R.I. lead paint loss gives industry huge win

PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) - Communities and child health advocates around the country were pinning their hopes on Rhode Island winning in its landmark lawsuit against the lead paint industry.

Now, after the state Supreme Court threw out the first-ever jury verdict finding Cleveland-based Sherwin-Williams Company and other former lead paint companies liable for creating a public nuisance, at least one city-Columbus, Ohio-says it's rethinking a similar lawsuit against the industry.

One of the lawyers in the Rhode Island case predicted the decision would have a devastating effect on national efforts to hold the manufacturers accountable for their products. Still, other lawyers with pending cases say they're not deterred.

The companies called the Rhode Island decision a victory for common sense.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press.  All Rights Reserved.)