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

[Westley Annis]

Westley,
Thank you for the update on the Class Action.  However, what if you have
never contacted a lawyer regarding this suit are you still considered part
of the class action due to the location of your property?  Unfortunately, I
am very dumb when it comes to these class action cases and am just trying to
understand.  I know you are no lawyer, just an average joe like the rest of
us but was just hoping you had a little more understanding of this.  
 
Thanks, 
Denise Cambre

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	((((( 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 w hat

	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 O il and have any questions
	about their clean-up of your property, this ruling does not effect
you
	in any manner.