New season continues the examination of the artificial stone silicosis epidemic with landmark verdicts, worker stories, scientific developments, and ongoing accountability efforts
NOVATO, Calif., Aug. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Brayton Purcell LLP announces the launch of Season 2 of From Dust to Verdict, the firm’s podcast dedicated to examining the epidemic of accelerated silicosis among artificial stone countertop fabrication workers and the medical, scientific, public health, regulatory, and legal issues surrounding the disease. Hosted by James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, the new season begins at a pivotal moment in the ongoing effort to address one of the most significant occupational health crises facing workers today.
Season 1 concluded with firsthand testimony before the Cal/OSHA Standards Board from fabrication workers, medical professionals, and public health experts who described the devastating human toll of artificial stone silicosis and urged regulators to confront the growing epidemic. Season 2 picks up where those conversations left off, examining what happens when the evidence presented in scientific literature, regulatory hearings, and public health discussions is placed before a jury.
The season premiere focuses on the Martinez Paredes wrongful death trial and the jury verdict that assessed more than $47 million for the family of Wilmer Rubin Martinez Paredes, a 41-year-old artificial stone countertop fabrication worker who died from silicosis. The episode serves as a natural continuation of the issues explored throughout Season 1, moving from worker testimony, medical evidence, and regulatory debate to questions of legal accountability, corporate responsibility, and the role of the civil justice system in addressing the harms associated with artificial stone products containing high levels of crystalline silica.
Throughout its first season, From Dust to Verdict examined the science of artificial stone silicosis, the experiences of affected workers and families, evolving medical research, regulatory proceedings, and litigation involving artificial stone manufacturers and suppliers. The series explored how workers have been impacted by a disease that has emerged in fabrication shops across the United States and around the world, while documenting efforts by researchers, physicians, advocates, and workers themselves to bring greater attention to the crisis.
“Season 1 focused on helping listeners understand the artificial stone silicosis epidemic and the growing body of scientific, medical, and public health evidence surrounding it,” said James Nevin, host of From Dust to Verdict and partner at Brayton Purcell LLP. “Season 2 continues that mission while examining how those issues are now being addressed in courtrooms, regulatory proceedings, and communities across the country. We hope these conversations help workers, families, healthcare professionals, attorneys, policymakers, and consumers better understand both the scope of the crisis and the human stories behind it.”
The premiere episode of Season 2 features an in-depth conversation between Nevin and Brayton Purcell LLP attorney Liliana Carbone regarding the Martinez Paredes verdict. Together, they examine the evidence presented at trial, the jury’s findings regarding negligence, product design and failure to warn, and the broader implications of other recent artificial stone silicosis verdicts in favor of Brayton Purcell LLP clients. The discussion also explores the growing body of scientific and medical research concerning accelerated silicosis among artificial stone fabrication workers and the questions these findings raise for manufacturers, distributors, regulators, consumers, and workers.
At the center of the episode is the human impact of the disease. Nevin and Carbone discuss testimony and evidence concerning the physical, emotional, and financial consequences experienced by workers and families affected by silicosis, while reflecting on the experiences of fabrication workers whose labor helped build homes, businesses, hotels, restaurants, and public spaces throughout their communities.
Future episodes of Season 2 will continue exploring the intersection of science, public health, regulation, and litigation as the artificial stone silicosis epidemic evolves. The series will feature discussions of emerging research, ongoing trials, regulatory developments, worker experiences, and the broader questions of accountability raised by a disease that continues to affect workers and families across the United States and around the world.
Listeners can watch and listen to Season 2, Episode 1, The Martinez Paredes Verdict and the Fight for Accountability, on major podcast and video platforms.
Spotify: Listen on Spotify
YouTube: Watch on YouTube
Apple Podcasts: Listen on Apple Podcasts
About From Dust to Verdict
From Dust to Verdict is a podcast from Brayton Purcell LLP dedicated to examining the epidemic of accelerated silicosis among artificial stone countertop fabrication workers. Hosted by James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP, the series explores medical, scientific, public health, regulatory, and legal issues related to artificial stone silicosis and associated litigation.
About Brayton Purcell LLP
Brayton Purcell LLP is an accomplished California law firm with a long history of representing individuals and families affected by serious occupational and environmental diseases across the United States, including mesothelioma, asbestosis and other asbestos-related diseases, and artificial stone silicosis. The firm is committed to helping clients understand their legal rights and pursue accountability through the civil justice system.
Media Contact
Brayton Purcell LLP
Nolan Lowry
(415) 399-3107
nlowry@braytonlaw.com
www.braytonlaw.com
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/brayton-purcell-llp-launches-season-2-of-from-dust-to-verdict-302861253.html
SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP
