Posted April 30, 2014
A Texas family has won a $2.925 million judgment
against Aruba Petroleum over damages to their health and property caused by
fracking operations near their 40-acre ranch, according to an article by MSNBC
available here.
Attorneys for the plaintiffs said
the suit was the first fracking trial in the United States. The jury verdict included “$2 million for
physical pain and suffering, plus money for property and market value loss,
future pain and suffering and mental anguish,” according to a report by The
Hill available here.
Fracking involves “pumping water, sand and chemicals
into the ground at high pressure to break rock formations and release oil and
natural gas.”
“I’m really proud of the family that went through what
they went through and said, “I’m not going to take it anymore,” attorney David
Matthews said.
Aruba disagreed, saying, “We contend the plaintiffs
were neither harmed by the presence of our drilling operations nor was the value
of their property diminished because of our natural gas development,” Aruba
said in a statement. “We presented
thorough and expert testimony from recognized toxicologists and medical
professionals, as well as local real estate professionals, to help the jury make
an informed decision.”
CNN
Reports that Lisa Parr’s symptoms began with migraine headaches, nausea and
dizziness. “By 2009, I was having a
multitude of problems…My central nervous system was messed up. I couldn't hear and my vision was messed
up. My entire body would shake
inside. I was vomiting white foam in the
mornings.”
Bob Parr and the couple’s 11-year-old daughter also became
ill and suffered a myriad of symptoms including nosebleeds, vision problems,
nausea, rashes, and blood pressure issues.”
The jury found that Aruba’s poorly managed operation and
lack of emission controls created a “private nuisance” to the Parrs by
producing harmful pollution.
For more information on environmental law and landowner
liability, please visit the National Agricultural Law Center’s website here
and here.
