Joshua Bucklow's once active lifestyle came to a halt when he noticed a decline in his physical abilities while playing sports, attributing it to mere aging until he learned about silicosis, connecting the dots to his struggles. Having worked as a stonemason for 17 years, primarily cutting engineered stone that contained high levels of crystalline silica, he now battles the consequences of inhaling fine silica dust particles that led to lung inflammation and scarring.
The diagnosis of silicosis in 2019 marked a turning point in Joshua's life, plunging him into deep depression as he faced the grim reality of a potentially shortened lifespan due to his occupational exposure. Despite wearing protective masks, the pervasive nature of the dust resulted in prolonged health issues, impacting his ability to breathe and enjoy simple activities like walking.
Joshua's pursuit of compensation for his illness involves legal battles with former employers and manufacturers, including Pacific Stone and Caesarstone, who are embroiled in disputes over liability in silicosis claims. Delays in resolving his case have taken a toll on Joshua, pushing him into financial hardship as his medical bills pile up, relying on his children for support. Through the efforts of his lawyer, Jonathon Walsh, Joshua seeks justice and accountability from the companies responsible for his condition. The legal proceedings highlight the challenges in holding manufacturers and suppliers accountable for silicosis cases, with complex disputes over liability and compensation.