IN THE SUPREME COURT OF MISSISSIPPI
NO. 2015-CA-01066-SCT
AMERICAN OPTICAL CORPORATION
v.
ESTATE OF ROBERT LEE RANKIN, SR., JEAN
MARIE HOWARD RANKIN, JACQUELYN
DENISE RANKIN ANDERSON, AND ROBERT
LEE RANKIN, JR., INDIVIDUALLY AND ON
BEHALF OF ALL THE HEIRS AT LAW OF
ROBERT LEE RANKIN, SR., DECEASED
DATE OF JUDGMENT: 02/24/2015
TRIAL JUDGE: HON. LAMAR PICKARD
COURT FROM WHICH APPEALED: JEFFERSON COUNTY CIRCUIT COURT
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLANT: MICHAEL JAMES BENTLEY
SIMON TURNER BAILEY
W. WAYNE DRINKWATER, JR.
WALTER T. JOHNSON
JOSEPH GEORGE BALADI
COREY DONALD HINSHAW
JOHN BURLEY HOWELL, III
ATTORNEYS FOR APPELLEES: DAVID NEIL McCARTY
ROBERT ALLEN SMITH, JR.
TIMOTHY W. PORTER
PATRICK MALOUF
JOHN TIMOTHY GIVENS
NATURE OF THE CASE: CIVIL - PERSONAL INJURY
DISPOSITION: REVERSED AND RENDERED - 05/18/2017
MOTION FOR REHEARING FILED:
MANDATE ISSUED:
EN BANC.
COLEMAN, JUSTICE, FOR THE COURT:
¶1. On May 13, 2013, a former construction worker, Robert Lee Rankin Sr., filed a
complaint in Jefferson County Circuit Court against American Optical Corporation (AO)
alleging an injury of “lung disease and silica related conditions caused by exposure to
respirable crystalline silica” while using defective respirators1 manufactured by AO.
Following trial on February 17-24, 2015, the jury returned a total verdict of $14 million in
favor of Rankin.2
¶2. According to the verdict form, the jury found by a preponderance of the evidence that
(1) Rankin had a “silica-induced lung condition;” (2) Rankin did not know nor should he
have known before May 13, 2010, that he had the “lung injury” that he alleged in the lawsuit;
(3) Rankin used a respirator manufactured or sold by AO “while working in harmful
concentrations of silica;” (4) there was a defect in the design of an AO product that
proximately caused Rankin’s silica-induced lung condition; and (5) there was a defect in the
warning of an AO product that proximately caused Rankin’s silica-induced lung condition.
¶3. The jury awarded $4 million in noneconomic damages and $10 million in economic
damages. The jury assigned 45% of fault to AO and 55% to “Other Named and Unnamed
Defendants and/or Parties.”3 The trial court entered a total judgment against AO of $6.3
million, reflecting the jury’s apportionment of fault. AO filed a motion to amend the
1
The terms “respirator” and “mask” are used interchangeably in the record.
2
Rankin died after the conclusion of the trial on March 10, 2015.
3
Rankin named twenty other defendants, including manufacturers of respiratory
equipment, sand, and silica related equipment, that he claimed also were responsible for his
injuries. All other defendants were dismissed prior to trial and are not parties to the instant
appeal.
2
judgment and a motion for a judgment notwithstanding the verdict (JNOV) or, alternatively,
for a new trial. The trial court granted AO’s motion to amend the judgment in part and
amended the noneconomic damages award from $1.8 million to $1 million to comply with
the statutory cap on noneconomic damages. However, the trial court denied AO’s motion
for a JNOV or, alternatively, for a new trial.
¶4. AO appeals, raising the following seven issues, restated for clarity:
I. Whether Rankin’s claims are barred by the three-year statute of
limitations.
II. Whether Rankin proved that the design of the AO respirators
proximately caused his injury and that there was a feasible design
alternative.
III. Whether AO is entitled to judgment as a matter of law on Rankin’s
failure to warn claim.
IV. Whether Rankin proved that his use of an AO respirator
proximately caused his injuries.
V. Whether Rankin proved a reasonable basis for the allegation that
his alleged damages were caused by silica exposure.
VI. Whether AO was deprived of its right to a fair trial in an impartial
forum.
VII. Whether the $14 million verdict was against the overwhelming
weight of the evidence.
¶5. It is necessary for the Court to address only the first issue raised.
FACTUAL BACKGROUND
3
¶6. AO manufactured and sold respiratory protection products, including the model 1050
and 1010 respirators or masks, which were introduced in 1976 and 1985 respectively.4 The
1050 and 1010 were single use, disposable respirators designed to protect individuals against
pneumoconiosis and fibrosis producing dusts such as silica. Both AO respirators were
marketed for use in textile, mining, quarrying, grinding, and rock crushing operations, but
not in abrasive blasting operations.
¶7. Rankin worked in the construction business for various employers and independently
from approximately 1965 though 2001. Rankin testified that he jackhammered and
sandblasted during his career in the construction business.5 Rankin identified several
different brands of respirators that he used throughout his career while he jackhammered and
sandblasted. Two of the respirators that Rankin used while he jackhammered and
sandblasted were AO’s 1050 and 1010. Rankin could not recall how often or where he wore
any specific respirator that he identified. Rankin never saw any boxes, packaging, or
paperwork that came with the respirators, nor did anyone teach him how to use the
respirators.
¶8. Larry Brown, Rankin’s former coworker, testified that he worked with Rankin from
1980 to 1985. Brown testified that he and Rankin performed carpentry, sandblasted, and
jackhammered during the entire five year period that they worked together. Brown testified
4
AO ceased manufacturing and selling respiratory protective equipment in 1990.
5
Rankin’s deposition was taken at a nursing home where he was residing at that
time. A video of the deposition was shown to the jury at trial.
4
that there was “a lot of dust created” when they sandblasted and jackhammered concrete.6
Although Brown’s testimony was inconsistent, Brown ultimately testified that Rankin wore
an AO mask while jackhammering and sandblasting from 1980 through 1985.
¶9. Rankin’s “long and complicated medical history” was well documented at trial.
Rankin first was diagnosed with silicosis, an occupational lung disease, on January 14, 2014,
eight months after Rankin had filed his complaint in the present case. Rankin also suffered
from breathing problems since 2000; had a heart attack in 2001; underwent open heart
surgery; had multiple strokes; had blood clots in his legs; suffered pulmonary emboli; had
seizure disorders; had Type II diabetes; underwent leg amputation below the knee due to
diabetes; had peripheral vascular disease; had high cholesterol; suffered from hypertension;
had coronary artery disease; had congestive heart failure; had chronic obstructive pulmonary
disease (COPD), a chronic lung disease; and suffered from pulmonary interstitial lung
disease.
