Parker Waichman LLP

Paint Strippers Toxic Methylene Chloride Linked to Deaths

Paint stripper related deaths span decades, and yet the chemical responsible, methylene chloride, is still being sold on shelves across America. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a ban of the chemical in January of 2017, but the proposed ban has been postponed, meaning that these products are still being sold daily around the country. […]

Toxic Methylene Chloride

Paint stripper related deaths span decades, and yet the chemical responsible, methylene chloride, is still being sold on shelves across America. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposed a ban of the chemical in January of 2017, but the proposed ban has been postponed, meaning that these products are still being sold daily around the country.

Families who have tragically lost loved ones as a result of this deadly product have been sounding alarm bells for many years but have not been able to get the product banned. Those individuals who have been impacted by toxic paint strippers feel that the manufacturers who have profited from the sales of these dangerous chemicals should be held responsible for the harm they have done. At Parker Waichman LLP, we have represented personal injury plaintiffs for decades and are dedicated to fighting for the rights of those people injured by irresponsible manufacturers. Many of our clients have felt that holding responsible companies liable for their actions gives them a sense of peace.

Toxic Paint Strippers

Last October, Drew Wynne, 31, died while attempting to resurface the floor of the walk-in fridge at his small-brew coffee business in South Carolina. The product he was using, Goof Off, which is manufactured by W.M. Barr, contains methylene chloride. Drew’s family was baffled by the fact that the product that killed their loved one was readily available on a store shelf.

The risks presented by methylene chloride are well documented. In fact, about 20 years ago Brian Keller, 24, was using Klean Strip Aircraft Paint Remover when the vapors in the product caused him to suffer a heart attack. Keller survived for five years before suffering another heart attack and dying. W.M. Barr manufactured the product used by Keller as well. Before his death, Keller sued W.M. Barr and reached a 1.75-million-dollar settlement. Yet two decades later, the same company is one of several still manufacturing and selling products containing methylene chloride.

W.M. Barr claims that the products’ labeling is adequate protection for consumers. However, the product has been banned in Europe, and the EPA has stated that methylene chloride presents an unreasonable risk to consumers because when the chemical is inhaled, it can lead to death in a matter of minutes.

Product Liability Lawsuits

Parker Waichman LLP has over two decades worth of experience representing personal injury plaintiffs in a variety of cases, including product liability lawsuits. Our attorneys have recovered more than $2 billion in compensation for our clients. Product liability claims arise when a product presents unreasonable risks to consumers, and individuals suffer injuries as a result.

We understand that our clients desperately need to be compensated for their injuries, which in most cases have led to costly medical bills, missed time from work and other financial strains. We also believe that companies that put consumers at risk should be held accountable for their actions.

Time to File Your Claim

Every state has a statute of limitations which gives injured individuals a time frame in which they must file their lawsuits. The amount of time allotted varies by state. It is essential to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your right to file a lawsuit does not expire.

Free Case Review

If a toxic paint stripper has injured you or someone you love, contact Parker Waichman LLP today at 1-800-YOURLAWYER (1-800-968-7529) to speak with one of our experienced product liability attorneys.

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