California Stonecutters Wait 2 Years for Silicosis Benefits as 550 Cases Mount

2 articles · Updated · KQED · May 15

Two years after filing for workers’ compensation, Bakersfield stonecutter Eleazar Resendiz Cortes still has not been paid after a silicosis diagnosis left him unable to work.
At least 550 California countertop workers have confirmed silicosis and 31 have died since 2019, turning a workplace hazard into a growing compensation crisis.
Insurers are denying or slowing claims because they say medical evidence is insufficient and because many workers had multiple employers, allowing companies and carriers to dispute who is responsible.
Attorney Barry Rodich, who represents about 80 sick stoneworkers, said delays worsen workers’ conditions; some silicosis claims have settled for more than $1 million.

Juries are awarding millions to sick workers. Is the entire engineered stone industry about to face its day in court?

Dying workers are denied life-saving care. Is California's compensation system protecting profits over people?

A deadly countertop material is banned in Australia. Why is it still being sold and installed in California?