PROVIDENCE, R.I. (AP) -- Former lead paint companies have appealed a judge's decision denying them reimbursement for the cost of defending themselves against a lawsuit from the state of Rhode Island.
Superior Court Judge Michael Silverstein ruled in May that the state did not have to repay the companies.
The manufacturers argued they were entitled to reimbursement since the state Supreme Court in 2008 ruled in their favor and reversed a landmark jury verdict that could have cost them billions of dollars.
A notice of appeal was filed Friday by the three companies that ultimately won the case -- Sherwin-Williams Co., NL Industries Inc. and Millennium Holdings LLC. Three other companies that had been sued but did not go to trial also joined in the appeal.
