Plaintiffs Represented by Schlichter Bogard Prevail on Motion to Dismiss Case Involving Allegations of Poisoning of Peruvian Children

In a significant ruling in the longstanding case involving the alleged poisoning of hundreds of Peruvian children, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri has decided in favor of plaintiffs on a majority of the arguments brought by defendants, including Ira L. Rennert, in their motion to dismiss. The Court ruled that U.S. state and not Peruvian law controls, that Mr. Rennert will be potentially personably liable, and that punitive damages will apply.

“This decision enables the children of La Oroya to have their day in court with the billionaire who we allege caused permanent brain damage to them and damaged their community,” said Jerry Schlichter, managing partner of Schlichter Bogard & Denton, attorneys for the plaintiffs. “We look forward to our day in court.”

The plaintiff Peruvian children, some of whom are now adults, live near the La Oroya complex, a smelting and refining complex owned and operated by Ira Rennert, the defendant companies, and their Peruvian subsidiary. The plaintiffs allege that the defendants failed to warn the community of the release of toxic metals and gases, which can damage the circulatory and respiratory systems and lead to lung cancer. A study conducted by the Saint Louis University School of Public Health shows that over 99 percent of children in La Oroya have blood lead levels that are known to be associated with permanent injuries.

For additional information, please contact Schlichter Bogard & Denton at 800-873-5297 or sbd@uselaws.com.