Minerals Worker Seeks More Than $20 Million for Silica Injury

ST. LOUIS - A former minerals worker is seeking more than $20 million from 3M Co. for a silica-related injury he allegedly suffered despite using three separate respiratory protection devices manufactured by the company. Alcorn v. 3M Co., No. 06-1821 (E.D. Mo.).

Michael Alcorn's Dec. 22 complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri names 3M as the lone defendant and says the company placed its products into the stream of commerce despite knowing they failed to protect workers from inhaling silica dust.

According to the complaint, Alcorn wore 3M's 8710, 8715 and 8511 model …