ABS Pipes
Result: $70 million settlement
Year: 1998
ABS pipe is rigid, black, non-pressurized plastic pipe used to drain sinks, tubs, showers, toilets, washing machines and dishwashers commonly used in residential construction as waste, drain, and vent pipe. In the ABS pipe class actions, we represented plaintiffs who alleged that, during certain periods of time between the years 1984 and 1990, ABS pipe manufactured by Polaris Pipe Co., Gable Plastics, Inc., Centaur Mfg., Inc., dba Phoenix Extrusion Co., and Apache Plastics, Inc. contained plastic resin that could cause the ABS pipe to crack and ultimately leak.
Each manufacturer used allegedly unsuitable resin during different periods. Plaintiffs claimed that this allegedly defective ABS pipe could crack circumferentially at the glue line where the pipe was cemented into the socket of the fitting, and that such cracks could ultimately result in leaks. Plaintiffs sought relief in the litigation based upon claims for strict liability and negligence.
On January 16, 1998, the Contra Costa County, California Superior Court granted preliminary approval to eight class action settlements valued at approximately $70 million. On May 14, 1998, Judge Simons granted final approval to all eight settlements, finding them to be fair, reasonable, adequate, and in the best interests of the class members.
Civil Litigation News
Lieff Cabraser Partner Tiseme Zegeye Discusses the Legal Fallout of IVF Failures
Speaking with NBC News, Lieff Cabraser partner Tiseme Zegeye addressed the devastating impact of negligence in the IVF industry and
Lieff Cabraser Partners to Speak at 2025 Spring “Mass Torts Made Perfect” Seminar
Lieff Cabraser partners Elizabeth Cabraser, Lexi Hazam, Mark Chalos, and Wendy Fleishmann will be featured speakers at the upcoming 2025 Spring Mass Torts
Tiseme Zegeye Addresses Legal Challenges for IVF Patients with Bloomberg Law
Lieff Cbraser partner Tiseme Zegeye recently spoke with Bloomberg Law about the legal hurdles hopeful parents face when seeking remedies