Conyers, Georgia, October 8, 2024 – The Collins Law Firm, in collaboration with a prestigious legal team, has filed a class action lawsuit against BioLab, Inc. and KIK Consumer Products on behalf of over 90,000 Georgia residents impacted by a catastrophic chemical fire at BioLab’s Conyers facility. The lawsuit seeks justice for the residents exposed to toxic chemicals and dangerous conditions as a result of the companies’ negligence.
On September 29, 2024, a fire broke out at the BioLab chemical plant in Conyers, Georgia, releasing a hazardous plume of smoke containing poisonous chemicals, such as chlorine and hydrochloric acid, which could be seen for more than 30 miles. These toxins pose serious health risks, particularly respiratory issues, and have endangered the well-being of the surrounding community. Ninety thousand residents were ordered to evacuate or shelter in place, while the Georgia Emergency Management Agency urged them to stay indoors, keep windows closed, and avoid using air conditioners to prevent exposure.
The fire was caused by a malfunctioning sprinkler system at the plant which exposed trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) to water, triggering a chemical reaction that led to the fire and the release of toxic chlorine gas. While the fire was initially controlled, it reignited during product removal, exacerbating the spread of harmful chemicals.
Our class action lawsuit asserts claims for negligence, nuisance, and trespass, alleging that class members suffered a variety of property-related damages--including loss of use and enjoyment of their homes, loss of profits for local businesses, reduction in property values, and investigation, cleanup, and remediation costs-- because of a preventable chemical fire that resulted in a toxic smoke and dust plume.
“The Firm is proud to represent thousands of people impacted by the fire and massive plume of toxic chemicals released from the Bio Lab facility in Conyers, Georgia. Bio Lab’s conduct has upended the lives of thousands and interfered with hundreds of businesses in the community. People living in Rockdale County and the other communities surrounding Bio Lab deserve better from their corporate neighbors. Through our lawsuit, we hope to end catastrophes like this one.” said Collins Law partner Ed Manzke.
The Collins Law Firm, along with its legal partners, invites residents, business owners, first responders, and property owners who have been affected by the fire to join the class action lawsuit. Victims may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, relocation costs, property damage, and other related losses.
BioLab, which manufactures pool and spa chemicals for KIK Consumer Products, has a troubling history of negligence. The Conyers facility has been involved in multiple serious incidents since 2004, raising significant safety concerns.
Unfortunately, the recent fire is not an isolated event. The BioLab Conyers facility has been responsible for several previous fires that prompted evacuations and highway closures in 2004, 2016, and 2020. In fact, a $7 million settlement was provided to those affected by the 2004 fire, which caused 300 residents to evacuate. Despite these incidents, BioLab has repeatedly failed to implement necessary safety measures to protect the community from hazardous chemical exposure.
"The safety of this community has been repeatedly compromised by BioLab’s reckless practices," said Collins Law partner Shawn Collins. "The people of Conyers deserve justice for the ongoing threat to their health and property."
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is actively monitoring the air quality in Rockdale County, where chlorine levels after the fire were elevated, including one testing location where levels were 22 times higher than the safety threshold. This poses a significant risk to vulnerable populations, particularly children and individuals with preexisting health conditions.
As the situation evolves, air quality in Conyers and surrounding areas remains unpredictable, and residents are advised to stay vigilant. The long-term effects of this chemical fire on public health and the environment remain uncertain, but The Collins Law Firm is committed to ensuring those impacted receive justice.
The lawsuit, Fannie and Albert Tartt v. BioLab, Inc. and KIK Consumer Products Inc., was filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
The Collins Law Firm is dedicated to representing individuals and communities impacted by environmental disasters and corporate negligence.We recently served as co-lead counsel for a class action lawsuit brought on behalf of thousands of Illinois residents harmed by a toxic chemical explosion and fire at a grease and lubricant manufacturing facility in Illinois, securing a $94.5 million settlement for class members. With a proven track record of over $550 million in settlements and verdicts for environmental clients, the firm is committed to holding corporations accountable for their actions and advocating for those who have been harmed by toxic chemicals.
Press Contact:
Edward Manzke
The Collins Law Firm
630-527-1784 Ext 226
ejmanzke@collinslaw.com
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