Judge Grants Suppliers' Sophisticated User Motions; 3M, Norton Motions Denied

CLEVELAND - A state court judge in Ohio has awarded summary judgment to sand suppliers and an air compressor manufacturer named in a multi-plaintiff silica suit, finding that the defendants had no duty to warn of dangers associated with their products. In Re: Jackson Group I; Cuyahoga County Silicosis Cases, No. 469127 (Ohio Comm. Pls., Cuyahoga Cty.).

Judge Francis E. Sweeney of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas issued the separate rulings Aug. 3, finding that the sophisticated user doctrine is available as a 'viable and legitimate defense' to silica-related personal injury claims asserted against defendants U.S. Silica, Wedron …