¶10. Dr. Steven Haber, a physician board certified in internal and pulmonary medicine as
well as a certified B-reader, testified on behalf of Rankin. A B-reader is a physician certified
by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) to read x-rays for dust
diseases of the lung such as silicosis and asbestosis. Dr. Haber explained that silicosis is a
type of pneumoconiosis or “dust disease of the lung” caused by inhaling crystalline silica.
Dr. Haber testified four criteria are required before a diagnosis of silicosis can be made,
6
Rankin’s wife, Jean Rankin, testified that Rankin regularly would come home from
work with clothes covered in dust and sand. Jean testified that his clothes would be so dusty
that she had to wash his clothes separately from those of the rest of the family.
5
which are: (1) an x-ray showing scar tissue; (2) a history of exposure to silica; (3) a latency
period; and (4) a clinical evaluation to determine if there was another reason for the scar
tissue.
¶11. Dr. Haber testified that respirable silica may be generated during construction
activities such as jackhammering and sandblasting. He said that disrupting or breaking up
materials through jackhammering and sandblasting causes crystalline silica to become
airborne in high concentrations. Dr. Haber testified that the inhalation of silica causes scar
tissue or fibrosis to form in the interstitial or tissue part of the lung, which results in an
incurable and progressive lung disease known as silicosis.
¶12. On January 14, 2014, Dr. Haber personally interviewed and examined Rankin
“regarding possible occupational lung disease.” Dr. Haber took Rankin’s occupational
history and reviewed Rankin’s medical records, including x-rays and CT scans, as well as
deposition testimony of Rankin and his coworkers. Dr. Haber gave the following summary
of Rankin’s occupational history based on his interview with Rankin:
[Rankin] was in the construction industry from about 1965 until 2001 when he
left work. He had significant occupational exposures to silica dust. The sources
of that silica dust was from sandblasting, jackhammering, construction work
and being around others who were doing that sort of activity. He, over his like
35 years of work, had done about ten years or so of sandblasting. He worked
around other sandblasting or jackhammering or doing activities that were
producing silica dust. And that he would experience sand in the nose or the
mouth while he’s doing some of these activities and over man years, primarily
from sandblasting and concrete work starting in the 1960s.
6
¶13. On January 14, 2014, Dr. Haber diagnosed Rankin with chronic silicosis that was
incurable and likely to progress. Dr. Haber testified that, although Rankin’s heart problems
were not caused by silicosis, the heart problems were “exacerbated” by silicosis.7
¶14. Dr. Obie McNair, a board certified internal medicine physician and former board
certified pulmonolgist, also testified for Rankin. Dr. McNair opined that Rankin’s x-rays
revealed “findings consistent with silicosis.” Dr. McNair testified that Rankin’s COPD was
caused by simple silicosis, by exclusion. Dr. McNair based the conclusion on “articles [that]
said that silic[a] exposure can also cause COPD.” Dr. McNair explained that he “deduced”
that Rankin’s COPD was “quite possibly related to his silica exposure.”
¶15. Dr. McNair testified that Rankin’s diabetes, stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular
disease, seizure disorder, hypertension, high cholesterol, and heart failure were not caused
by silica exposure. Dr. McNair also testified that Rankin’s medications for diabetes and
cholesterol were not related to silica exposure.8 Dr. McNair was asked on cross examination
7
Dr. Haber also prepared a report of his findings. Dr. Haber stated in his report that
Rankin spent “an estimated 10 years sandblasting bridges and buildings. Dr. Haber
determined that Rankin “often sandblasted on a daily basis” and “would routinely get sand
in his nose and mouth.” Dr. Haber stated that Rankin had “done a lot of jackhammering of
concrete and cement.” Dr. Haber stated that “Rankin has a history of COPD and interstitial
lung disease from asbestosis.” Dr. Haber stated in his report that Rankin was a “lifelong
nonsmoker, who had significant occupational silica exposures while working construction,
primarily from the mid 1960s through the mid 1980s from sandblasting.” Furthermore, “[h]e
also did jackhammering.” Dr. Haber concluded that Rankin had chronic simple silicosis. Dr.
Haber opined that Rankin’s COPD was “most likely related to occupational silica exposure
given that he never smoked.”
8
Dr. McNair also testified that the following medications prescribed for Rankin were
unrelated to silicosis: Lexapro, Norvasc, Depakene (seizure medication), Apresoline (high
blood pressure medication), Patanol (eye drop), MiraLAX (stool softener), Colate (stool
softener), Aplisol injection (unknown purpose), Tylenol, Robitussin, Simethicone.
7
whether Rankin’s medication isordil had anything to do with silica exposure. In response,
Dr. McNair mentioned a peer reviewed journal article (Liu Article) containing a study of
40,000 Chinese workers who were exposed to silica. Over the objection of AO’s counsel,
Dr. McNair testified that, according to the article, people who had low level exposure to
silica were at an increased risk of dying from heart related complications.
¶16. Dr. McNair testified that he did not know whether Rankin’s silicosis would progress
at all. Dr. McNair also testified that Rankin’s life expectancy would be shortened due to the
number of his medical problems. Dr. McNair also opined that Rankin’s COPD and chronic
silicosis contributed to or exacerbated Rankin’s right-sided heart disease. Dr. McNair also
testified that Rankin’s left-sided heart disease is not attributable to COPD. When asked
whether Rankin’s left-sided heart disease was attributable to silicosis, Dr. McNair again
mentioned that, according to the Liu article, people with exposure to silica had an increased
risk of ischemic heart disease. Dr. McNair was asked whether Cozaar, a medication for
congestive heart failure, was related to silica. Dr. McNair explained that silica could be
indirectly related to congestive heart failure, according to the Liu article. Dr. McNair opined
that damaged lungs generally affect the cardiovascular system.
¶17. At the close of Rankin’s case in chief, AO moved for a directed verdict, arguing that
Rankin’s claims are barred by the statute of limitations because Rankin knew he had a lung
injury before May 13, 2010. The trial court denied the motion and AO proceeded with its
case in chief. AO called Dr. Malcom Taylor, a cardiologist who treated Rankin in 2013, to
the stand. Dr. Taylor testified that Rankin had left-sided heart disease and the right side of
8
his heart was normal. Although Dr. Taylor did not see any problem with Rankin’s lungs, he
referred Rankin to a pulmonologist at the request of Rankin’s wife, Jean. Dr. Taylor testified
that silicosis could lead to COPD, and silicosis could cause lung damage.
¶18. AO also called to the stand Dr. Demondes Haynes, a board certified pulmonary and
critical care physician. Dr. Haynes opined that Rankin did not have silicosis or any
occupational lung disease. Dr. Haynes opined that silicosis does not cause congestive heart
failure or make congestive heart failure worse. Dr. Haynes testified that Rankin’s x-rays
dated January 19, 2010, and April 3, 2013, did not indicate silicosis. Dr. Haynes opined that
Rankin did not have COPD. Dr. Haynes also opined that Rankin did not have lung disease
or interstitial lung disease.
