Judge Finds Jeweler's Allegations Sufficient, Rejects 'Shotgun' Pleading Claim

FORT MYERS, Fla. - A judge in Florida has refused to dismiss allegations of negligence and strict liability filed by a jeweler who claimed he developed silicosis as a result of his exposure to silica-containing bobbing and polishing compounds. Hughes v. American Tripoli Inc., No. 04-485 (M.D. Fla.).

In an opinion issued Aug. 9, Judge John E. Steele of the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Florida said the second amended complaint filed on behalf of jeweler Jack Hughes sufficiently pleads causes of action against the companies allegedly responsible for causing Hughes' silica-related injuries.

Hughes' second amended complaint …