Sandblaster Settles with Supplier Prior to $13 Million Verdict

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas - A former sandblaster has settled claims against a silica sand supplier in Texas just as the case was handed over to the jury, which later informed counsel that it was prepared to hand down what would have been the biggest verdict in the history of the silica litigation. Horton v. Lone Star Industries, No. 0104284000-H (Texas Dist. Ct., Nueces Cty.).

According to sources, Harrell Horton and Lone Star Industries reached an agreement Feb. 28 worth $650,000, while the Nueces County jury was deliberating the case. Horton sued Lone Star and several others after developing conglomerate silicosis …