Class Action Filed: Ethylene Oxide Emissions from Covington and Smyrna Sterilization Plants Blamed for Cancer Surge

Covington, Georgia — Residents near Covington and Smyrna are raising alarms over potential health risks linked to ethylene oxide exposure from nearby sterilization plants. Ethylene oxide, a chemical commonly used in sterilizing medical equipment, has been the focus of increasing scrutiny, as a series of class action lawsuits allege its harmful effects. The community has been on edge as attorneys for the plaintiffs argue that exposure to ethylene oxide has contributed to a rise in cancer cases among residents in these areas. Families are expressing their concerns, noting they believe the sterilization processes taking place … Read more

Georgia Jury Awards $20 Million to Plaintiff in Landmark Ethylene Oxide Cancer Case, Sparking Surge in Litigation Claims

Covington, Georgia—In a notable case involving ethylene oxide (EtO), a jury awarded $20 million in compensatory damages to a plaintiff who alleged that his exposure to the chemical resulted in a diagnosis of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The decision came after a trial focused on the sterilization practices of C.R. Bard, which operates a medical equipment sterilization facility in Covington. The plaintiff, who drove a truck near the facility, claimed he was exposed to harmful levels of EtO while making regular pickups and living just a mile and a half away from the plant. His battle with … Read more

Juror Insights Shed Light on Controversial Verdict in Ethylene Oxide Case, Mistrial Declared for Punitive Damages

Covington, Georgia — A jury has awarded a total of $70 million in damages to a plaintiff in a substantial case involving allegations of cancer linked to ethylene oxide exposure from a local sterilization facility. The decision includes $20 million in compensatory damages as well as an additional $50 million aimed at punishing the companies involved. Despite the financial award, the jury faced challenges determining whether the companies had intended to cause harm. Joy Buffington, a juror, expressed that the group struggled with this aspect of the case and ultimately reached a decision that did … Read more

Missouri Jury Awards $745 Million in Lawsuit Over Fatal Nitrous Oxide Incident: Holding Responsible Parties Accountable

CLAYTON, Mo. – A Missouri jury has awarded $745 million to the parents of Marissa Politte, a young woman who was tragically killed by a driver under the influence of nitrous oxide. The verdict was reached on Friday in the lawsuit brought by Politte’s parents. The incident occurred on October 18, 2020, when Politte was leaving her workplace at the Ballwin Total Access Urgent Care in St. Louis County and was struck by an SUV. During the two-week trial, the focus was on whether the company that distributes nitrous oxide, known as Whip-It!, conspired with … Read more