U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit Upholds Ruling Allowing Lawsuit Brought by Schlichter Bogard on Behalf of Children Subject to Lead Poisoning To Proceed

On August 1, 2024, a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit unanimously affirmed the judgment of a district court that a lawsuit brought by Schlichter Bogard on behalf of children subject to lead poisoning can proceed.

Schlichter Bogard senior partner Jerry Schlichter offered these remarks:

“It has been our position throughout that Doe Run cannot avoid its responsibility for the devastating health impact of lead poisoning of these children in Peru. Doe Run and its owner, Ira Rennert, closed their smelter in Missouri after the environmental and health impacts became widespread, and opened the smelter in Peru to avoid U.S. regulations. The St. Louis University School of Public Health then tested these children, and their blood levels were among the highest ever found in the world.

The court has now agreed with our position that the acts of Doe Run, a St. Louis company, and its New York owner causing this harm were carried out in the United States, and they should bear the consequences.

In the 17th year of this court battle, we now look forward to a jury bringing justice to these children.”

For more information about Schlichter Bogard’s consumer and environmental practice please contact us at 800-USE-LAWS (873-5297) or via email at contact@uselaws.com.