STANDARD OF REVIEW
¶19. The Court applies a de novo standard of review to statutes of limitation. Phillips 66
Co. v. Lofton, 94 So. 3d 1051, 1059 (¶ 12) (Miss. 2012). Likewise, the Court reviews a trial
court’s decision to grant or deny a motion for a directed verdict de novo. Moreno v. TLSL,
Inc., 187 So. 3d 127, 129 (¶ 8) (Miss. 2016).
¶20. “A motion for a directed verdict challenges the legal sufficiency of the evidence; it
asks if the plaintiff met the burden of going forward on the evidence.” Roop v. S. Pharm.
Corp., 188 So. 3d 1179, 1184 (¶ 15) (Miss. 2016). “Th[e] Court will consider the evidence
in the light most favorable to the appellee, giving that party the benefit of all favorable
inference that may be reasonably drawn from the evidence.” Spotlite Skating Rink, Inc. v.
Barnes ex rel. Barnes, 988 So. 2d 364, 368 (¶ 10) (Miss. 2008). The Court will affirm the
9
denial of a motion for a directed verdict where there is substantial evidence to support the
verdict; but we will reverse if the evidence, as applied to the elements of a party’s case, is
either so indisputable, or so deficient, that the necessity of a trier of fact has been obviated.
Hyundai Motor America v. Applewhite, 53 So. 3d 749, 752-53 (¶¶ 9) (Miss. 2011).
DISCUSSION
I. Whether Rankin’s claims are barred by the three-year statute of
limitations.
¶21. AO argues that the trial court erred by failing to grant its motion for a directed verdict
because Rankin’s claims are barred by the three-year statute of limitations. AO contends that
Rankin’s claims accrued when he discovered his lung injury. Specifically, AO argues
Rankin’s claims accrued when he was diagnosed with COPD in November 2007 or, at the
latest, in January 2010 when his x-ray revealed “pulmonary fibrotic pathology.” Rankin
contends that the timeliness of his complaint was a factual issue that was properly resolved
by the jury. The special verdict form posed the question, “Do you find by a preponderance
of the evidence that [Rankin] knew or should have known before May 13, 2010, that he had
the lung injury alleged in this lawsuit?” To this, the jury answered “No.” Rankin argues that
“under the unique facts of this case, [he] invoked his right to file suit even though he had not
yet received a full diagnosis–only a strong suspicion he was exhibiting signs of silicosis.”
¶22. Under Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49, a plaintiff’s cause of action for a latent
injury or disease accrues at the point at which he discovered, or by reasonable diligence
should have discovered the injury. Section 15-1-49 provides in relevant part:
10
(1) All actions for which no other period of limitation is prescribed shall be
commenced within three (3) years next after the cause of such action accrued,
and not after.
(2) In actions for which no other period of limitation is prescribed and which
involve latent injury or disease, the cause of action does not accrue until the
plaintiff has discovered, or by reasonable diligence should have discovered,
the injury.
Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49 (Rev. 2012).
¶23. Causes of action accrue upon discovery of the injury, not discovery of the injury and
its cause. Ridgway Lane & Assocs., Inc. v. Watson, 189 So. 3d 626, 629 (¶ 9) (Miss. 2016).
Knowledge of the cause of the injury is irrelevant to the analysis; rather, the inquiry is when
the plaintiff knew or should have known of an injury. Lincoln Elec. Co. v. McLemore, 54
So. 3d 833, 838 (¶ 23) (Miss. 2010). In determining whether a plaintiff knew or reasonably
should have known that he had an injury, the Court considers the actions taken by the
plaintiff. Id. at 837-38 (¶¶ 22-23). For example, “seeking medical attention for side effects
or symptoms” may confirm that the plaintiff knew he was injured. PPG Architectural
Finishes, Inc. v. Lowery, 909 So. 2d 47, 51 (¶ 16) (Miss. 2005).
¶24. The question of whether the statute of limitations is tolled by the discovery rule often
turns on the factual determination of what the plaintiff knew and when. Peoples Bank of
Biloxi v. McAdams, 171 So. 3d 505, 509-10 (¶ 18) (Miss. 2015). The discovery of an injury
is an issue of fact to be decided by a jury when there is a genuine dispute. Watson, 189 So.
3d at 629 (¶ 9). Although occasionally, the question of whether the suit is barred by the
statute of limitations is a question of fact for the jury, the question may be taken away from
11
the jury if reasonable minds could not differ as to the conclusion, as with other putative fact
questions. McAdams, 171 So. 3d at 510 (¶ 9).
¶25. In the case sub judice, Rankin’s wife testified that Rankin had breathing problems
dating back to 2000. She explained that Rankin suffered from shortness of breath and at
times could “hardly get his breath.” On November 27, 2007, Rankin sought medical
treatment at the emergency room of Natchez Regional Medical Center. He complained of
shortness of breath, asthma, and other respiratory distress. Upon a physical examination, his
breathing came in wheezes and rales, and he exhibited crackles in the lung bases. He was
suffering from cardiomegaly (enlarged heart), had increased lung markings, and was
coughing yellow sputum. He had a history of emphysema, congestive heart failure, and
coronary artery disease, as well as a prior myocardial infarction (heart attack). He also had
prior cardiac catheterization and bypass surgery in 2001. A prior stroke left him with right-
sided weakness, and he also had a history of hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia.
¶26. Notably, both Rankin and his wife discussed his medical history, examination, results,
diagnosis, and treatment plan with Dr. Barry Tillman. Dr. Tillman, in turn, counseled Rankin
and his family regarding lab/radiological results, diagnosis, and need for follow-up. Rankin
previously had suffered from symptoms similar to those exhibited on November 27, 2007.
According to Dr. Tillman’s report, Rankin was evaluated by the emergency room physicians
and was diagnosed with exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, consistent
with Dr. Tillman’s clinical impression. Rankin was admitted to the emergency room as a
result. A follow-up examination on November 30, 2007, showed that the “[g]eneral
12
appearance of [Rankin’s] chest is essentially unchanged compared to previous 11/27/07.
Technique of the chest is somewhat different but the lung fields are essentially unchanged.
Cardiomegaly persists.”
¶27. A close inspection of the medical records reveals that Rankin had knowledge of the
injury to his lungs because he and his wife relayed his medical history to the medical staff
of the Natchez Regional Medical Center on November 27, 2007. Dr. Tillman, in turn,
counseled Rankin regarding his lab results, diagnosis, and treatment. Rankin certainly knew
his own history of construction work, involving jackhammering and sandblasting, from
approximately 1965-2001. Rankin argues that his claim did not begin to run until January
14, 2014—eight months after filing suit—when he was diagnosed with silicosis. The
testimony of his own expert, Dr. Obie McNair, contravenes that argument. According to Dr.
McNair, silicosis caused Rankin’s COPD.
