Silica Case Ends Mid-Trial with $2.3 Million Settlement

GALVESTON, Texas - A trial involving a former sandblaster who allegedly developed silicosis as a result of his exposure to silica dust has ended with a settlement that will total more than $2 million. Snyder v. American Optical Corp., et al., No. 01cv0647 (Texas Dist. Ct., Galveston Cty.).

According to court sources, jury questionnaires were being prepared in Galveston County District Court when the final two defendants remaining in the case settled claims filed on behalf of the plaintiff Robert Snyder and his wife.

Snyder, a smoker for what was estimated at 40 to 160 pack-years, worked most of his …