Certain California Cities, Counties and School Districts v Lead Industries Association, Atlantic Richfield Co., American Cyanamid Co., Conagra Grocer Products
California Court Reinstates Lead Paint Class Action
A state appeals court in San Jose, California reinstated a class action lawsuit alleging that several paint manufacturers knowingly sold harmful lead-based paint products for decades. The lawsuit was filed by a coalition of cities, counties and school districts that claim they face millions of dollars in costs to remove lead-tainted paint and treat people harmed by exposure. The plaintiffs seek monetary compensation.
The Sixth District Court of Appeal on March 10, 2006 reversed a Santa Clara County Superior Court judge's decision in 2003 to dismiss the lawsuit. The three-judge appeals panel said the lower court ruling was erroneous regarding allegations of public nuisance, liability, negligence and fraud.
The defendants include the Lead Industries Association, Atlantic Richfield Co., American Cyanamid Co., Conagra Grocer Products Co., E.I. DuPont, O'Brien Corp. and Sherwin-Williams Co.
