ST. LOUIS — A number of individuals are suing the owners and operators of the La Oroya Metallurgical Complex in Peru, alleging negligence and failure to warn.
Eliana Arias Amaro, Roger Smith Canori Izquierdo, Simone Victoria Castro Torres, et al. filed a complaint on Feb. 16 in the St. Louis Circuit Court against Ira L. Rennert, individual; as Trustee and Beneficiary of the Ira Leon Rennet Revocable Trust, et al. alleging that the defendants allowed and failed to remove or remediate lead and other hazardous substances in the La Oroya region for their own financial benefit.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they were minors at the time of their initial exposure to lead and other toxic substances in the mining area. They claim that pollutants emitted from the La Oroya Complex damaged their circulatory and respiratory systems, and will likely lead to lung cancer. As a result, plaintiffs claims they suffered psychological injuries, behavioral and learning impairments and other permanent disabilities.
The plaintiffs allege the defendants failed to warn individuals of the release of the toxic metals and gases, and other toxic substances into the environment and community surrounding the La Oroya Complex.
The plaintiffs request a trial by jury; and seek or damages in an amount in excess of $25,000, plus punitive damages, costs, expenses, pre- and post-judgment interest, and such further relief as the court deems appropriate. They are represented by Jerome J. Schlichter, Roger C. Denton, Kristine K. Kraft, Elizabeth M. Wilkins and Tara Rocque of Schlichter, Bogard & Denton in St. Louis.
St. Louis Circuit Court case number 1822-CC00344