Surface Miner Sues Employers, Product Manufacturers in W.Va. Silica Suit

WILLIAMSON, W.Va. - A former drill operator who worked in the surface mining and construction industries has sued numerous defendants in West Virginia, claiming he developed silicosis as a result of his exposure to silica dust. Haynes v. Sangamore Company Inc., et al., No. 05-C-433 (W.Va. Cir. Ct., Mingo Cty.).

Gary Haynes alleges in a complaint filed recently in the Mingo County Circuit Court that he was exposed to silica despite the defendants' knowledge that such exposure was dangerous and could cause life-threatening injuries.

Haynes maintains that he worked for several surface mining companies between 1975 and 1995, and used …