¶28. At trial, Dr. McNair testified that Rankin’s COPD, a chronic lung disease, was caused
by simple silicosis by exclusion. On February 4, 2008, Rankin went to the ER due to a
“sudden onset of acute shortness of breath that was complicated with profound diaphoresis.”
He was diagnosed with acute shortness of breath, recent pulmonary embolism of extremity,
coronary artery disease, and atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease. On July 17, 2009, a
radiology report noted that Rankin had a “low probability of pulmonary embolic pathology.”
On January 19, 2010, Rankin underwent an x-ray at the Jefferson County Hospital, which
revealed “pulmonary fibrotic pathology” or lung scarring disease. At trial, Dr. Haber
testified that silicosis causes lung fibrosis or scarring.
13
¶29. On an unknown date, Rankin’s attorneys retained Dr. Haber to perform a B-reading
of Rankin’s x-rays. On October 22, 2012, Dr. Haber performed a B-reading of a Rankin’s
x-ray dated August 10, 2012. On October 23, 2012, Dr. Haber submitted a report to Rankin’s
attorney stating that his findings were “consistent with silicosis, assuming an adequate
exposure history, sufficient latency, and exclusion of other more probable causes.” Dr.
Haber also stated that no diagnosis was made or implied and recommended clinical
correlation.
¶30. On another unknown date, Rankin’s attorneys arranged for him to undergo a physical
and clinical evaluation by Dr. Haber “regarding possible occupational lung disease.” On
January 14, 2014, Dr. Haber performed an examination of Rankin and completed a report of
his findings and diagnosis. The same day, which was eight months after Rankin had filed
his complaint against AO, Dr. Haber diagnosed Rankin with chronic simple silicosis.
¶31. Rankin filed his complaint against AO on May 13, 2013. Rankin claimed that his
injury was “lung disease and silica related conditions, caused by exposure to respirable
crystalline silica.” Rankin also alleged that his “lungs and body were injured” and he had
“premature disability” as a result of silica inhalation. Rankin’s complaint indicates that he
already had been diagnosed with silicosis at the time he filed his complaint. Rankin’s
complaint contained a section “DISCOVERY RULE,” in which he alleged that he “suffers
from an occupational illness which has a latency period,” and his “occupational illness did
not distinctly manifest itself until [he] was diagnosed with silicosis.”9 However, Rankin’s
9
The past-tense language in the complaint mirrors complaints in other silicosis
lawsuits. Two cases filed in federal district court contain identical alleged injuries in
14
position ultimately was that he was first diagnosed with silicosis on January 14, 2014, eight
months after he filed his complaint.
¶32. At trial, Rankin maintained the position that he was first diagnosed with silicosis on
January 14, 2014, by his retained expert pulmonologist, Dr. Haber. AO did not dispute the
diagnosis date of January 14, 2014; AO’s position at trial was that Rankin did not have
silicosis at all. There is no dispute [Rankin] has never been diagnosed with silicosis or any
other occupational lung injury by any of his treating physicians.10
¶33. At trial, in response to AO’s motion for a directed verdict, Rankin’s counsel argued
that Rankin had filed within the statute of limitations because “Mr. Rankin was not
diagnosed until -- I mean, was not diagnosed with silicosis until three years prior to him
filing a suit.” Rankin argued in its written response to AO’s post trial motion: “In cases
involving latent injury such as silicosis, the claim only arises once the Plaintiff is diagnosed
with the disease.”
¶34. A summary of the foregoing pertinent dates to the statue of limitations issue is
provided by the Court:
2000 Rankin began having breathing problems.
complaints against respiratory equipment manufacturers brought by the same attorneys. See
Bryant v. 3M Co., 2014 WL 2761553 (S.D. Miss. June 18, 2014); Langston v. Pangborn
Corp., 2014 WL 347718 (S.D. Miss. Jan. 31, 2014). Namely, in Bryant and Langston, the
plaintiffs, who had not been diagnosed with silicosis at the time they filed their complaints,
alleged their injury was “lung disease and silica related conditions” and injury to their “lungs
and body.”
10
Dr. Haber specifically stated in his October 23, 2012, report that, although Rankin’s
x-ray revealed findings consistent with silicosis, “[n]o diagnosis is made or implied.”
15
November 27, 2007 Rankin was diagnosed with exacerbation of
COPD.
January 2010 Rankin’s x-ray revealed “pulmonary fibrotic
pathology” or lung scarring disease.
October 22, 2012 Dr. Haber performed a B-reading of Rankin’s x-
ray, revealing findings consistent with silicosis.
May 13, 2013 Rankin filed his complaint against AO alleging
his injury was “lung disease and silica related
conditions, caused by exposure to respirable
crystalline silica.”
January 14, 2014 Dr. Haber diagnosed Rankin with chronic simple
silicosis.
¶35. AO argues that McLemore is directly on point with the facts of the present case. On
November 14, 2005, a welder, McLemore, filed a products liability suit against
manufacturers of welding rods, claiming that his exposure to harmful welding fumes from
the rods resulted in “serious neurological injuries” and his eventual diagnosis of manganism,
a neurological disease caused by high exposure to manganese. McLemore, 54 So. 3d at 833-
35 (¶¶ 1-2, 9). The manufacturers argued that McLemore’s claims were time barred because
he knew he had an injury on September 3, 2002, when a neurologist had diagnosed him with
Parkinsonism and had informed him that his condition may have been related to his
occupation as a welder. Id. at 835 (¶ 12). McLemore argued that his cause of action did not
accrue until October 2005, when he was specifically diagnosed with manganism. Id. at 835
(¶ 13). McLemore argued that he did not know that the welding fumes had caused his
damages until the manganism diagnosis. Id. at 835 (¶ 13). At trial, the physician who had
16
diagnosed McLemore with manganism testified that manganism was a syndrome with
features of atypical Parkinsonism. Id. at 834 (¶ 8).
¶36. The Court held that McLemore’s cause of action was time barred because he knew
of his injury in September 2002 when he was “informed of the correlation between his
symptoms and welding.” Id. at 837, 839 (¶¶ 23-31). The Court held that, while notice of the
causal relationship is irrelevant to the accrual of a cause of action, it showed McLemore’s
knowledge of his injury at that time. Id. at 837 (¶ 23). The Court determined that the
following “events and actions” taken by McLemore showed that he knew or should have
known that he had an injury no later than September 2002: he had difficulty using his left
hand in December 2001; he was informed that his Parkinsonism might have been related to
his welding work; he sought legal advice and he filed a complaint in 2004 prior to his
manganism diagnosis alleging “serious neurological injury” from exposure to manganese
products. Id. at 835, 838 (¶¶ 9, 24).
