LOS ANGELES (Legal Newsline) — An environmental group is suing Sherwin-Williams Company, claiming it failed to protect Californians from health and safety hazards associated with paint thinners.
South Coast Air Quality Management District filed its complaint the Los Angeles County Superior Court against Sherwin-Williams, which removed the case to federal court on Jan. 19.
People in California have suffered injury, as a result of the violations of the defendants in the manufacture and distribution of architectural coatings and multi-purpose solvent or paint thinners containing VOCs (Volatile Organic Compounds) in excess of their specified limits, the lawsuit says.
Sherwin-Williams allegedly failed to take corrective action within a reasonable period of time, and caused excess emissions by the unlawful selling of adhesive and sealant with excessive VOCs.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury and seek judgment against defendant, civil penalties in the amount of $10,000 per violation, $40,000 for every knowing violation, $25,000 for every negligent violation and $75,000 per willful and intentional violation, costs of suit, costs of inspection, investigation, attorneys' fees, enforcement, prosecution and suit, and further relief as the Court deems just. They are represented by William B. Wong of South Coast Air Quality Management District in Diamond Bar, California.