Agreement Will Provide Rhode Island Residents Relief, Abatement and Education
Mt. PLEASANT, S.C., (June 30, 2005) - Motley Rice LLC, one of the nation's largest all plaintiffs' litigation firms, today applauded the agreement that has been reached between DuPont (NYSE:DD) and the Rhode Island Attorney General Patrick Lynch to resolve the State's groundbreaking lawsuit against the former manufacturer of lead pigment. This action by DuPont, brought about by the R.I. Attorney General, represents DuPont's agreement to help solve the problem of lead poisoning in the state. Originally filed in 1999, the suit alleges that DuPont helped to create a significant public health crisis in the state by manufacturing, distributing and promoting lead-based paint products.
Motley Rice LLC represents the State of Rhode Island in its suit against DuPont, as well as in suits against six other lead pigment manufacturers concerning the lead-poisoning crisis in Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island Department of Health, nearly 100 Rhode Island children are lead-poisoned each and every month. This litigation is an effort by the State to make the lead pigment manufacturers take responsibility for the pervasive health hazard confronted by the Rhode Island public, including its children, parents, homeowners, landlords and taxpayers.
The agreement reached today calls for DuPont to make contributions in excess of $10 million for a variety of lead abatement, enforcement, and education programs. Jack McConnell, a senior partner at Motley Rice, applauded DuPont's decision to reach this agreement. "We are extremely pleased to see DuPont stepping up to the plate and 'breaking rank' with the other lead pigment manufacturers," said McConnell. "DuPont has done the right thing."
Attorney Fidelma Fitzpatrick of Motley Rice, who has been actively involved in the litigation, echoed McConnell's sentiments. "We are encouraged to see DuPont making the first significant industry effort to clean up the toxic lead mess in Rhode Island," said Fitzpatrick. "For decades, the State and the public have been left to do what they can to deal with a problem they did not create. The agreement with DuPont is a great first step in making sure that this industry is helping to solve the public health problem that exists."
McConnell complimented Attorney General Patrick Lynch for his ground-breaking agreement. "Patrick Lynch has worked tirelessly to bring about this precedent-setting public health benefit for Rhode Island's children and its taxpayers."
The Attorney General, together with Motley Rice and co-counsel Thornton & Naumes of Boston, Mass., are actively preparing for trial in September against the remaining defendants (Sherwin Williams, Millennium, NL Industries, ARCO, American Cyanamid and ConAgra). "We will ask the remaining defendants to accept responsibility for their roles in this public health crisis," McConnell said.