¶37. AO also relies on the district court’s decision in Langston v. Pangborn Corp., 2014
WL 347718 (S.D. Miss. Jan. 31, 2014) (not reported) in support of its argument. On May
14, 2012, Langston filed a complaint, which seems to be strikingly similar to Rankin’s
complaint in the present case, against personal respiratory equipment manufacturers,
including AO. Id. at *1. Like Rankin, Langston alleged that he suffered from “lung disease
and silica related conditions” as a result of being exposed to crystalline silica while working
as a sandblaster. Id. The defendants argued that Langston had knowledge of his “lung
injuries” before May 14, 2009, three years prior to the filing of his complaint. Id. at * 2.
17
Langston argued that his claim did not accrue until he was diagnosed with silicosis on
November 7, 2012, which was six months after he filed his complaint. Id. at **4-5. The
district court addressed the issue of the post-complaint silicosis diagnosis:
Without overlooking the obvious, the Court notes that Langston’s November
7, 2012, silicosis diagnosis occurred almost six (6) months after he filed suit
on May 14, 2012. The diagnosis was made by Dr. Steven Haber, Langston’s
retained medical expert. No medical record showing a diagnosis of silicosis
from any of Langston’s treating physicians has been presented to the Court.
Clearly then, the subject diagnosis is immaterial to the issue of when the
claims alleged in the Complaint accrued for statute of limitations purposes and
fails to give rise to a genuine dispute for trial. Any contrary argument from
Langston is “disingenuous and without merit.” Powe v. Byrd, 892 So. 2d 223,
228 (¶ 17) (Miss. 2004) (rejecting the plaintiff’s argument that the statute of
limitations did not start to run until December 1, 2000, when her complaint
was filed on August 3, 2000). Further, the accrual rule cited by the Mississippi
Supreme Court in Morgan, Kinsey, and Kelly is inapplicable here since the
plaintiffs in those actions filed suit subsequent to each respective silicosis
diagnosis. See Empire Abrasive Equip. Corp. v. Morgan, 87 So. 3d 455, 462
(¶ 25) (Miss. 2012); Kinsey v. Pangborn Corp., 78 So. 3d 301, 307 (¶ 18)
(Miss. 2011); Clark Sand Co. v. Kelly, 60 So. 3d 149, 162 (¶ 46) (Miss. 2011).
Langston, 2014 WL 347718, at *5.
¶38. The key distinguishable fact from the present case, however, was that Langston
testified that in 2007 he had researched silicosis and learned that it is caused by the inhalation
of silica dust after he had found out he had “lung trouble.” Id. at *3. The district court held
that “the extensive and consistent medical treatment sought by Langston for his breathing
problems confirms that he either knew or should have known of his lung injuries prior to
2009.” Id. at *6. And “the accrual of Langston’s cause of action was not dependent upon
an expert witness placing the label of silicosis on his injury.” Id. The district court
concluded that Langston’s claims were time barred under Section 15-1-49 because the record
18
established that Langston knew or should have known of his “lung disease and silica related
conditions,” “injury to his lungs and body,” and “premature disability” more than three years
prior to the filing of his complaint. Id.
¶39. In Phillips 66 Co. v. Lofton, 94 So. 3d 1051, 1056 (¶1) (Miss. 2012), Lofton, a former
oil rig worker, filed a complaint on May 19, 2004, alleging that he suffered from asbestosis11
as a result of exposure to a defendant’s product. Lofton began experiencing shortness of
breath in 1995, and chest x-rays from 1995 and 1996 revealed pulmonary fibrosis. Id. at
1057 (¶ 5). Lofton first sought treatment for his pulmonary symptoms in September 2003
with a pulmonologist, who diagnosed Lofton with pulmonary fibrosis. Id.
¶40. In 2004, the same pulmonologist noted that Lofton likely was suffering from
pneumoconiosis, also known as asbestosis. Id. Lofton was diagnosed conclusively with
asbestosis in 2010, several years after he had filed his complaint. Id. The defendant argued
that the statute of limitations began running in 1995, or at the latest 1996, when physicians
discovered pulmonary fibrosis in Lofton’s lungs. Id. at 1059 (¶ 14). However, Lofton
argued that “he could not have reasonably known of his lung injury until he sought treatment
from [a pulmonologist] and was diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of the lungs
in September 2003.” Id.
¶41. The Court sated: “[A]ccording to Lofton’s testimony, he was seeking medical
treatment for health concerns unrelated to his lungs in 1995 and 1996 and was not made
11
“Asbestosis is a progressive disease caused by scar tissue in the lungs as a result
of the body’s response to the presence of asbestos fibers in the lungs.” Lofton, 94 So. 3d
at 1057 (¶ 5).
19
aware of the fibrosis until [a pulmonolgist] diagnosed him in 2003.” Id. at 1059 (¶ 16).
“Accordingly, Lofton could not reasonably have known about his injury until he sought
treatment in September 2003 for symptoms associated with his asbestosis and was diagnosed
with pulmonary fibrosis.” Id.
¶42. Because the discovery of the injury was a disputed issue of fact, the trial court
submitted the following question of discovery to the jury: If you determine that Mr. Lofton
knew or by reasonable diligence should have known of his injury before May, 2001, then you
must return a verdict for the defendant. Id. at 1059-1060 (¶ 17). The Court held that the
issue of whether the statute of limitations barred Lofton’s claim was a disputed issue of fact
that was resolved by the jury in favor of Lofton. Id.
¶43. The record does not reveal when Rankin sought legal advice related to his lung injury.
However, it is undisputed that Rankin began experiencing breathing problems in 2000. It
also is undisputed that Rankin sought medical treatment for shortness of breath and had been
diagnosed with exacerbation of COPD in 2007.
¶44. The district court in Bryant v. 3M Co., 2014 WL 2761553, *3 (S.D. Miss. June 18,
2014) (not reported), addressed a set of facts nearly identical to the present case under
Mississippi law. On April 9, 2013, Bryant, a sandblaster for several years in the 1970s, filed
a products liability complaint claiming that he had developed “lung disease and silica related
conditions” because he had used defective personal respiratory equipment from certain
manufacturers. Id. at *1. Bryant claimed in his discovery responses that he suffered from
“shortness of breath, silicosis, and any condition caused by his exposure to respirable silica.”
20
Id. at *2. The issue before the district court was whether Bryan knew or reasonably should
have known of his alleged injuries before April 9, 2010. Id. at *2.
¶45. Bryant experienced both wheezing and shortness of breath as early as 1992; was
diagnosed with both emphysema and severe COPD as early as 2000. In 2005, a radiologist
identified markings on Bryant’s lungs that “could be chronic fibrotic type changes,” but made
no definitive diagnosis. He was referred to a pulmonolgist in 2007. Id. The Court stated:
“First, [Bryant] did not know about the ‘B reading’ until February 2014–after he had already
filed suit. Similarly, [Dr.] Haber first diagnosed [Bryant] with silicosis on January 14,
2014–after [he] had already filed suit.”12 The district court stated that, as a result, neither Dr.
