Judge Dismisses Majority of Defendants from Illinois Silica Case

EDWARDSVILLE, Ill. - A judge in Illinois had dismissed all but one defendant from a silica personal injury case filed by a former foundry worker who was allegedly exposed to silica-containing products in Wisconsin. Dille v. American Optical Corp., et al., No. 03-L-1888 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Madison Cty.).

According to sources, Judge Andy Matoesian of the Madison County Circuit Court ruled Aug. 24 that the silica claims of Gary Dille should be transferred to one of two state courts in the state where Dille's alleged exposure occurred.

3M, which Dille argued sold products in Madison County, was the lone defendant …