Ill. Court Reverses Judgment in Favor of Employer Defendant

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. -- An Illinois appellate court has reversed a judgment entered in favor of an employer defendant, finding that the plaintiffs had overcome the exclusivity provision of the Workers' Compensation Act and could pursue intentional tort claims. Blankenship, et al. v. Bridgestone Americas Holding Inc., et al., No. 4-09-0815 (Ill. 4th Dist. App. Ct.).

In a June 25 opinion, the Illinois Fourth District Appellate Court opined that the plaintiffs had sufficiently asserted claims relating to Firestone's alleged concealment of hazards related to benzene-containing products.

The plaintiffs contend that Ronald A. Blankenship's tire production work at a Firestone facility …