12
The district court unequivocally stated that Dr. Haber “first diagnosed [Bryant]
with silicosis on January 14, 2014–after he had already filed suit.” However, the Court notes
that there appears to have been a typographical error as to the year of a B reading and
silicosis diagnosis in the preceding sentences in the same paragraph. The entire paragraph
reads:
To be clear, the Court does not hold that Plaintiff’s claims accrued when he
received a “B reading” from Dr. Steven Haber on September 14, 2011, or
when Dr. Haber provided a silicosis diagnosis on January 14, 2011– as urged
by Plaintiff. First, Plaintiff did not know about the “B reading” until
February 2014–after he had already filed suit. Similarly, Haber first
diagnosed Plaintiff with silicosis on January 14, 2014–after Plaintiff had
already filed suit. Therefore, neither Dr. Haber’s “B reading” nor his
diagnosis report could have provided Plaintiff with the knowledge necessary
to file suit.
Bryant, 2014 WL 2761553, at *4 (record citations omitted and emphasis added to show the
inconsistency of the years). Despite the two different years, it is clear that Bryant, at
minimum, received actual knowledge of his silicosis diagnosis after he filed his complaint.
21
Haber’s B-reading nor his diagnosis report could have provided Bryant with the knowledge
necessary to file suit. Id. at *4.
¶46. In applying the Court’s holdings in Lofton and McLemore, the district court held that
there was a genuine issue of material fact regarding when a plaintiff knew or reasonably
should have known of his alleged “silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis.” Id. at *4. However, the
district court granted the defendant’s motion for summary judgment in part with respect to
Bryant’s claims for “COPD, emphysema, shortness of breath, wheezing, and any other injury
or medical condition diagnosed before April 9, 2010.” Id.
¶47. The Court stated in Lofton that the plaintiff could not reasonably have known about
his injury until he sought treatment for symptoms associated with his alleged injury and was
diagnosed. Lofton, 94 So. 3d at 1059 (¶ 16). The Court has held that “absolute certainty nor
an expert opinion vest the right to a cause of action under [Mississippi’s] products liability
statute.” Lowery, 909 So. 2d at 52 (¶ 18). The post-complaint diagnosis of the occupational
injury, silicosis, is irrelevant to the analysis, because the Court has emphasized that “the
cause of action accrue[s] upon discovery of the injury, not discovery of the injury and its
cause.” Angle v. Koppers, Inc., 42 So. 3d 1, 5 (¶ 9) (Miss. 2010).
¶48. Rankin’s complaint alleged that his injury was “lung disease and silica related
conditions, caused by exposure to respirable crystalline silica.” Rankin also alleged that his
“lungs and body were injured” and he had “premature disability” as a result of silica
inhalation. Reasonable minds could not have differed in answering the question on the
special verdict form: “Do you find by a preponderance of the evidence that [Rankin] knew
22
or should have known before May 13, 2010, that he had the lung injury alleged in this
lawsuit?” It is undisputed that Rankin was aware of and sought treatment for lung disease,
COPD, in 2007. Moreover, Rankin’s experts opined that Rankin’s myriad of remaining
medical conditions, of which he was aware and for which he sought treatment before May
13, 2010, were related “in part” or “exacerbated” by silica exposure. Accordingly, we hold
that the trial court erred by failing to grant AO’s motion for a directed verdict because
Rankin’s claims are time barred.
CONCLUSION
¶49. Because Rankin’s claims are time barred, we reverse the jury verdict, vacate the
judgment in favor of Rankin, and render a judgment as a matter of law in favor of AO.
¶50. REVERSED AND RENDERED.
WALLER, C.J., DICKINSON AND RANDOLPH, P.JJ., MAXWELL AND
BEAM, JJ., CONCUR. CHAMBERLIN, J., CONCURS IN PART AND IN RESULT
WITHOUT SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION. KITCHENS, J., DISSENTS WITH
SEPARATE WRITTEN OPINION JOINED BY KING, J.
KITCHENS, JUSTICE, DISSENTING:
¶51. I respectfully dissent. In holding that Rankin’s entire claim is time barred, the majority
wields a club when a scalpel is appropriate. While I agree that this case must be reversed on
statute of limitations grounds, I would remand for a new trial. Although these two statements
may seem, at first blush, to be mutually exclusive, in this instance they are not. The majority
finds that Rankin’s 2007 COPD diagnosis, as a matter of law, started the running of the
statute of limitations on his silicosis claim. But that conclusion is not supported by the case
law the majority cites or by the medical testimony adduced at the trial. This is a silicosis
23
claim, not a COPD claim. While COPD indeed is a lung condition, there was a complete
absence of evidence that the COPD diagnosis should have informed Rankin of the presence
of silicosis, which was the specific lung injury for which Rankin sought recovery. Our case
law dictates that, under the circumstances, the question of when Rankin knew or should have
known of his silica-induced injury was a jury issue. Because Rankin’s COPD was diagnosed
outside the limitations period, he was not entitled to recover damages for COPD, and I would
reverse and remand for a new trial.
¶52. The three-year statute of limitations applicable to Rankin’s action is found in
Mississippi Code Section 15-1-49(2). The statute provides that, “[i]n actions for which no
other period of limitation is prescribed and which involve latent injury or disease, the cause
of action does not accrue until the plaintiff has discovered, or by reasonable diligence should
have discovered, the injury.” Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(2) (Rev. 2012). A latent injury is
one that is “undiscoverable by reasonable methods.” PPG Architectural Finishes, Inc. v.
Lowery, 909 So. 2d 47, 51 (Miss. 2005). According to this Court’s decision in Angle v.
Koppers, 42 So. 3d 1, 5 (Miss. 2010), a cause of action for a latent injury or disease accrues
when the plaintiff discovers the injury. This Court thus decided that the plain language of
Section 15-1-49(2) means “that the cause of action accrued upon discovery of the injury, not
discovery of the injury and its cause.” Id. (emphasis in original).13
13
While I have expressed strong disagreement with this Court’s holding that a claim
can accrue when the plaintiff knows of an injury but not its cause, for the purposes of my
analysis today, I apply the test from Angle, since it is the relevant precedent of this Court.
See City of Tupelo v. Patterson, 208 So. 3d 556, 574 (Miss. 2017) (Kitchens, J., dissenting);
Lincoln Electric Co. v. McLemore, 54 So. 3d 833, 840 (Miss. 2010) (Kitchens, J.,
dissenting); Angle, 42 So. 3d at 9 (Kitchens, J., dissenting).
24
¶53. The determination of when the plaintiff “discovered, or by reasonable diligence
should have discovered, the injury” is a fact-intensive inquiry, focusing on what the plaintiff
knew and when. “Because there is no bright line rule, the specific facts of the case will
determine whether the plaintiff knew or reasonabl[y] should have known that an injury
existed.” Lowery, 909 So. 2d at 51. This Court has observed that an individual’s seeking of
medical attention for side effects or symptoms may show knowledge of an injury, although
other persons may not discover an injury until they review pertinent medical records. Id.
