La. Appellate Court Affirms Judgment for Silica Suppliers in Shipyard Case

LAKE CHARLES, La. - A Louisiana appeals court has affirmed summary judgment in favor of a supplier of silica sand to a shipyard, holding that any duty to warn shipyard workers of the silica-related dangers fell on the employer as a sophisticated user. Bates, et ux. v. E.D. Bullard Co., et al., No. 11-187 (La. Ct. App., 3rd Cir.).

The Third Circuit Court of Appeal affirmed judgment for Specialty Sand Co. and Southern Silica of Louisiana Inc. on Oct. 6, finding that the claims asserted by former shipyard worker Wilbert Bates were similar to those rejected previously by Louisiana appellate …