The so-called phantom epidemic of silicosis has become a hot potato for the plaintiffs bar. Silica exposure was once hailed as "the next big mass tort." But in June a judge eviscerated the attorneys representing individuals with silicosis claims, accusing them of intentionally manufacturing a mass tort in federal multidistrict litigation. In the wake of her ruling, defense attorneys are celebrating, while plaintiffs attorneys are pointing the finger at each other.
Details here from The American Lawyer via Law.com.