Metro Site Inc. v. SK Battery America, Inc. et al

Case Background

Metro Site Inc., a waste and recycling company in Commerce, Georgia, filed a trespass lawsuit against SK Battery America. The lawsuit followed a devastating fire at Metro Site’s material recovery facility, allegedly caused by the improper disposal of lithium-ion batteries. SK Battery America, an electric vehicle battery manufacturer with a factory in north Georgia, was named as the Defendant. The case was filed in Jackson County State Court in Georgia. [Case number: 23SV271]

Cause

On July 14, 2023, a fire destroyed Metro Site Inc.'s recycling facility in Commerce. The blaze started after lithium-ion battery scraps exploded. Metro Site, which was not authorized to process batteries, did not know they were included in a recent waste drop-off. Investigators later traced the batteries back to SK Battery, a subsidiary of South Korea’s SK Group. Following the incident, Metro Site filed a lawsuit against SK Battery.

Damages

The Plaintiff pursued compensation for the damage caused by the destruction of its facility.

Key Arguments and Proceedings

Legal Representation

• Plaintiff(s): Metro Site Inc.
  • Counsel for Plaintiff(s): Gerald Cody | Gus McDonald | Jackson McDonald | Bo Hatchett | Allyn Stockton

• Defendant(s): SK Battery America, Inc.
  • Counsel for Defendant(s): Elizabeth C. "Kate" Helm | Dustin Marlowe | Avery G. Carter | Steven H. Campbell

Claims

The Plaintiff’s lawsuit included claims of trespass, breach of contract, and nuisance. The legal team argued that SK Battery America’s improper disposal of defective lithium-ion batteries and lax practices led to explosive waste at Metro Site's