Quemetco / Ecobat Battery Recycling Plant Contamination

Communities near the Quemetco battery recycling facility have been exposed to lead and other toxic contaminants.

Case Overview

What Happened

The Quemetco / Ecobat Battery Recycling Plant Contamination case involves serious harm caused by negligence or corporate wrongdoing. Our legal team is investigating claims on behalf of affected individuals.

Who Is Affected

Individuals, families, and businesses who suffered damages may be eligible to pursue compensation through this coordinated legal action.

Why It Matters Legally

Holding responsible parties accountable requires aggressive legal representation. Our attorneys are building cases to secure maximum compensation for victims.

Quemetco / Ecobat Battery Recycling Plant Contamination Lawsuit

The Quemetco battery recycling facility in the City of Industry — operated by Ecobat Resources California, Inc. — has emitted lead, arsenic, benzene, 1,3-butadiene, and other hazardous air pollutants into surrounding residential neighborhoods for decades. State and regional regulators have repeatedly cited the facility for excess emissions, soil contamination, and threats to public health affecting residents of Hacienda Heights, La Puente, Avocado Heights, City of Industry, Whittier, and surrounding southeast Los Angeles County communities.

Background of the Contamination

Quemetco operates one of only two secondary lead smelters west of the Mississippi, processing used vehicle batteries to recover lead. The smelting process releases lead-bearing dust and gaseous emissions including arsenic, a known human carcinogen, and benzene, also a known human carcinogen. The South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) and the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC) have documented elevated cancer risk levels in surrounding neighborhoods exceeding action thresholds by orders of magnitude.

Health Effects of Lead, Arsenic, and Benzene Exposure

Children are particularly vulnerable to lead exposure, which causes irreversible neurological injury, developmental delay, learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, and reduced IQ. In adults, lead exposure causes cardiovascular disease, hypertension, kidney damage, reproductive harm, and cognitive decline. Arsenic exposure is linked to skin, lung, bladder, kidney, and liver cancers, as well as cardiovascular and neurological disease. Benzene is a known cause of leukemia and other blood cancers.

Property Damage and Loss of Use

Beyond personal injury, residents have suffered property contamination requiring soil testing and remediation, diminished property values, and ongoing concerns about safe outdoor activity for children. Some homes have required full soil removal and replacement at significant cost.

Who May Qualify

Current and former residents who lived within the impacted zone — generally extending several miles around the City of Industry facility and including Hacienda Heights, La Puente, Avocado Heights, parts of Whittier, and adjacent communities — may have claims. Children who attended local schools, individuals diagnosed with linked conditions, and homeowners with contaminated soil may all have causes of action.

Damages Available

Recovery may include medical expenses and medical monitoring, the cost of soil testing and remediation, diminished property value, relocation expenses, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and punitive damages against the operator for conduct that knowingly endangered the surrounding community.

Why Choose Keosian Law

Our firm has been actively investigating and prosecuting Quemetco / Ecobat claims and works with toxicologists, industrial hygienists, pediatric specialists, and air-quality experts to document exposure and link it to client injuries. Consultations are free and cases are handled on a contingency basis.

Do You Qualify?

You may be eligible for the Quemetco / Ecobat Battery Recycling Plant Contamination litigation if you meet any of the following criteria:

Damages You May Recover

Victims of the Quemetco / Ecobat Battery Recycling Plant Contamination may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including:

Property Damage

Structural damage, personal belongings, and rebuilding costs

Financial Loss

Out-of-pocket expenses, underpaid claims, and denied benefits

Emotional Distress

Anxiety, trauma, and diminished quality of life

Medical Costs

Treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care expenses

Loss of Income

Wages lost during recovery and business interruption

Displacement

Temporary housing, relocation, and living expense increases

Building a Strong Claim

What Strengthens Your Claim

• Photos and videos of the damage
• Insurance policy and correspondence
• Medical records and bills
• Repair estimates and contractor invoices
• Financial records showing losses
• Government reports or investigation findings

Common Insurer Tactics

• Delaying claims processing to pressure settlements
• Undervaluing property damage assessments
• Denying coverage based on policy technicalities
• Requiring excessive or redundant documentation
• Offering lowball settlements before full damages are assessed
• Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage limits

Why Keosian Law

We take on the cases others won't — and we prepare every one for trial.

Trial-Ready Preparation

Every case is prepared as if it will go to trial. Insurance companies know we mean business.

Selective Case Intake

We only take cases we believe in. When we take yours, we commit fully to winning.

No Fees or Costs Unless We Recover

No attorney fees or costs unless we recover for you.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What contaminants has the Quemetco/Ecobat facility released?

What health problems are linked to lead exposure from Quemetco?

Who can file a claim against Quemetco/Ecobat?

How do I know if I or my family has been affected?

What compensation is available for lead exposure victims?

How do I know if my child was exposed?

Will my soil need to be remediated?

Can I file a claim if I have moved away from the area?

Still have questions?

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