A Personal Injury Law Firm With Personal Attention

February 2008 Court Ruling: Veterans Will Not Be Able to Sue Chemical Companies

U.S. Appeals Court Affirms Trial Court's Dismissal of Agent Orange "Test" Cases, Isaacson and Stevenson, As Well As Other Veteran Lawsuits

On February 22, 2008, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit in New York issued opinions affirming Judge Jack Weinsteins's trial court dismissal of the Isaacson and Stevenson cases, as well as other civil cases brought by veterans and their relatives over the use of Agent Orange in Vietnam.

According to the Second Circuit, the chemical companies that manufactured Agent Orange, which include Dow Chemical Company and nearly 30 others, were covered by the "Military Contractor Defense" and thereby, are not liable for any injury to veterans. In more detail, the Military Contractor Defense grants immunity from tort liability to independent contractors in fulfillment of government procurement contracts.

As a result of the Second Circuit ruling, military veterans and their families will be unable to sue any chemical makers over the use of Agent Orange during the Vietnam War.

Read more about Agent Orange on our Agent Orange Information Page >>