Complaint Alleges Silica-Related Injuries, Unconstitutionality of Ohio Silica Legislation

DAYTON, Ohio - A former Ohio foundry worker and sandblaster who says he developed injuries from years of inhaling silica dust has sued several companies in a complaint that also includes a request to declare Ohio's recent enactment of silica litigation reform unconstitutional. Benson v. 3M Company, et al., No. 04-5224 (Ohio Comm. Pls., Montgomery Cty.).

In a lawsuit filed Aug. 6 in the Montgomery County Court of Common Pleas, Freddie C. Benson claims that the negligence of nearly 40 defendants caused him to develop a silica-related disease and that his employers intentionally exposed him to silica dust by failing …