Thomas et al. v. Akzo Nobel Coatings, et al
Benzene Case Fact Sheet
Auto mechanic claiming to be sickened by benzene exposure settles with last remaining defendant on the eve of trial, resolving the case for $6.3M in total settlements from all defendants.
Case Summary
The benzene exposure trial of Jimmy Thomas, a long-time auto body mechanic claiming to have myelodysplastic syndrome caused by the toxic chemical, was set to begin July 1, 2019, but settled with the remaining defendant, The Savogran Company, on the Friday before trial. Plaintiffs contend that from the early 1960s throughout the entirety of Jimmy’s working career, as well as during personal use, Jimmy used paint strippers and solvents manufactured or sold by Defendants that contained benzene. Plaintiffs also contend that all of Jimmy’s exposures to those products caused, or substantially contributed to, his MDS. The Defendants disputed that Jimmy worked with their products, and even if he did, that his MDS could not have been caused by his exposure to their products. Attorneys representing Jimmy Thomas said the mediation and a subsequent Mandatory Settlement Conference were productive, resulting in resolution between Plaintiffs and many of the Defendants.
Settlement
June 28, 2019
$6.3M total settlement from all parties
Case Information
Cause No. RG-17-882514, Thomas et al. v. Akzo Nobel Coatings, et al.
Trial length: 0 days Deliberation Length: 0 days
Jurisdiction
Alameda Superior Court, California
Hon. Brad Seligman, presiding
Plaintiffs’ Counsel
Defense Counsel (counsel for The Savogran Company)
- Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP (Carlsbad / Irvine):
Jennifer Bonneville, Jason Levin, Joo Cha Webb
- Brian Ledger, Philip Lo
Disclaimer – Results obtained depend on the facts of each case. Award amounts are not actual cash amounts received by plaintiffs. Deductions are made for offsets, liens, attorney fees and expenses.
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