Suit Filed on Behalf of Rhode Island Attorney General Alleges Lead Manufacturers Created a Public Nuisance
Mt. PLEASANT, S.C., (October 24, 2005)- Motley Rice LLC, one of the nation's largest plaintiffs' litigation firms, today announced the commencement of the much-anticipated trial against the lead paint industry on behalf of the Rhode Island Attorney General, Patrick Lynch. Originally filed in 1999, the suit alleges that paint manufacturers helped to create a significant public health crisis in the state of Rhode Island by manufacturing, distributing and promoting lead-based paint products. Opening statements begin Thursday, October 27 in Providence. The first trial ended in a hung jury. Defendants in the case include NL Industries, Sherwin-Williams, Millennium Holdings and Atlantic Richfield.
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.
According to Jack McConnell, a member at Motley Rice LLC and resident of Rhode Island, "We are extremely anxious to get this trial started so that we may help bring justice on behalf of all the children in our state who have been needlessly injured by lead paint. It's time for corporations to both accept responsibility for the public health problem that exists as a result of lead paint and to also help aid in the clean-up."
Motley Rice attorneys will be trying the case together with the Rhode Island Attorney General's office and co-counsel Thornton & Naumes of Boston, Mass.
