[StBernard] Ask Westley! Update: Opt Out of Murphy Oil Class Action Suit

[Westley Annis]

((((( Ask Westley! Update: Opt Out of Murphy Oil Class Action Suit )))))

                          2006.02.01 23:07:56


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<"http://www.askwestley.com/archives/2006/02/opt_out_of_murp.html">

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On Monday, January 30, Judge Eldon Fallon certified the law suit against 
Murphy Oil as a class-action  Using an area that is larger than what 
Murphy Oil is claiming, yet smaller than what the plaintiffs are 
claiming, Judge Fallon has reserved the right to make the area larger or
smaller.

After the initial assessments of the spill were done, Murphy Oil began
contacting local home owners and offering them settlements in lieu of
going through a law suit.  Judge Fallon's orders, certifying the class,
have placed a temporary hold on those settlements.

If you are a home owner that wants to settle with Murphy Oil rather
than remain a member of the class you will have to wait.  Both sides
must get together and create a form that will explain the pro's and
con's of staying in or out of the class.  This form then needs to be
approved by Judge Fallon before Murphy Oil can resume making any
private settlements.

You will also have to with draw from the class if you want to pursue
your own private lawsuit against Murphy Oil.

If you have already settled with Murphy Oil and have any questions
about their clean-up of your property, this ruling does not effect you
in any manner.