N.D. Judge Resolves Indemnity Claims by Silica Manufacturer, Supplier

FARGO, N.D. - A state court judge in North Dakota has dismissed cross-claims for indemnification asserted by a silica manufacturer and the company that supplied the product after both settled allegations that they were liable for causing a former sandblaster's silicosis. Waclawik v. Aearo Company, et al., No. 09-08-C-4010 (N.D. Dist. Ct., Cass Cty.).

Judge Douglas R. Herman of the Cass County District Court ruled Dec. 13 that without any finding of fault as a result of the settlements, and because the supplier claimed it never altered the manufacturer's sand product before it reached the end-user, application of the state's …