N.Y. Trial Court Awards Summary Judgment to Silica Defendant, Recognizes Sophisticated Intermediary Doctrine

BUFFALO, N.Y. –– A New York trial court has, for the second time, entered summary judgment awards for defendants named in two silica cases, finding that the sophisticated intermediary doctrine was “tailor-made” for the underlying lawsuits.

In the Feb. 26 order, the New York Supreme Court for Cattaraugus County wrote that a previous issue of fact identified the Appellate Division in reversing the previous summary judgment award was in fact not disputed.

Patricia A. Rickicki said her late husband, David, was exposed to silica while working for Dexter-Hysol Corp. at one of its manufacturing plants.

Sharon M. Crowley also brought …