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. The situation remains under close monitoring by local and federal environmental agencies.

BioLab Chemical Fire Possible Lawsuit

At Montlick Injury Attorneys, we are actively investigating this incident and are here to help protect your legal rights. If you or your loved ones believe you have been affected by this chemical exposure and are experiencing symptoms, we encourage you to contact us immediately for a free consultation. We are committed to ensuring that those impacted by the BioLab fire in and around Conyers, Georgia receive the justice and compensation they deserve.

For more information, or if you think you have been affected, call us today.

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

BioLab Employees and Georgia Residents

Whether you’re an employee who has suffered injuries or have a property damage claim due to the chemicals released, we are here to help. 

The fire has already caused widespread evacuations and concerns about health and property damage in the affected areas. Early claims are being evaluated, and we are actively taking cases related to personal injury and property damage stemming from this incident.

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 in the coming weeks.

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 You Can Do Right Now

There are several precautions you can take immediately that could potentially help your claim in the future.

• Seek immediate medical attention if experiencing symptoms. Make sure your doctor marks in your chart that you were exposed to the chemical fire.
• Document all symptoms: Keep a record in a notebook or on your phone with the date/time and symptoms you’re experiencing.
• If you are a BioLab employee who was working on site at the time of the fire, inform your manager of your symptoms in writing and keep a copy of the correspondence.