Court of Appeal Unanimously Upholds Firm's Win of Toxic Tort Mass Joinder Jury Trial

November 02, 2011

The Third Circuit Court of Appeal unanimously affirmed the defense jury verdict obtained by Gold Weems in the mega toxic tort litigation involving Central Louisiana wood treatment plants.  The three week jury trial in Buard vs. Colfax Treating Company, et al, of claims of the lead case (plaintiffs selected from among approximately 500 mass joinder claimants) against a Pineville, Louisiana wood treating facility, resulted in unanimous defense verdict rejecting all claims.  The lead plaintiffs, a family of four, had sought damages for premature birth and birth defects of one child, organic brain damage of two children as well as multiple physical problems and increased risk of cancer for the entire family.  In addition to significant past medical expenses and general damage claims, the jury rejected plaintiffs’ claims for multi-million dollar life care plans and loss of earning capacity.

The Gold Weems trial team led by Raymond L. Brown, Jr. and Edward E. Rundell included Sam N. Poole, Jr., Lottie L. Bash, Stephen A. LaFleur and Annalynn McDermott.  Raymond L. Brown, Jr. defended plaintiffs’ appeal to the Third Circuit Court of Appeal which resulted in a unanimous decision upholding the jury's verdict.

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