Terms of a class-action lawsuit against Murphy Oil USA does not prevent Louisiana homeowners from leaving the suit and settling their own claims stemming from the refinery’s oil spill after Hurricane Katrina, a judge has ruled.
According to the Associated Press and the Times-Picayune, last month, U.S. District Judge Eldon Fallon consolidated 27 lawsuits against El Dorado, Ark.-based Murphy Oil. But in a recent ruling, the judge established a procedure for homeowners who want to settle individually.
The lawsuits stem from a leak at the company’s site in Meraux that dumped more than 25,000 barrels of crude oil into nearby areas, including an estimated 1,800 homes, mostly in Chalmette, which is near New Orleans.
Under the class action, other people who sustained damage caused by the oil spill may benefit from any settlement or judgment against Murphy Oil, even if they are not listed as parties in the 27 suits that were consolidated.
Fallon said that homeowners who leave the suit will not receive any benefits if Murphy Oil loses.
Murphy has argued against class certification, saying it can settle claims on an individual basis. Murphy has pledged an appeal of the judge’s decision that certified the class.
Topics Lawsuits Legislation Louisiana Energy Oil Gas Homeowners
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