NJ Permits Intentional Tort Claim Against Former Employer- PVC Exposure

While denying class action certification for a medical monitoringclass and a punitive damage class, the NJ App Div permitted an INTENTIONAL TORT action against the employer to go forward in a common law civil claim.

This case involved exposure to poly vinyl chloride at a Pantasote, a Paterson NJ plant, causing disease to former workers which is characteristic of Raynaud's phenomenon ( fingers blanch and numbnessand discomfort are experienced upon exposure to the cold), changes inthe bones at the bones at the end of the fingers [Known asacro-osteolysis (AOL)], joint and muscle pain, and scleroderma-likeskin changes (thickening of the skin, deceased elasticity and slightedema).

Inhaled vinyl chloride has been shown to increase the risk of a rareform of liver cancer (angiosarcoma of the liver) in humans. It is classified by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as a Group A, human carcinogen.

Plaintiffs represented by: Jon Gelman (NJ), Ron Simon (DC), Herschel Hobson (TX) and Mark Cuker (PA)

Decision- Buynie v. Airco Co, NJ App Div 2007, Decided August 10, 2007

See related articles:
Misleading Statements Made By Vinyl Chloride Companies Held Valid Basis for Suit

Workplace Poison

Vinyl Chloride Conspiracy Documents: Part 4 (Jun 1974 - Dec 1974)

Vinyl Chloride Plants in New Jersey