Sauder Schelkopf LLC is investigating potential legal claims on behalf of residents, property owners, and businesses impacted by a hazardous chemical release in Toledo, Ohio, that prompted widespread evacuations and shelter-in-place orders.
According to news reports, the incident occurred on October 20, 2026, at the MC Tank Terminal facility located at 1266 Progress Avenue in North Toledo. The release involved glycidyl methacrylate, an industrial chemical used in the production of plastics, paints, and coatings. The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency reported that the chemical was released from a 5,500-gallon tank following an error during a material transfer.
As of October 21, at least 60 people had reportedly received medical treatment for symptoms potentially related to the chemical release.
Evacuations and Potential Health Effects
Toledo Fire & Rescue initially ordered the evacuation of residents within a one-mile radius of the facility. Authorities subsequently issued a shelter-in-place order covering a three-mile radius, instructing residents to remain indoors, close windows and doors, and shut off ventilation systems drawing in outside air.
On October 21, officials reduced the evacuation zone to a half-mile radius and lifted the broader shelter-in-place order. Emergency personnel and environmental agencies continued monitoring the release.
According to the City of Toledo, exposure to glycidyl methacrylate can cause irritation or burning of the eyes, nose, mouth, and skin. Other reported symptoms of overexposure include headaches, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Potential Legal Claims
Sauder Schelkopf is investigating the circumstances surrounding the chemical release, including whether negligence or failures in the handling, storage, or transfer of hazardous materials contributed to the incident.
Individuals and businesses affected by the release may have potential claims for personal injuries, medical expenses, evacuation-related costs, property damage, business interruption, and other losses, depending on the circumstances.
Sauder Schelkopf and co-counsel reached a $10.3 million settlement on behalf of businesses impacted by a massive power outage and evacuation caused by a bridge builder on the Outer Banks. Joe Sauder also has a history of environmental litigation where he assisted with the trial of the Rocky Flats Nuclear Weapons Plant in Colorado, which ultimately resulted in a $375 million settlement.
Experience Matters
Sauder Schelkopf has a nationally recognized litigation practice. The firm currently serves as court-appointed lead counsel in courts across the country. The attorneys at Sauder Schelkopf have recovered over $1 billion on behalf of their clients and class members. Our firm was recognized by the Legal Intelligencer’s 2022 Professional Excellence Awards. The Legal Intelligencer’s Professional Excellence Awards honor Pennsylvania law firms and attorneys who have made a significant, positive impact on the legal profession. Our firm was named in the Litigation Departments of the Year (Specialty Area category; runner-up), an award that honors the best litigation practice in a small or mid-sized firm in Pennsylvania. This recognition was based on the firm’s 2021 litigation work and its important ongoing cases. LawDragon has recognized our attorneys in its list of the “500 Leading Plaintiff Consumer Lawyers” for 2022. This list notes: “From the opioid epidemic to toxic substances and defective products, truck accidents to wildfires and sexual abuse, these are the lawyers who stand on the front line in individual lawsuits and class actions seeking justice.” Mr. Schelkopf was named to Pennsylvania’s Best Lawyers® 2022 for Class Actions/Mass Tort Litigation. The American Lawyer named Mr. Sauder to its 2021 Northeast Trailblazers. The honor recognizes 60 lawyers who are “truly agents of change.” It “recognizes professionals in the Northeast who have moved the needle in the legal industry.” The Legal Intelligencer named Mr. Sauder and Mr. Schelkopf in its 2020 Pennsylvania Trailblazers list recognizing 31 lawyers who “have taken extra measures to contribute to positive outcomes . . . and who are truly agents of change.” The Legal highlighted the firm’s innovative work on advocacy as class counsel in large institutional sex abuse cover-ups, women’s, and children’s rights. Our attorneys have also consistently been recognized by their peers being named to Pennsylvania SuperLawyer, a distinction held by the top 5% of attorneys in Pennsylvania. Our attorneys have also been selected by the National Trial Lawyers Association as the Top 100 Trial Lawyers in Pennsylvania.
We Want to Hear from You
If you or your property has been damaged or otherwise impacted by this incident and you’d like to learn more about our case investigation, please feel free to complete the form on this page.