Firm Successfully Defends Singer Sewing Co In $437M Toxic Tort Case

July 29, 2008

AUSTIN (July 29, 2008) —  Bracewell & Giuliani Austin partner, Roberta Hegland, garnered a significant victory in a $437 million mass toxic tort case in the 389th District Court in Hidalgo County, Texas.

The case, which had been pending for four years, involved 729 garment workers in the Rio Grande Valley who sued multiple companies for personal injuries as a result of alleged exposure to cotton dust containing various chemicals, primarily including formaldehyde, during a period of 30 years.

Bracewell represented Singer Sewing Co (SVP Worldwide) in the matter known as Nelia G. Alanis et al vs. Allison Manufacturing Company, et al.  Plaintiffs were claiming a minimum of $600,000 per person, totaling minimum possible damages of $437,400,000.

“We were successful on a number of fronts in this case, including obtaining dismissal and final judgment against ALL plaintiffs—completely exonerating our client from any and all liability in this matter,” said Ms. Hegland.