Fla. Appeals Court Reopens Bank Employees' Suit Over Construction Dust

MIAMI - A Florida appeals court has reversed summary judgment granted to Bank of America over employee injury claims, saying that issues of material fact remain. Barnett v. Bank of America Corp., No. 3D09-1326 (Fla. Ct. App., 3rd Dist.).

The Third District Court of Appeal ruled for Marlene Barnett and other bank employees on Oct. 13, reinstating the plaintiffs' claims of respiratory and other illnesses from exposure to dust, paint fumes, mold, silica and other hazards during a bank branch renovation.

Barnett and about a dozen co-workers say they were subject to long-term exposure from toxic dust and fumes in …