Defendants Say Evidence Is There to Question Thousands of Silica Claims

HOUSTON - Defendants in Texas stated in a recent brief that the medical evidence presented so far on behalf of plaintiffs in the state silica litigation leads them to conclude that the vast majority of the cases aren't legitimate. Olivas, et al. v. Oglebay Norton Industrial Sands Inc., et al., No. 2000-00200 (Texas Dist. Ct., Harris Cty.).

The accusations came in a May 15 brief filed as part of a constitutional challenge to the state's medical criteria bill and are supported, the defendants say, by evidence similar to that which led to the implosion of the federal silica docket.

Harris …