a countertop silicosis claim. Free, confidential, no obligation. ¿Habla español? Podemos ayudarle.

Check My Eligibility →

Frequently Asked Questions — California

How long do I have to file a silicosis lawsuit in California?+

Does California use a discovery rule for silicosis claims?+

Does workers' comp prevent me from suing stone manufacturers in California?+

Does my immigration status affect my silicosis claim in California?+

Is there a cost to evaluate a silicosis claim in California?+

Disclaimer: This page provides general information about California's statute of limitations for product liability claims. It is not legal advice. Individual deadlines and eligibility depend on specific facts that only a licensed California attorney can evaluate. Your immigration status does not affect your rights.