Texas Supreme Court Reverses, Remands Gomez Silica Case for New Trial

AUSTIN, Texas - The Texas Supreme Court has reversed a decision upholding a $2 million silica verdict and remanded the case for a new trial after determining that it was not in a position to determine whether a sand supplier has a duty to directly warn sandblasters of dangers associated with inhalation of silica dust. Humble Sand & Gravel, Inc. v. Gomez, et al., No. 01-0652 (Texas Sup. Ct.).

In a ruling issued Sept. 17, the state's highest court said the issue of whether sand supplier Humble Sand & Gravel had a legal duty under Texas law to warn former …