Others may discover an injury through personal observation or experience. Id. One’s receipt
of medical treatment for an injury also may trigger the running of the limitations period. Id.
When a genuine dispute exists, discovery of an injury is a question of fact for the jury.
Weathers v. Metropolitan Life Ins. Co., 14 So. 3d 688, 692 (Miss. 2009) (quoting Donald
v. Amoco Prod. Co., 735 So. 2d 161, 167 (Miss. 1999)).
¶54. Rankin suffered from a multitude of medical conditions, including congestive heart
disease, coronary artery disease, diabetes, dementia, seizure disorders, and multiple strokes.
He developed breathing problems in 2000, and in 2007 he was diagnosed with exacerbation
of COPD. Dr. Obie McNair testified that “[t]hree types of major disease processes come
under the heading of COPD: emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and asthma.” Dr. McNair
testified that Rankin had a history of emphysema, “which is a form of COPD,” and he
thought Rankin’s COPD possibly was caused by silicosis, because he could find no other
cause. Dr. Malcolm Taylor, a defense expert, testified that COPD is a condition that
encompasses “a lot of different lung diseases,” and had numerous possible causes, such as
25
childhood asthma or multiple infections. He testified that it is uncommon for silicosis to
cause COPD.
¶55. Dr. Steven Haber testified that silicosis is a form of pneumoconiosis, which is a dust
disease of the lungs caused by inhaling particles that scar the lung. He testified that silicosis
results when scar tissue, also known as fibrosis, develops in the lung tissues after the
inhalation of silica. All experts agreed that a diagnosis of silicosis requires four criteria: (1)
imaging, such as an x-ray, showing the scar tissue; (2) a history of exposure to silica; (3) a
sufficient latency period; and (4) no other explanation for the presence of scar tissue. On
January 19, 2010, Rankin had a chest x-ray that, according to the radiologist’s note, showed
“pulmonary fibrotic pathology.” No reason for the x-ray appears in the record, and no
accompanying physician’s note or other evidence shows that this information ever was
communicated to Rankin. This chest x-ray was one of forty-two chest x-rays admitted in
evidence. Dr. McNair testified to the existence of thousands of pages of medical records on
Rankin, and defense expert Dr. Desmondes Haynes testified that he had reviewed several
banker’s boxes of medical records on Rankin.
¶56. On October 22, 2012, Dr. Haber performed a B-reading of a more recent chest x-ray
and found the x-ray to be consistent with silicosis. On May 13, 2013, Rankin filed a
complaint alleging that he suffered of “lung disease and silica related conditions, caused by
exposure to respirable crystalline silica.” Later, on January 14, 2014, Dr. Haber diagnosed
Rankin with silicosis. During closing arguments, Rankin argued that he did not know he had
26
a silica-induced injury until he had the B-reading and diagnosis. Although the defense argued
that Rankin’s 2007 COPD diagnosis started the limitations period, the jury found for Rankin.
¶57. The majority finds that the trial court erred by submitting the statute of limitations
issue to the jury because the 2007 COPD diagnosis began the running of the statute of
limitations as a matter of law. I disagree. The case law cited by the majority does not support
its conclusion. In Angle v. Koppers, 42 So. 3d 1, 2 (Miss. 2010), the plaintiff sued a wood-
treatment plant and other defendants in 2006 for numerous injuries caused by her exposure
to toxic chemicals. Angle had been diagnosed with her last injury five years before filing the
complaint. Id. at 3. She argued that the statute of limitations did not begin to run until she
knew the cause of her injuries. Id. at 4. This Court rejected that argument, finding that her
cause of action had accrued when she had discovered the injury itself, not the injury and its
cause. Id. at 5 (citing Miss. Code Ann. § 15-1-49(2)). The Court held that, because Angle’s
claims had accrued, at the latest, when she had been diagnosed with her last disease five
years before filing the complaint, her claim was time barred. Id. at 7.
¶58. In Lincoln Electric Co. v. McLemore, 54 So. 3d 833, 833-34 (Miss. 2010),
McLemore sued manufacturers of welding rods, alleging that his exposure to harmful fumes
from welding had caused his diagnosis of a neurological disease known as manganism. On
September 3, 2002, McLemore had been informed by a physician that he had Parkinsonism
or Parkinsonism syndrome, and that his condition could have been related to welding. Id. at
834. McLemore then sought legal advice. Id. In December 2002, he was advised by a
physician to discontinue welding. Id. From 2004 through 2006, McLemore filed several
27
lawsuits claiming neurological injury from exposure to welding products. Id. at 835. In
October 2005, he was diagnosed with manganism, and, on November 14, 2005, he filed his
complaint seeking recovery specifically for manganism. Id. This Court held that McLemore
had known of his injury on September 3, 2002. Id. at 838. This was because, on that date,
McLemore had been diagnosed with Parkinsonism or Parkinsonism syndrome related to
welding, which prompted him to seek legal advice and to file lawsuits alleging neurological
injury from exposure to manganese products. Id.
¶59. But in Phillips 66 Co. v. Lofton, 94 So. 3d 1051, 1059 (Miss. 2012), the Court held
that Lofton’s asbestosis claim, filed May 19, 2004, was not time barred, despite the facts that,
in 1995, Lofton had experienced shortness of breath and both a 1995 CT scan and a 1996 x-
ray had shown pulmonary fibrosis. As in this case, Lofton definitively was diagnosed with
the injury after he had filed suit, in 2010. We held that, although as early as 1995 Lofton had
shortness of breath and a CT scan had shown pulmonary fibrosis, Lofton reasonably could
not have discovered the asbestosis in 1995 or 1996 because then he had been seeking medical
treatment for conditions unrelated to his lungs. Id. And a physician had testified that fibrosis
in the lungs has many causes and is not always associated with asbestosis. Id. We held that
Lofton reasonably could not have known of his asbestosis injury until he was notified of the
pulmonary fibrosis when he sought treatment in September 2003 for asbestosis symptoms.
Id. For these reasons, this Court held that the question of discovery was for the jury. Id. at
1059-60.
