$120 Million Judgement Against a Refinery Reinstated by Illinois Court

An Illinois appellate court has reinstated a $120 million judgment against owners of the former Clark Oil refinery, reversing a Cook County judge’s decision to dissolve the class-action suit after a verdict was reached.

The lawsuit against the now-shuttered, Texas-based Valero Energy Corp. was granted class-action status in 2000, and in November 2005 a jury awarded $80 million in compensatory and $40 million in punitive damages.

The lawsuit complained of pollution from the refinery in Blue Island damaging homes and plants, and making residents ill.

Cook County Circuit Judge Cheryl Starks decertified the case, saying plaintiffs did not prove that all 6,000 members of the class action had suffered the same degree of nuisance.

The appellate court on June 16 ruled Starks was wrong to dissolve the lawsuit.

Valero attorney Bill Day says the company was planning to appeal the ruling.

Latest Comments

• January 27, 2012 at 5:22 am

  Steve says:

  I have lived there and went to all the district 130 and Eisenhower High school. Worked on the Railroads in Blue Island where the train was covered in all the smoke and ash sit... read more
• April 26, 2009 at 9:29 am

  Unlucky Resident says:

  I'm one of the unlucky 6000 to have lived near the refinery and attended the affected high school, and I can honestly say that EVERYONE who lived in the town and surrounding a... read more
• June 19, 2008 at 12:59 pm

  Googler says:

  Here is some additional info "The judicial system works, and it struck a blow for the little guy," said attorney Robert Wagner, who represents 6,000 Blue Island residents invo... read more