Coal Worker, Respirator Manufacturers Agree to Mediate Product Defect Claims

PIKEVILLE, Ky. — A former coal worker and two respirator manufacturers have agreed to engage in mediation in an effort to end litigation over claims that defendants’ products failed to prevent the worker’s exposure to dust.

Plaintiff Donnie Adams and defendants 3M Co. and Mine Safety Appliances filed a proposed scheduling order in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Kentucky Aug. 21, noting that the magistrate judge will set the specific date and time of any settlement conference or mediation session.

The parties also proposed that Adams disclose product identification witnesses by Jan. 1, and experts …