Several New Silica Cases Filed in Broward County, Florida

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. - Nearly a dozen lawsuits have been filed in recent months in Florida by former sandblasters who claim they developed silicosis as a result of their exposure to silica dust. Johnson v. American Optical, et al., No. 04-19862 (Fla. Cir. Ct., Broward Cty.).

In 10 separate complaints filed over the past four months in the Broward County Circuit Court, the former sandblasters allege that they were exposed to harmful dust levels at paper mills in Broward County and other counties throughout Florida.

According to the lawsuits, the defendants were aware that their products would be used in …