Insurers File to Intervene in Foundry Workers' Silica Suit

OSHKOSH, Wis. - Two insurance companies have moved to intervene in a Wisconsin silica suit, asking the court to declare that they have no obligation to indemnify or defend two respirator distributors named in the suit. Allen, et al. v. Pfizer Inc., et al., No. 05-CV1237 (Wis. Cir. Ct., Winnebago Cty.).

Frankenmuth Mutual Insurance Co. and Cincinnati Insurance Co. filed intervening complaints for declaratory judgment on June 27, contending that the policies they issued to the distributor defendants specifically exclude coverage for the alleged silica-related claims.

Last year, about a dozen foundry workers sued the manufacturers and suppliers of respiratory …