EVACUEES SEEK RELIEF FOLLOWING GARDEN GROVE CHEMICAL CRISIS

*** This information is provided subject to Litteral LLP’s Terms & Notices and is presented solely for informational purposes.  Because this information is general in nature, it should not be relied upon or treated as legal advice or a substitute for legal advice.  This information is presented in accordance with Litteral LLP’s aim of enhancing access to the law.  Litteral LLP expresses no opinion as to the merits of a particular case or a particular set of facts.***

Following the hazardous crisis in Garden Grove, California involving a compromised chemical tank containing massive amounts of methyl methacrylate (“MMA”), evacuees represented by Litteral LLP have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against GKN Aerospace Transparency Systems Inc., GKN Aerospace Services LTD, and Melrose Industries PLC.

The lawsuit was filed May 26, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California and alleges that as “a result of that Crisis—which is attributable in all respects to Defendants’ negligent storage, containment, handling, and monitoring—50,000 residents were ordered to evacuate a radius near the facility due to concerns about toxic exposure, causing the Class to suffer, among other things, loss of enjoyment of property, property damage, exposure to toxic material, inconvenience, disruption and economic damages.”

Notably, the filed complaint seeks “a medical monitoring program and establishment of a medical monitoring fund” as well as an order “compelling Defendants to finance the medical monitoring program and address issues as they develop during program administration.” 

That requested relief stems from allegations of MMA’s harm “to humans, animals, and the environment.”  The lawsuit alleges that “MMA is known to induce a number of acute health effects” and that “exposure to MMA may result in respiratory and nasal symptoms, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular disorders.”  Additionally, “a causal relationship has been found between occupational exposure and increased incidences of colon and rectal cancers.”   

According to Litteral LLP Partner, Sean L. Litteral, “It is important that evacuees receive meaningful relief following this crisis.  We must put an end to this era of corporate irresponsibility.”      

*** This information is provided subject to the disclaimer above and Litteral LLP’s Terms & Notices.***