Sandblaster Files Silicosis Suit Against Lone Star

SOURCE
Legal News Watch Article
Source: Corpus Christi Caller Times
Published: February 27, 2003
View PDF

Harrel Horton filed a lawsuit against Lone Star Industries, manufacture of synthetic sand, claiming he contracted a serious lung disease known as Silicosis, during his career as a sandblaster. Horton claims Lone Star should have taken steps to better protect workers like him from inhaling the dangerous abrasive sand. The plaintiff is seeking medical expenses and punitive damages.

Silicosis is a disabling, nonreversible and sometimes fatal lung disease caused by overexposure to abrasive silicon sand known as crystalline silica. Silicosis can also make exposed workers more susceptible to lung infections like tuberculosis.

More than million U.S. workers are exposed to silica dust, and each year more than 250 die from Silicosis. There is no cure for the disease.