Judge: Worker May Seek Punitive Damages Against American Optical

HARRISBURG, Ill. - A state court judge presiding over a case headed to trial next month has ruled that a coal miner who claimed he developed pneumoconiosis despite wearing a government-approved respirator may pursue punitive damages against the device's manufacturer. Staley v. Mine Safety Appliances Co., et al., No. 04-L-0065 (Ill. Cir. Ct., Saline Cty.).

Sources told HarrisMartin Publishing that the Saline County Circuit Court judge recently allowed plaintiff William Staley leave to amend his complaint to include a punitive damages claim against American Optical Corporation.

Staley sued American Optical, which manufactured the R2090N respirator the plaintiff wore while …