The bellwether claim from a mass joinder of approximately 600 toxic tort claimants living in the vicinity of a Central Louisiana plant was successfully defended by a Gold Weems trial team led by Raymond L. Brown, Jr. and Edward E. Rundell.

The plaintiff, represented by a consortium of attorneys from across the state, alleged that her incurable cancer (multiple myeloma) resulted from lifelong exposure to chemicals emitted by an Alexandria wood treating facility.  In addition to loss of earnings, earning capacity and general damages, plaintiff sought significant past and future medical expenses for her disabling condition as well as punitive damages for the alleged wanton and willful mishandling of toxic chemicals.

After three weeks of trial, the Rapides Parish jury deliberated for 1 hour and 23 minutes and returned a unanimous verdict in favor of the defendant, Roy O. Martin Lumber Company, LLC.  Each member of the jury found that operations at the Durawood Treating Company plant, formerly operated by ROM, did not cause the plaintiff's illness.

The Gold Weems trial team included Lottie L. Bash, Stephen A. Lafleur, Sam N. Poole, Jr. and the skilled Brown paralegal group.  The jury trial victory is the second in 15 months recorded by this trial team in mass tort cases involving different wood treatment plants.