Paint firms seek reimbursement after lead paint suit

PROVIDENCE - Three former lead paint companies want to be reimbursed for the costs of defending against a public nuisance lawsuit filed by the state. Last month, the state Supreme Court overturned a first-in-the-nation jury verdict that found Sherwin-Williams Co., NL Industries, Inc. and Millennium Holdings LLC liable for creating a public nuisance by manufacturing a toxic product, lead paint. Lawyers for the companies are now seeking a refund from the state. As a starting point, on July 24 they asked a judge to force the state to pay more than $242,000 for the cost of a special master who evaluated cleanup plans, transcript fees and conference call charges. The judge has not ruled on the request. A spokeswoman for Attorney General Patrick Lynch did not immediately return a call seeking... [read full story]