28
¶60. The majority also relies on a pair of unpublished federal district court opinions
applying Mississippi law to this issue. Federal court decisions are not binding upon this Court
and are merely persuasive. Corban v. United Servs. Auto. Ass’n, 20 So. 3d 601, 611 n.15
(Miss. 2009). But because the majority relies heavily upon these cases, I address them. In
Langston v. Pangborn Corp., 2014 WL 347718 (S.D. Miss. Jan. 31, 2014) (not reported),
Langston filed suit on May 14, 2012, against various defendants alleging “lung disease and
silica related conditions” from silica exposure. Id. at *1. Langston argued that the limitations
period did not start running until he was diagnosed with silicosis after he had filed the
complaint. Id. at *2. But Langston had sought treatment for emphysema and COPD
beginning in 2001, and 2005 x-rays showed pulmonary fibrotic scarring. Id. at *3. Langston
testified that, in 2007, he researched silicosis and discovered it was caused by the inhalation
of silica dust. Id. First, the district court held that the limitations period had begun to run
some time prior to Langston’s formal silicosis diagnosis; obviously, Langston had known of
his injury because it had prompted him to file suit. Id. at *5. Second, the district court
determined that the statute of limitations had expired before Langston had filed his suit. Id.
at *6. The district court found that Langston knew or should have known of his injury prior
to May 14, 2009, because, more than three years before the lawsuit, he had pulmonary
problems related to silicosis, he had been diagnosed with numerous pulmonary conditions,
he had researched silicosis, and no definitive expert diagnosis is necessary to commence the
running of the statute of limitations. Id. at **5-6.
29
¶61. Langston seems to imply that a plaintiff’s diagnosis with any physical problem even
tangentially related to silicosis might commence the running of the statute of limitations on
a silicosis claim. If that were the law, then Rankin’s COPD diagnosis, later related by Dr.
McNair to his silicosis, would have commenced the running of the statute of limitations. But
as previously discussed, Langston, a federal case, is not binding on this Court. Moreover,
the federal district judge who authored Langston distinguished it in the other unpublished
opinion cited by the majority, Bryant v. 3M Company, 2014 WL 2761553 (S.D. Miss. June
18, 2014) (not reported). As the majority astutely recognizes, the facts of Bryant and the facts
of this case are practically identical.
¶62. Bryant filed his complaint against certain respiratory equipment manufacturers on
April 9, 2013, alleging “lung disease and silica related conditions.” Id. at *1. Medical records
showed that Bryant’s breathing problems began in 1991. Id. at *2. He was diagnosed with
severe COPD and emphysema in 2000. Id. In April 2005, chest x-rays showed prominent
interstitial markings that the radiologist stated “could be chronic fibrotic type changes,” but
it was “unclear.” Id. In 2007, a radiologist found prominent markings in Bryant’s lungs. Id.
After 2007, Bryant’s breathing problems worsened, and he began oxygen treatment in 2008.
Id.
¶63. Faced with this set of facts, the district court allowed Bryant to proceed with his
claims for “silicosis/pulmonary fibrosis,” finding that a genuine issue of material fact existed
as to whether these claims had been brought within the limitations period. Id. at *4. But the
district court found that Bryant’s claims for “COPD, emphysema, shortness of breath,
30
wheezing, and any other injury or medical condition diagnosed before April 9, 2010” were
time barred. Id. The district court discussed Lofton’s holding that, despite the fact that
Lofton had experienced lung symptoms and had exhibited scarring on his lungs for years
before filing suit, Lofton’s “claim did not accrue until he received a diagnosis of pulmonary
fibrosis.” Id. at * 3. And the district court distinguished Langston because, in that case, the
plaintiff had been diagnosed with pulmonary fibrosis seven years before filing suit and had
researched silicosis for five years before filing suit. Id. The district court also found
McLemore to be distinguishable because, in McLemore, the plaintiff had been informed of
the connection between his symptoms and welding and had sought legal advice years before
filing the lawsuit at issue. Id.
¶64. In Bryant, the district court rejected the notion that the mere appearance of some
symptom, such as COPD, that later is linked to silicosis commences the running of the statute
of limitations on the silicosis claim. Id. at *4. Rather, the district court held, a diagnosis of
a such a symptom starts the running of the limitations period as to that injury. Id. The
plaintiff still may recover for silicosis if the claim is brought within three years of the date
the plaintiff knew or should have known of the silicosis. Id. And Bryant recognized this
Court’s holding in Lofton that a radiologist’s identification of pulmonary fibrotic scarring
on an x-ray does not commence the statute of limitations unless the plaintiff has some
awareness of that finding. Id. at *3 (citing Lofton, 94 So. 3d at 1059). In Lofton, the plaintiff
was unaware of the finding of pulmonary fibrotic scarring because the plaintiff had sought
treatment for unrelated medical conditions. Lofton, 94 So. 3d at 1059. And in Bryant, the
31
plaintiff was not charged with knowledge of pulmonary fibrotic scarring because the
radiologist had stated that its presence was “unclear.” Bryant, 2014 WL 2761553, at *3.
¶65. The medical evidence in this case established that pulmonary fibrosis, or scarring of
the lung tissue, is the physical finding that attends a diagnosis of silicosis. The cases
discussed above provide that, before a court can hold, as a matter of law, that a plaintiff knew
or should have known of a silicosis injury, the plaintiff must have had some reasonable
awareness of a finding of pulmonary fibrosis or of some other unambiguous indicator of
silicosis. Under Lofton and Bryant, merely seeking treatment for some physical condition
later linked to silicosis is not enough. Bryant held that seeking treatment for COPD outside
the three-year limitations period merely bars the plaintiff’s recovery for COPD. As the
medical evidence in this case, discussed above, demonstrates, COPD and silicosis are vastly
different injuries of the lung, and a diagnosis of COPD is not indicative of the presence of
silicosis. Thus, without more, a plaintiff diagnosed with the lung injury, COPD, should not
be charged with automatic knowledge of the very different lung injury, silicosis.
¶66. In this case, Rankin received a COPD diagnosis in 2007. Applying Bryant and Angle,
his claim for recovery for COPD is time barred, because Rankin had three years from the
date of the COPD diagnosis to commence an action to recover for that injury. Under the same
logic, Rankin cannot recover for any other injury or medical condition diagnosed before May
13, 2010, because those claims also are time barred as a matter of law. But a jury question
undoubtedly existed on Rankin’s claim for silicosis. While a radiologist’s note on a chest x-
ray dated January 19, 2010, identified “pulmonary fibrotic pathology,” no evidence existed
32
that Rankin had sought treatment for silicosis or pulmonary fibrotic pathology on that date,
or that the contents of the radiologist’s note were communicated to Rankin on that date. See
Lofton, 94 So. 3d at 1059. Rankin presented evidence that he first knew or should have
known of his pulmonary fibrosis when he received the B-reading from Dr. Haber in 2012.
Thus, under Lofton, the question of whether he knew or should have known of his silicosis
injury prior to May 13, 2010, was for the jury.
¶67. As this Court has held, determining when the plaintiff knew or should have known
of an injury is a fact-intensive inquiry. In this case, a correct application of the case law to
the facts yields the conclusion that a genuine dispute existed on the issue of when Rankin
knew or should have known of his silicosis. However, Rankin’s claims for any other medical
conditions diagnosed prior to May 10, 2010, are time barred. Therefore, I would reverse and
remand for a new trial.
KING, J., JOINS THIS OPINION.
33