Poisoned by Profits: Wrongful Death Lawsuit Filed Against Merck

Matt Griffith and Parker Miller recently filed a federal lawsuit on behalf of the Sullivans, a Georgia family grieving the loss of their daughter, Saville, to brain cancer. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the Middle District of Georgia, the suit targets pharmaceutical company Merck and centers on toxic chemical exposure at its Flint River Plant—bringing attention to the profound human impact of environmental negligence.

The Flint River Plant and Its Chemical Legacy

At the center of the lawsuit is Merck’s Flint River Plant in Albany, Georgia—a facility that manufactured popular medications like Zocor and Prilosec. According to the complaint, the plant used complex chemical processes that released hazardous byproducts into the surrounding environment.

The lawsuit alleges that Merck failed to properly contain or dispose of these chemicals, allowing them to seep into the air, water, and soil. Workers and nearby residents were exposed without adequate warning or protection, creating what attorneys call a “toxic soup” of cancer-causing substances.

A Mother’s Job, A Family’s Tragedy

Colleen Sullivan was one of those workers. In the late 1990s, she was employed at the Flint River Plant while pregnant with her daughters, Saville and Lilia. The lawsuit claims that during this critical time, Colleen was unknowingly exposed to dangerous chemicals that would later change her family’s life forever.

In 2016, both daughters were diagnosed with rare and aggressive forms of brain cancer—just weeks apart. Saville, only in her twenties, endured years of surgeries, radiation, and chemotherapy. Despite her strength and resilience, she passed away in October 2023 at the age of 26.

The Sullivan family believes that Colleen’s exposure during pregnancy was the cause of the cancers, and they are now seeking justice for the loss of their daughter.

The Big Picture

This lawsuit is more than a legal dispute—it’s a wake-up call. It challenges how corporations manage toxic chemicals, how they protect their workers, and how they respond when lives are put at risk. For families living near industrial plants, and for employees who trust their workplaces to be safe, this case is a stark reminder of the invisible dangers that can lead to lifelong consequences.

We are deeply honored to represent the Sullivan family in their pursuit of justice. Their courage in sharing their story shines a light on the urgent need for accountability and reform.

As the case moves forward, it has the potential to set a powerful precedent for how courts address toxic exposure—especially when it affects pregnant workers and the health of future generations.