(article by Y. Peter Kang and published on Law360) — The California Supreme Court on Thursday revived a suit alleging a woman’s injuries were caused by in utero exposure to chemicals at a Sony manufacturing plant where the woman’s mother worked, saying a state toxic exposure law tolled the claims until the woman reached age 18.
In a unanimous ruling, the state’s highest court reversed a trial judge’s summary judgment in favor of Sony Electronics Inc. in a suit brought by Dominique Lopez alleging she was exposed to toxic chemicals while her pregnant mother worked at a Sony manufacturing facility in San Diego, and that the hazardous materials contributed to her birth defects, including spine and organ abnormalities, facial asymmetry and developmental delays.
An attorney for Lopez, Michael Gurien of Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel LLP, told Law360 they are satisfied with the ruling. “On behalf of the Lopez family, we are very pleased that the California Supreme Court, in a unanimous decision, agreed that Dominique’s claims against Sony for prenatal toxic injury are not barred by the statute of limitations, and that she will be able to have her day in court,” he said.
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