COFFEYVILLE, Kan., July 6, 2007 (PRIME NEWSWIRE) -- Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault and Becnel Law Firm LLC announce that they have filed suit on behalf of a man who lost his house and business as a result of the oil that spilled from the Coffeyville Resources refinery. The suit was filed on July 5, 2007 in the United States District Court, District of Kansas as a class action lawsuit and has been assigned to Judge J. Thomas Marten (Docket Number 6:07-CV-1186). The defendants named in the complaint include Coffeyville Resources, LLC; Coffeyville Resources Refining & Marketing, LLC; Coffeyville Resources Crude Transportation, LLC; Coffeyville Resources Terminal, LLC; Coffeyville Resources Pipeline, LLC; and Coffeyville Resources Nitrogen Fertilizers, LLC.
On July 1 and July 2, 2007, more than 71,000 gallons of crude oil spilled from the Coffeyville Resources refinery, far more than the 42,000 gallons that was initially reported. Due to widespread flooding that was occurring at the time of the oil spill, the crude oil reached and damaged a very large area. More than 2,500 residents and businesses have been displaced by the oil slick and "toxic soup" that made its way on the Verdigris River. In excess of 200 properties have already been destroyed by these uncontrolled waterborne poisons. Refinery officials said they are still investigating how the spill occurred.
Parker Waichman Alonso LLP, Hutton & Hutton Law Firm LLC, Neblett, Beard & Arsenault and Becnel Law Firm LLC urge anyone affected by the Coffeyville Resources refinery oil spill to visit www.oilspillclaims.com for a free case evaluation or call 1-800-LAW-INFO (1-800-529-4636).
The economic effects of oil spills can be devastating and far-reaching. Large companies, sole proprietors, and individuals alike stand to endure major economic losses when oil spills occur. Under the Oil Pollution Act of 1990, the responsible party is liable for the costs associated with the containment or cleanup of the spill and any damages resulting from the spill.
Oil spills cause large-scale damage, destruction and death to aquatic environments. The type of oil determines the type of damage. Crude oil is suffocating and has a toxic effect because it is like a heavy tar. Refined petroleum such as gasoline is generally more toxic but evaporates quickly. Crude oil causes much damage to birds and mammals; it sticks to their fur or feathers, causing hypothermia by reducing insulation and making them easy prey. It also causes loss of weight due to lack of ability to feed and also causes damage to the digestive systems when the oil is ingested. Refined petroleum causes damage not due to stickiness but due to toxicity. Animals become poisoned when they ingest refined petroleum products, and the poison travels up the food chain. Respiratory, immune and adrenal systems are also damaged. Blood and organs are damaged. Breeding is interrupted or halted, or offspring become poisoned and die.
About Parker Waichman Alonso LLP
Parker Waichman Alonso LLP is a leading products liability and personal injury law firm that represents plaintiffs nationwide. The firm has offices in New York and New Jersey. Parker Waichman Alonso LLP has represented thousands of clients in receiving fair compensation for injuries resulting from defective products, tainted foods, defective pharmaceuticals and medical devices, toxic spills and medical malpractice. For more information on Coffeyville Resources refinery oil spill to visit www.oilspillclaims.com
About Hutton & Hutton LLC
Hutton & Hutton represents people who suffer personal injury and/or economic harm. The Firm has obtained verdicts and settlements exceeding $200 million in Kansas, Oklahoma and other states.
About Neblett, Beard & Arsenault LLP
Neblett, Beard & Arsenault has represented injury victims and their families for almost three decades. They represent people who have suffered serious injury and death resulting from offshore and maritime incidents, automobile accidents, dangerous products, medical negligence, workplace accidents, and environmental exposure to dangerous and toxic substances. They also served on the executive committee in the litigation brought as a result of the oil spill at the Murphy Oil refinery during Hurricane Katrina.
Becnel Law Firm LLC
Becnel Law Firm LLC is a full service law firm representing clients both locally and nationally. Becnel Law Firm, LLC has been in existence for over 30 years and is one of the largest personal injury firms in the New Orleans area. They were heavily involved in the litigation and resolution of numerous claims brought as a result of the oil spill at the Murphy Oil refinery during Hurricane Katrina.