[StBernard] How Sidney Torres & Val Exnicios are trying to run your life

[Westley Annis]

Lawyers ask judge to stop Murphy Oil from settling

NEW ORLEANS Lawyers asked a federal judge today to stop the Murphy Oil
corporation from entering into settlement talks with victims of an oil spill
in Meraux.

The lawyers say the company is providing false and misleading information
about a massive oil spill at its Louisiana refinery during Hurricane Katrina
in an effort to ward off a class-action lawsuit. People who sign agreements
give up their right to pursue legal action against the company and its
subcontractors.

In recent weeks, Murphy has approached residents and businesses to urge them
to accept a money settlement for the damage to their properties.

Kerry Miller, a Murphy lawyer, says the settlement process is open and
honest. He added that many residents show up at Murphy's claims offices
because they want to get on with their lives.

Miller says many people are thankful to get the money so they can start
their lives anew _ by having money, for example, to use for a down payment
on a house. He said people don't want to wait to get an undetermined amount
of money from a lawsuit years down the road.

Judge Eldon said he would take the case under advisement and rule soon.