Residents of Carson, California, recently secured a significant legal victory, winning nearly $9 million in a lawsuit against the owners and tenants of a warehouse responsible for a foul odor from the Dominguez Channel.The jury awarded $6 million in punitive damages and $2.89 million in compensatory damages to the plaintiffs, a group of two dozen local residents who experienced health issues due to the unpleasant smell that has lingered since late 2021.
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latimes.comThe lawsuit stems from a warehouse fire that occurred on September 30, 2021, at a facility operated by Virgin Scent, a cosmetics company.The blaze, which lasted for several days, was fueled by highly flammable ethanol-based hand sanitizers stored on site, leaving behind a mess of charred debris.
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latimes.comAs this debris entered the storm drains flowing into the Dominguez Channel, it contributed to severe water contamination and a corresponding release of hydrogen sulfide gas, leading to an unbearable stench that affected thousands of residents.
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dailybreeze.comAttorney Gary Praglin, representing the plaintiffs, expressed that this ruling serves as recognition of the suffering endured by the community."Carson is a working-class community of janitors, barbers, bus drivers, and longshoremen," he noted, emphasizing the impact on the everyday lives of these individuals.
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latimes.comThe awarded punitive damages will be evenly distributed among the 24 plaintiffs, providing each with approximately $250,000.Compensatory damages for medical claims varied between $40,000 and $240,000 based on individual cases.
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latimes.comHowever, the lawsuit is only part of larger legal proceedings, as approximately 13,750 additional residents are also pursuing claims against the same defendants, which include the logistics company Prologis and the Nourollah brothers, who owned the warehouse.
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latimes.comIn addition to this legal outcome, the ongoing efforts to eliminate the noxious odor from the Dominguez Channel have been costly.Officials have reported expenditures of at least $54 million so far, with projections suggesting that total costs could escalate to $143 million if the situation does not improve by March 2024.
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dailybreeze.comThe Los Angeles County Department of Public Works has been treating the channel using a biodegradable odor neutralizer called Epoleon, while simultaneously investigating the root causes of the persistent smell.
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dailybreeze.comResidents have reported a range of health issues attributed to the odor, including headaches, nausea, and irritation of the eyes, ears, and nose.The Carson City Council declared a public health nuisance in October 2021, prompting immediate action to address the situation.
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latimes.comIn the weeks following the fire, around 3,000 residents sought refuge in hotels provided by Los Angeles County, while many others invested in air purifiers to mitigate their discomfort.
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latimes.comThe South Coast Air Quality Management District received over 4,700 odor complaints shortly after the incident, highlighting the widespread impact on surrounding communities, including Gardena, Long Beach, and Torrance.
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latimes.comAs the investigation continues, officials are determined to ensure that residents can reclaim their quality of life, free from the lingering effects of the toxic fumes.
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dailybreeze.comThis lawsuit and its outcome not only underscore the serious health risks posed by environmental negligence but also serve as a potential precedent for similar cases in California.If the remaining plaintiffs in the ongoing lawsuits receive comparable compensation, it could represent the largest recovery for exposure to toxic fumes in California's history.
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latimes.comAs the situation develops, residents and officials alike remain hopeful for a resolution that restores safety and comfort to the community.
