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"One of the nation's premier plaintiffs' firms."
American Lawyer
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"Representing the best qualities of the plaintiffs' bar."
The National Law Journal
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"Their effective and caring advocacy for clients has earned Lieff Cabraser its first-class reputation."
The Daily Journal
Case Center
Sacramento River Toxic Spill
- Issue: Environmental Litigation
- Result: $16 million settlement
- 1994
In re Sacramento River Spill Cases I and II
On July 14, 1991, a Southern Pacific train tanker car derailed in northern California, spilling 19,000 gallons of metam sodium, a toxic pesticide, into the Sacramento River near the town of Dunsmir.
The metam sodium mixed thoroughly with the river water, leading to devastating effects on the river and surrounding ecosystem. In addition, many residents living along the river became ill with symptoms that included headaches, shortness of breath, and vomiting.
Lieff Cabraser served as Court-appointed Plaintiffs' Liaison Counsel, Lead Class Counsel, and chaired the Plaintiffs' Litigation Committee in coordinated proceedings that included all of the lawsuits arising out of this toxic spill. Settlement proceeds of approximately $16 million were distributed pursuant to Court approval of a plan of allocation to four certified plaintiff classes: personal injury, business loss, property damage/diminution, and evacuation.