EDWARDSVILLE – A former Caterpillar employee alleges that respirators provided for his use during his employment failed to protect him from silica dust.
Harry Boyer and Julia Boyer filed a complaint on Nov. 1 in the Madison County Circuit Court against 3M Co. and Mine Safety Appliances Co. LLC alleging product liability and other counts.
According to the complaint, the couple alleges that between 1969 and 1999, Harry Boyer was employed by Caterpillar Inc. and was continuously exposed to silica dust. He alleges that he was provided respirators made and distributed by the defendants to protect him from silica dust while working. Plaintiff claims the respirators allegedly failed to perform properly, which caused him to develop an occupational lung disease.
As a result, Harry Boyer alleges he suffered permanent injuries and incurred a large amount of medical expenses and his wife Julia Boyer alleges she lost the support of her husband.
The plaintiffs holds the defendants responsible because the respirators were allegedly in a defective condition and unreasonably dangerous for use.
The plaintiffs seek judgment of an amount for actual damages that are fair and reasonable, costs of suit, pre- and post-judgment interest and such other and further relief as the court deems just and proper. They are represented by W. Wylie Blair and James G. Onder of OnderLaw LLC in St. Louis.
Madison County Circuit Court case number 17-L-1391