Dozens of Orange County residents file lawsuit against GKN Aerospace in chemical tank incident

While Orange County officials have declared the toxic chemical crisis in Garden Grove to be in the cleanup phase, a group of affected residents has joined mass tort litigation after being evacuated from their homes. Orange County-based attorney Shawn Steel announced the lawsuit on Friday, noting that he is presenting individual cases rather than a class action because compensation varies by individual experience. Steel stated there are currently 30 plaintiffs, with many seeking "six figures" in financial compensation. He described the chaotic evacuation, noting that residents were given "15 minutes' notice" and were largely unaware of the GKN Aerospace plant's potential dangers. Shadi Dababneh, a resident whose parents have owned a home directly across from the manufacturing plant for 30 years, expressed his shock at the incident, stating he had "driven past this plant countless times" without realizing the risks. Steel highlighted the psychological impact on residents, citing a client who suffered a panic attack while driving back into town after the incident. GKN Aerospace has apologized and committed to understanding what happened, though officials maintain that no explosion or leak occurred. The lawsuit seeks compensation for temporary lodging, hotel costs, food, transportation, medical evaluation, relocation, and devalued property. District Attorney Todd Spitzer has also launched an investigation into the company.

(Source：CBS News)