Lawsuits over Toledo chemical leak seek class-action status

Two proposed class-action lawsuits were filed in Lucas County against M.C. Tank Transport, its parent Kenan Advantage Group and, in one complaint, KAG Leasing over an October 20 glycidyl methacrylate leak at a tank terminal in north Toledo. One suit, brought by a resident and a landscaping business, alleges inadequate tank maintenance and safety systems contributed to the release; another resident within the shelter-in-place zone alleges negligence, nuisance, trespass and strict liability. The complaints seek damages for reported health effects, property losses and business disruption, as well as property testing and decontamination; the second plaintiff reports nausea, headaches and burning skin. The leak prompted evacuations and shelter-in-place orders, with tens of thousands of people reportedly within the broader advisory zone and dozens receiving hospital treatment. The plaintiffs seek to represent affected residents and businesses, but neither case has been certified as a class action, and the allegations have not been proven in court.