Residents who sued due to putrid Dominguez Channel smell win millions - Los Angeles Times

Twenty-four residents of Carson, California, have been awarded over $8.89 million in damages after suing the owners and tenants of a warehouse responsible for a putrid smell emanating from the Dominguez Channel. The smell, caused by toxic debris from a 2021 warehouse fire, led to hospital visits and health issues for many residents. The plaintiffs received $6 million in punitive damages and $2.89 million in compensatory damages, ranging from $40,000 to $240,000 per person.

The fire at the Virgin Scent warehouse, which contained flammable hand sanitizer, released hazardous chemicals into the channel, causing a die-off of vegetation and the emission of hydrogen sulfide. This resulted in widespread complaints of headaches, nausea, and irritation, prompting the Carson City Council to declare a public health nuisance and Los Angeles County to provide hotel accommodations for evacuating residents.

Attorneys representing the plaintiffs stated the verdict recognizes the suffering of working-class residents. The court will now determine the fate of over 13,750 additional plaintiffs seeking compensation, potentially leading to the largest recovery for toxic fume exposure in California's history. Defendants include Prologis and its subsidiary Liberty Property LP, as well as the Nourollah brothers, owners of Virgin Scent and Day to Day Imports.

(Source：Los Angeles Times)