Products Liability Law Reporter

For 15 years, Gustavo Reyes-Gonzalez worked in stone fabrication shops, where he cut, sanded, shaped, and drilled artificial stone slabs for use in home construction and remodeling, apartment complexes, and other locations throughout Southern California. He underwent a lung transplant after being diagnosed with accelerated silicosis allegedly resulting from inhalation of invisible respirable crystalline silica. Reyes-Gonzalez, 34, may require a second lung transplant in the next three to five years.

Reyes-Gonzalez sued over 30 artificial stone slab manufacturers and suppliers, including Caesarstone USA; Cambria Co.; and Color Marble, Inc., alleging negligence, strict liability defective design and warnings, and fraudulent concealment. The plaintiff asserted that the defendants’ products were inherently defective because they could not be fabricated safely. The defense attempted to blame the plaintiff’s silicosis on his employer.

Following undisclosed settlements, the case went to trial against Caesarstone USA, Cambria Co., and Color Marble. The jury awarded over $52.43 million.

Citation: Reyes-Gonzalez v. Aaroha Radiant Marble & Granite Slabs, No. 22STCV31907 (Cal. Super. Ct. Los Angeles Cnty. Aug. 7, 2024).

Plaintiff counsel: AAJ member Gilbert Purcell, AAJ member James Nevin, and Gabriela Monoz-Gomez, all of Novato, Calif.; and Raphael Metzger and Scott Brust, both of Long Beach, Calif.