New Complaints Filed in Tennessee, California

NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Nearly 15 new welding rod lawsuits have been filed in recent weeks, all contended that the welding industry knew of the harmful effects of exposure to manganese-containing welding fumes. Forrest v. A.O. Smith Corp., et al., No. 05-0415 (M.D. Tenn.).

Thirteen new cases were filed May 27 in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Tennessee.

In one Tennessee complaint, plaintiff Charles E. Forrest claims that he developed manganism as a result of exposure to welding fumes containing manganese.

'Plaintiff was directly exposed to manganese laden welding fumes while using manganese containing welding products or …