Brayton Purcell LLP Named Finalist for 2026 Trial Lawyer of the Year

The firm secured its place among three national finalists following a high-stakes 2025 settlement exceeding $27 million. The case centered on the dangers of engineered stone, a material composed of approximately 90% crystalline silica. When fabricated, the stone releases volatile, nano-sized particles that, when inhaled, can cause pulmonary massive fibrosis and accelerated silicosis. The firm’s client, who required a double lung transplant after years of occupational exposure, serves as a stark example of the growing public health crisis facing fabrication workers today.

This litigation highlights the firm’s broader efforts to hold manufacturers accountable for the safety risks associated with respirable crystalline silica. Partner James Nevin noted that the nomination serves as a testament to the perseverance of the families they represent in the face of complex occupational disease claims. The winner of the prestigious award will be announced at a gala in Chicago on July 24, 2026, where the legal community will gather to honor advocacy that drives meaningful systemic change.