Mejiia Gilma
Art
OG TermoThe BioLab fire sent up a gigantic plume of smoke and has compromised the health of countless people in and around Conyers. Griffin Law Firm, P.C. can assist anyone who was evacuated or injured by the BioLab Plant Fire on September 29, 2024. Call our office to find out more about the litigation process. Your legal rights will depend on various facts, including your exposure and whether you lost money as a result of the plume. You might join or start a BioLab Conyers lawsuit.
Griffin Law Firm, P.C. is representing those impacted by the Georgia BioLab chemical fire. We encourage you to reach out to our firm to talk with a lawyer at our firm about your experience. You might be eligible for financial compensation based on your injuries which could include respiratory conditions, neurological conditions, changes in vision, or any other illness or condition that was caused from the chemical exposure.
What Chemicals Were Released?
The fire resulted in the release of many toxic chemicals, including:
- Hydrochloric acid
- Chlorine gas
- Phosgene
- Bromide
The Biolab chemical fire resulted in the state evacuating around 17,000 people. Thousands more were told to shelter in place with the windows shut and their A/C turned off, especially overnight.
Interstate 20 and local roads were closed.
The Biolab fire in Georgia continues to make headlines, with the Rockdale County fire chief resigning, although her reasons for leaving allegedly have nothing to do with the BioLab fire.
What Do BioLab Conyers Lawsuits Allege?
BioLab is being sued by many people for allegedly failing to store and handle chemicals safely. Many victims allege that BioLab stored certain chemicals on the warehouse floor, which led to the plume when these chemicals encountered water droplets. At base, these allegations seek to hold BioLab accountable for the fire and resulting damage.
Like all property owners, BioLab has a duty to safely use its property so they do not end up harming other people. If it fails to act carefully, then victims can bring a personal injury lawsuit. The BioLab will owe them compensation when these victims suffer foreseeable injuries.
Anyone injured by toxins released in the Georgia BioLab chemical fire could have a lawsuit against the company. You might also have a claim if you suffered any property damage or lost income because of the shelter-in-place order.
How Did the Fire Happen?
According to investigators, a malfunctioning sprinkler head was the immediate trigger. Water came in contact with certain chemicals in the plant, which resulted in a plume. A fire then broke out on the roof of the building which took a while to contain.
A History of Problems in Conyers
BioLab manufactures chemicals, including cleaning products, for use in pools, spas, and hot tubs. The company is owned by KIK Consumer Products.
This is not BioLab’s first chemical spill. In 2020, residents will remember a similar scene when a “chemical reaction” led to a plume of smoke and shelter-in-place orders. The government shut down roads then, too. Several firefighters ended up in the hospital after inhaling toxic vapors.
Furthermore, back in 2004, dozens of people ended up in the hospital after multiple explosions in a warehouse resulted in the release of a giant plume. Ultimately, the 2004 incident resulted in a $7 million settlement to residents affected by the incident.
Do You Have a Case?
The best way to check is to schedule a phone consultation or appointment with a BioLab lawsuit attorney at Griffin Law Firm, P.C. We are prepared to answer any questions you have.
Our clients face certain risks and challenges due to the BioLab fire:
- Health risks. Chlorine is a risk for anyone with a respiratory condition, such as asthma. You will likely need medical attention and possibly hospitalization. Additional health risks could develop over the coming years. For example, high exposure to phosgene is linked to chemical pneumonia. Anyone who needed medical treatment due to toxic exposure could have a personal injury claim.
- Business loss. Even if you were not physically sickened by the toxic release, you possibly suffered economic loss due to the evacuation and shelter-in-place orders. For example, your business might have lost income because you had to shut down for days due to the fire.
- Property loss. Your property could have declined in value due to the release of the chemicals, some of which possibly settled onto your property. You might seek compensation to make up for the reduction in value.
Anyone harmed by BioLab should consider whether they have a valid legal claim. There are many class action lawsuits already being filed related to the 2024 fire.
What is a Class Action Lawsuit?
In the typical class action, certain “class representatives” file the lawsuit and handle litigation on behalf of other people who are similarly situated. The class representatives will then either settle or litigate on behalf of all class members.
A class action allows hundreds or possibly thousands of people to come together and join their claims in one lawsuit. They should all have similar losses or injuries caused by the defendant (in this case BioLab). There are facts that are common to all injured plaintiffs, so joining their claims makes sense. Any payout awarded is shared by all the class members.
Class action lawsuits facilitate the efficient administration of justice. Mass tort events like the BioLab fire are attractive accidents for class actions. Any victimized by the fire might join a class action, or you could bring your own legal claim against the defendant.
Speak with a BioLab Lawsuit Attorney
The 2024 BioLab fire was a terrifying experience. Fortunately, the legal process exists to seek remedies for those harmed by the conduct of other people, including chemical manufacturers like BioLab. Griffin Law Firm, P.C. is keeping an eye on litigation involving the BioLab fire, and we are happy to discuss legal options with anyone negatively impacted by the incident. Were you injured? Or did you have business losses stemming from the evacuation or shelter-in-place orders? Please contact our firm today.
