Ohio Plaintiffs Say Employer Wasn't Knowledgeable Conduit of Silicosis Risks

CLEVELAND - Plaintiffs in several Ohio silica cases have responded to defense motions for summary judgment based on the sophisticated user doctrine, arguing that discovery has revealed strong evidence the company could not be relied upon as a conduit for information pertaining to silicosis hazards. Woodard, et al. v. American Optical Corp., et al., No. 469127 (Ohio Comm. Pls., Cuyahoga Cty.).

In a May 18 response to numerous defendants' motions for summary judgment, the plaintiffs contend that because it has been shown that Buckeye Steel Casting Company failed to adequately warn their employees about the dangers of inhaling silica dust, …