Last February, Rhode Island won a landmark suit against three paint companies. That's when a jury decided the manufacturers were liable for billions in clean-up costs associated with the lead paint they once made. Since then, several Ohio cities have been in talks with South Carolina based Motley Rice, the lead counsel in the Rhode Island case. In a suit filed last week, Sherwin-WIlliams is asking the U.S. District Court to stop these lead paint suits. Sherwin Williams' Bob Wells says cities need to take a breath.
Bob Wells: Frankly, we think they are being led down the primrose path by a bunch of trial lawyers interested in generating legal fees.
Akron just filed suit against nine paint companies. Columbus is also considering legal action. Lead paint was banned in 1978 after research showed it could damage the health of children. Mhari Saito, 90.3.