Chemtool Plant Fire Settlement: $94.5M

This settlement applies to Illinois residents who owned or rented property within a 3-mile radius of the Chemtool plant on the date of the fire (June 14, 2021).

To receive a settlement payment, you will need to submit a valid claim form and documentation proving your residency within the designated area on June 14, 2021. Acceptable documents may include:

• Utility bill
• Phone bill
• Driver's license or other ID card with your address
• House deed
• Mortgage statement
• Lease agreement (for renters)

A class action lawsuit filed against Chemtool, a lubricant, grease, and fluids manufacturing company owned by Lubrizol Corp., has been settled for $94.5 million. The lawsuit stemmed from a massive fire that engulfed Chemtool's plant in Rockton, Illinois, on June 14, 2021.

The lawsuit against Chemtool alleged negligence in the operation of their plant, specifically focusing on factors that may have contributed to the severity of the fire and the resulting impact on nearby residents. Here are some of the key allegations:

• Improper storage of hazardous materials: The lawsuit claimed that Chemtool may have improperly stored or handled flammable chemicals at the plant, increasing the fire risk.
  
  
• Insufficient safety measures: Plaintiffs alleged that Chemtool failed to implement or maintain adequate safety protocols and equipment to prevent such a large fire or contain it effectively.
  
  
• Delayed emergency response: The lawsuit raised concerns that Chemtool's response to the fire may have been delayed, allowing the flames to spread and cause more damage.
  
  
• Negligence in communication: Residents claimed a lack of timely or clear communication from Chemtool regarding the fire's severity, potential hazards, and evacuation instructions.

These alleged failures by Chemtool are said to have resulted in significant property damage and disruptions for residents living near the plant.

The lawsuit detailed the hardships faced by residents within a 3-mile radius of the Chemtool plant due to the fire. These hardships included:

• Property damage: Smoke, ash, and fire debris caused damage to homes and belongings.
  
  
• Loss of property value: The proximity to the fire and potential health concerns may have decreased property values in the area.
  
  
• Unusable property: Residents may have been forced to evacuate their homes or faced difficulty using their properties due to lingering smoke and air quality concerns.
  
  
• Cleanup costs: Residents potentially incurred expenses for cleaning smoke damage and debris from their properties.
  
  
• Reduced quality of life: The fire and its aftermath may have caused disruptions to daily life, impacting mental and emotional well-being.

While Chemtool admits no wrongdoing, they have agreed to the $94.5 million settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of litigation. The settlement aims to compensate Illinois residents for the property damage, decreased property values, and disruptions to their lives caused by the fire.