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Steve Kherkher - June 27, 2026
Almost two years after a BioLab chemical plant fire sent a hazardous plume over portions of a Georgia community, new lawsuits are drawing renewed attention to serious respiratory injuries that may cause illness long after the smoke has cleared.
The recently filed lawsuits say that individuals exposed to the chemical plume in September 2024 continue to suffer injuries due to inhaling airborne contaminants released during the fire. According to the complaints, plaintiffs are suffering from substantial losses in lung function and continue to require ongoing medical treatment.
These cases highlight an important reality for workers, first responders, and nearby communities: exposure to hazardous chemicals from a nearby fire can have lasting health consequences that are not always immediately apparent.
At Kherkher Garcia, our chemical injury attorneys represent victims who have suffered serious injuries following refinery explosions, chemical releases, industrial fires, and toxic exposure incidents. We understand how devastating these events can be for workers, families, and entire communities. We are committed to helping victims understand and protect their legal rights.
The BioLab chemical plant fire occurred on September 29, 2024. A fire in a warehouse deployed the sprinkler system which activated water-reactive chlorine-based chemicals. The plant was mostly destroyed in the fire, and nearly 100,000 residents were exposed to the hazardous chemical plume.
According to reports, one of the lawsuits was filed by a nearby resident who was exposed to the hazardous plume and airborne chemicals. Two other lawsuits were filed by Rockdale County law enforcement officers who were present during or after the BioLab chemical plant fire.
The complaints allege that exposure to the fire and chemical plume resulted in severe respiratory injuries, including:
All three plaintiffs are reportedly receiving ongoing medical care. One of the victims reports that his home was covered in a film-like chemical residue following the incident.
The lawsuits further allege that emergency responders were not provided adequate information about the chemicals involved or sufficient protective equipment while performing their duties. Similarly, nearby residents say they were not adequately informed of the hazardous nature of the chemical plume; and therefore, could not take precautions. The plaintiffs are seeking compensation for their injuries as well as punitive damages.
In addition to these lawsuits, the Rockdale County Board of Commissioners filed a federal lawsuit against BioLab to hold them accountable for harm caused to the community. A history of safety violations and the aftermath of the massive fire resulted in BioLab ceasing manufacturing in Rockdale County. Unfortunately, the consequences of their negligence remain for nearby residents.
Unlike traumatic injuries, exposure to toxic chemicals does not always produce immediate symptoms or “injuries.” In many industrial incidents, individuals may initially believe they escaped serious harm, but then develop respiratory problems days, weeks, or even months later.
Exposure to smoke, chemical vapors, toxic gases, and airborne particulates can contribute to illness and injury such as:
The severity of these conditions depends on the type of chemical inhaled, the duration of exposure, and the individual’s overall health.
Respiratory injuries are not unique to chemical manufacturing facilities like BioLab. Many of the same hazards are present in incident like:
Workers, contractors, emergency responders, and nearby residents can all be affected by chemical and smoke releases. In some cases, exposure occurs within seconds. In others, harmful airborne contaminants or toxic residue may remain in surrounding areas long after the initial incident. There are also many incidents that contaminate local waterways.
One of the challenges associated with toxic exposure cases is that symptoms may develop gradually. It is not uncommon for victims to develop worsening symptoms over a period of months or even years.
After exposure to any type of chemical smoke or particles, individuals should seek medical evaluation if they experience:
Early medical documentation can be important for both treatment, understanding the extent of an injury, and protecting your legal rights.
For more than three decades, Kherkher Garcia has represented workers, first responders, and community members affected by catastrophic industrial accidents. Our attorneys have nationwide experience handling claims involving:
Our team understands that chemical exposure cases require more than proving an incident occurred. They also frequently involve medical evidence, engineering analysis, safety experts, and long-term evaluations of pulmonary injuries. To that end, our team works alongside experts to build strong cases for clients whose lives have been permanently altered by preventable industrial incidents.
Kherkher Garcia has represented victims of some of the nation’s most serious industrial accidents. Our attorneys have successfully litigation involving a wide range of injuries. We have also represented clients against large corporations. Some of our current litigation includes:
We have represented hundreds of victims and families across Texas and nationwide. We have a strong team of attorneys that bring knowledge, resources, and tenacity to every case. Our reputation has been built on taking on complex cases against large corporations, energy companies, manufacturers, and industrial operators. When catastrophic injuries occur, our goal is simple: help victims pursue answers, accountability, and the financial recovery they need to move forward.
We have secured significant verdicts and settlements for injured workers and grieving families while remaining committed to compassionate, client-focused representation. With Kherkher Garcia, clients can expect more than general legal counsel. Our clients know and trust us because we put every resource into fighting for justice.
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Yes. Depending on the chemicals and level of exposure, some individuals may experience reduction in lung function or develop chronic respiratory conditions.
No. Some respiratory illnesses develop gradually after exposure to smoke, chemical vapors, toxic gases, or airborne particles.
Seek medical evaluation as soon as possible. This is especially urgent if you experience immediate coughing, breathing difficulties, or other respiratory symptoms.
Yes. Firefighters, law enforcement, EMS, contractors, and others near a fire or explosion face significant exposure risks while performing their duties.
Every claim is different, and the type and amount of compensation depends on the facts of the case. More generally, however, compensation may include medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, disability, and other damages.
If you are diagnosed with an injury or illness and believe it was caused by a fire, chemical release, explosion, or other industrial incident, you should speak with an attorney as soon as possible. Working with an experienced attorney early can help you better understand and protect your legal rights.
Industrial incidents like the BioLab chemical plant fire often leave lasting health consequences for those in direct proximity. If you or a loved one suffered respiratory injuries, chemical exposure, burns, or other serious harm following an industrial incident, Kherkher Garcia is here to help.
Our attorneys have extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic industrial accidents and are fierce advocates for workers, first responders, and families facing life-changing effects from toxic exposure. Contact Kherkher Garcia today for a free injury consultation to learn more about your legal rights and options. Call us at 713-333-1030, or submit our online contact form to get started.
This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by attorneys Steve Kherkher and Jesus Garcia Jr., who have more than 50 years of combined legal experience championing the rights of those who have experienced catastrophic injury due to negligence.
Connect with a Kherkher Garcia trial lawyer today to pursue maximum compensation for your injury.
