2010 Virginia Plant Blast Lawsuit Goes to Trial

A lawsuit filed by three workers over a 2010 explosion at a plant near Blacksburg, Va., is going to trial.

The Roanoke Times reports that jury selection is scheduled Monday in U.S. District Court in Roanoke.

Jeffrey Hodges, Tommy Bonds and John Spangler filed the $11 million lawsuit against Federal-Mogul Corp. and several contractors.

The plaintiffs were injured when the explosion destroyed an aluminum dust baghouse outside the plant. The men were employed by a contractor, LCM Corp. of Roanoke.

The plaintiffs allege improper use and maintenance of the dust system by Federal-Mogul. The contractors furnished the dust equipment and related professional advice.

The defendants argue that the case relies on experts who didn’t thoroughly examine the explosion’s cause. They say these experts shouldn’t be allowed to address the jury.