Appeals Court Reverses Ruling That Gave Employer Immunity from Silica Claims

BEAUMONT, Texas - A Texas appeals court has reversed an award of summary judgment to the parent company of an employer sued by a former sandblaster who claimed he developed silicosis as a result of his exposure to silica. Koskey v. Baker Hughes Inc., No. 09-04-539 (Texas Ct. App., 9th Dist.).

In a decision issued Aug. 11, the Ninth District Court of Appeal ruled that Baker Hughes Inc. (BHI) failed to prove that it was immune from suit under the exclusive remedy provision of the Texas Workers' Compensation Act.

Baker Hughes was sued by Richard Koskey, who worked for six …