La. Court Awards Summary Judgment to Premises Defendant in Silica Exposure Suit

LAKE CHARLES, La. –– A Louisiana federal court has awarded summary judgment to a premises defendant in a silica exposure suit, saying that the company did not direct or control the manner in which the sandblasting was performed and, therefore, could not be held liable for the plaintiff’s injuries.

In the April 11 opinion, the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana further held that since the alleged danger was not inherent in the premises, Axiall Corp. could not be held liable as a premises owner.

Plaintiff Keith Roach contended in his complaint that his employment at painting …