Firm continues investigating claims as thousands of odor complaints, ongoing health concerns and rebuilding plans raise new questions for affected residents and businesses
Becker Law Group is continuing its investigation and representation of residents, workers, property owners and businesses affected by the June 17 fire at the Lineage cold-storage warehouse in Boyle Heights as new regulatory actions underscore the continuing impact on the surrounding community.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District’s hearing board recently imposed more than 90 cleanup and odor-control requirements following more than 4,000 complaints connected to the fire-damaged facility. The measures reportedly require the removal of millions of pounds of remaining food waste each week, additional air monitoring, odor-mitigation measures and greater public notification about cleanup activities.
At the same time, an application has been filed to rebuild the approximately 491,000-square-foot warehouse to its pre-fire condition, which is an effort that has generated significant concern among residents and public officials while cleanup, environmental monitoring and investigations remain underway.
“The people of Boyle Heights should not be asked to move on while they are still living with the consequences of this disaster,” said Todd B. Becker, founder of Becker Law Group. “Before any discussion about rebuilding moves forward, the community deserves a full accounting of what happened, what substances were released, who was responsible and how affected families and businesses will be made whole.”
The fire burned for eight days and prompted shelter-in-place orders and extended air-quality advisories. Its aftermath included smoke, ash, persistent odors, pests, business disruption and concerns about possible exposure to ammonia and other pollutants.
Public reporting indicates that regulators have recorded ammonia readings above state short-term health benchmarks during the cleanup. Government agencies have also established continuing environmental monitoring, health services and recovery resources for impacted communities.
Potential Claims Under Investigation
Becker Law Group is working with ACTS LAW and Keosian Law LLP to investigate potential claims involving:
- Respiratory problems and other physical symptoms.
- Smoke, soot, ash or odor intrusion.
- Property contamination and cleanup costs.
- Temporary displacement and alternative housing expenses.
- Lost income and business interruption.
- Damage to inventory, equipment or other property.
- Insurance disputes and denied or undervalued claims.
- Other losses associated with the fire and its aftermath.
The investigation includes the circumstances surrounding the fire, prior incidents at the property, rooftop solar equipment and work reportedly occurring before the fire, fire-prevention and suppression systems, management of hazardous materials and the conduct of the companies responsible for owning, operating and maintaining the facility.
Affected residents and businesses are encouraged to preserve photographs and videos; retain medical, cleaning, lodging and air-filtration receipts; document physical symptoms and odors; preserve damaged property when it is safe to do so; and save communications with landlords, insurers, property managers and companies connected to the warehouse.
For additional information or a free, confidential case review, visit Becker Law Group’s Boyle Heights Warehouse Fire information page or call 626-777-7700.
About Becker Law Group
Founded in 1987, Becker Law Group is a California plaintiffs’ law firm representing individuals, families, businesses and communities harmed by negligence, environmental disasters and corporate misconduct. The firm handles complex litigation involving wildfires, toxic and chemical exposure, environmental contamination, catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, sexual abuse, dangerous products and other mass-tort matters. Led by founder Todd B. Becker, the firm is committed to determined legal advocacy, compassionate client service and meaningful results for people affected by catastrophic events and preventable harm.
Attorney Advertising approved by lawyer Todd Becker, Becker Law Group, 388 Cordova St., Suite 100C Pasadena, CA 91101. Phone: 626-777-7700. This press release provides general information and does not constitute legal advice. Viewing or responding to this communication does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee a similar outcome.
