What Happened in Conyers?

BioLab Fire: Rockdale County Evacuates, Shelters in Place

On September 29, 2024, a large fire and explosion occurred at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia, which manufactures pool and spa chemicals.

This incident led to the release of hazardous chlorine chemicals into the air, prompting the evacuation of around 17,000 residents. Authorities have urged residents in nearby areas, including parts of metro Atlanta, to shelter in place and avoid outdoor activities due to potential exposure to chlorine, which can cause respiratory issues, coughing, nausea, and headaches, among other symptoms.

BioLab Lawsuit Update – Quick Answers (April 2026)

• Is the BioLab lawsuit still open?
  Yes. The litigation is ongoing, and no final settlement has been reached.
• Is there a deadline to file a claim?
  Yes, claims related to the September 29, 2024 BioLab fire in Conyers,Georgia are subject to Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations deadline, which places certain filing deadlines around September 2026. However, deadlines can vary depending on your situation and exceptions may apply.
• What is the lawsuit about?
  The lawsuits involve claims of chemical exposure, property damage, and financial losses following the BioLab fire in Conyers, Georgia.
• Has there been a settlement yet?
  No settlement has been announced as of April 2026.

BioLab Fire Lawsuit Status (April 2026 Update)

Since the September 29, 2024 fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers, Georgia, east of Atlanta, litigation related to the incident has moved beyond the initial investigation stage. Many lawsuits have been consolidated into a single federal proceeding in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia before Judge Sarah Geraghty.¹

The court has appointed attorneys from multiple firms to serve in leadership roles on behalf of the plaintiffs. The claims include allegations of negligence, nuisance, strict liability, personal injury related to chemical exposure, property damage, and economic losses.

BioLab has also indicated that it does not plan to rebuild the Conyers facility, reflecting the impact this fire has had on the surrounding community.

Georgia Supreme Court Reviewing Medical Monitoring Claims

A key legal issue in the case is now before the Supreme Court of Georgia. In the federal proceedings, BioLab asked the court to dismiss certain claims, including requests for medical monitoring. While some claims were allowed to proceed, Judge Geraghty asked the Georgia Supreme Court to clarify whether Georgia law permits recovery for medical monitoring without a present physical injury.²

The Georgia Supreme Court heard oral arguments on April 21, 2026. The court is considering whether individuals who were exposed to potentially harmful substances, but who have not been diagnosed with a current illness, may seek the cost of future medical monitoring as a form of relief.

The outcome could affect not only this case, but also how similar environmental exposure claims are handled under Georgia law. Based on typical timelines, a written decision may be issued in the coming months, although the exact timing is uncertain.

What Is Medical Monitoring and Why It Matters

Medical monitoring refers to the cost of ongoing medical testing for people who may have been exposed to potentially harmful substances but have not yet been diagnosed with an illness. The question before the Georgia Supreme Court is whether people in that situation can ask BioLab to cover those future testing costs, even without a current diagnosis. The answer could affect what compensation may be available to people affected by the fire.

Can I Still File a BioLab Claim in 2026?

Yes, the litigation is ongoing. While many separate lawsuits have been consolidated into one federal proceeding, the court has not yet formally certified a class. An attorney can help you understand how this affects your options.

However, legal deadlines apply to your ability to file a claim.

In Georgia, most personal injury claims are subject to a two-year statute of limitations. For the September 29, 2024 BioLab fire, that could mean a deadline around September 29, 2026 for many people. Deadlines can vary based on the facts of your specific situation, and exceptions may apply. The safest course is to speak with an attorney rather than waiting to see how close the deadline falls.

Who May Qualify for a BioLab Fire Claim?

You may have a claim if you were in or near the areas affected by the fire, evacuation orders, or chemical release, and experienced health problems, property damage, or financial losses as a result. This may include:

• Residents within evacuation or shelter-in-place zones who experienced health symptoms
• Property owners whose homes, vehicles, or businesses were damaged or contaminated
• Workers and business owners who suffered closures or financial losses

Whether you qualify depends on the specific facts of your situation, including your proximity to the source and location of the fire.

Possible Impacts of the BioLab Chemical Fire

Injuries and impacts may include, among others:

• Injuries due to exposure to the chemicals or gasses created by the fire
• Injuries sustained while employed by BioLab at the time of the fire
• Damages to property related to the fire and/or chemicals released

Similar Incidents Have Led to Legal Action in the Past

Unfortunately, this explosion is not the first of its kind. Similar incidents can provide a blueprint of what one can expect across the legal landscape.

1. West Fertilizer Plant Explosion 

In April 2013, a massive explosion at a fertilizer plant in West, Texas, killed 15 people, injured over 200, and caused significant damage to the local community. Survivors pursued lawsuits against the plant owners, and won substantial settlements for damages and injuries. The city of West Texas also sued several companies involved in the explosion for negligence and failure to warn.

2. Freedom Industries Chemical Spill 

In January 2014, a storage tank leak at Freedom Industries in Charleston, West Virginia, spilled thousands of gallons of a toxic chemical into the Elk River, contaminating the water supply for over 300,000 residents. The spill caused symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, eye irritations and eventually infections. The incident led to the governor declaring a state of emergency in 9 surrounding counties. Victims of the spill received a class-action settlement of over $150 Million from both the chemical company and the water company.

3. ExxonMobil Refinery Explosion

In February 2015, an explosion at the ExxonMobil refinery in Torrance, California, released ash and toxic dust into nearby neighborhoods. The explosion injured four workers and caused significant environmental contamination. Residents affected by the incident filed lawsuits seeking compensation for medical bills and property damage, eventually reaching settlements with ExxonMobil.

What Compensation May Be Available

If you were affected by the BioLab fire, you may be able to seek compensation for damages such as medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and costs to relocate. Whether medical monitoring costs can also be recovered will depend on how the courts resolve ongoing legal issues. Every case is different, and what may be available to you depends on your specific circumstances.

What This Update Means If You Were Affected

The BioLab litigation is still developing, and important legal questions, particularly regarding medical monitoring, have not yet been fully resolved. As a result, if you were affected by the BioLab fire, you may be unsure how certain types of claims will be handled. The most important step now is to speak with an attorney who can evaluate your specific situation before any deadlines apply.

Montlick Injury Attorneys continues to monitor developments in this case and is evaluating potential claims on behalf of individuals who may have been affected. If you think you may have a claim, you can reach us at 1-800-LAW-NEED® or contact us online for a free consultation.

¹Tartt v. Bio-Lab, Inc. and KIK Consumer Products Inc., No. S26Q0585 (Ga. 2026). Certified questions submitted by U.S. District Judge Sarah Geraghty, Northern District of Georgia. Oral arguments heard April 21, 2026.
²The underlying federal proceeding is pending before U.S. District Judge Sarah E. Geraghty. Civil Action No. 1:24-CV-4407-SEG (N.D. Ga. 2024).