Judge: Release Bars Contribution for Settlement of 'Unknown' Foundry Claims

CLEVELAND - A federal judge has granted a foundry owner's motion for summary judgment in a case brought by the foundry's former owner that sought reimbursement for settlement proceeds it paid to plaintiffs alleging silica-related injuries in cases filed against both companies. Sequa Corp. v. Elyria Foundry Co., No. 03-2508 (N.D. Ohio).

Judge Kathleen M. O'Malley of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio ruled Sept. 29 that Sequa Corp. cannot pursue settlement expenses from the current owner because Sequa previously agreed to release the company from contributing to the settlement of any claims that were unknown …