BioLab Fire in Conyers, GA Leads to Multiple Lawsuits; Court Appoints Interim Class Counsel

On September 29, a chemical fire in a BioLab facility in Conyers, GA created a chlorine-scented fog that impacted a significant portion of the metro Atlanta area.  BioLab makes chemicals and products for pool cleaning and maintenance.  The chemical fog resulted in an evacuation order for approximately 17,000 people and a shelter-in-place order for approximately 77,000 more people.  The facility had been the subject of at least 21 OSHA violations since 1999 and suffered other accidents in the past several years.  

At least 21 class actions have been filed, alleging claims for negligence, ultrahazardous activities (Georgia retains the older name), nuisance, trespass, punitive damages, and medical monitoring.  Recently, Judge Geraghty appointed interim class counsel, and the cases will continue to move forward.  Anila Yoganathan, who provided great coverage of the Kingston coal ash spill, has moved to the Atlanta Business Chronicle and has coverage (behind a pay wall) here.