Sand Suppliers File Joint Motion to Dismiss Minnesota Silica Cases

WABASHA, Minn. - Sand suppliers named in two Minnesota silicosis cases set for trial later this year have moved to dismiss the claims on ground that the plaintiffs' employers were sophisticated users of the sand products. Wieland, et al. v. AIMCOR, et al., No. C6-00-565 (Minn. Dist. Ct., Wabasha Cty.).

According to a motion for summary judgment filed Jan. 8 in Wabasha County District Court, the sand suppliers can't be found liable for the silicosis suffered by plaintiffs LaVerne Wieland and Francis O'Flaherty because neither relied on the companies for information that would have protected them from exposure to silica.