MARTINEZ,
Calif., July 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- In a
decisive move to safeguard community health, environmental
integrity, and corporate responsibility, TorkLaw and Cutter Law
have jointly filed a high-profile lawsuit against Martinez Refinery
Company LLC, which is part of the PBF Energy family of companies.
This legal action seeks to hold the refinery accountable for
persistent environmental violations that have inflicted significant
harm on local residents.
Background
The PBF Martinez Refinery, a prominent industrial
facility in Martinez, California,
has a long and troubling history of environmental problems. Over
the years, the refinery has been responsible for multiple incidents
involving the release of hazardous substances into the local
community. These incidents have resulted in serious health issues
for residents and substantial environmental degradation.
Notable Incidents:
- November 24-25,
2022: A catastrophic equipment failure led to the
release of spent catalyst material, covering the community with
twenty-four thousand tons of toxic dust and prompting widespread
health concerns.
- July 11 and 22, 2023, and
October 6, 2023: Significant
releases of coke dust that further endangered public health,
exacerbated existing health conditions, and damaged
properties.
- December 15, 2023: A
significant flaring event exposed residents to noxious gases, once
again endangering public health.
The Lawsuit
Filed in the United
States District Court for the Northern District of
California, Case 3:24-cv-04506,
the lawsuit encompasses multiple legal claims including negligence,
public and private nuisance, premise liability, trespass, and
strict liability for ultrahazardous activities. The plaintiffs,
comprising local residents and property owners, are seeking
compensation for personal injuries, property damages, and a court
declaration that the PBF Martinez Refinery's ongoing operations
constitute a public and private nuisance.
Statements from Leading Attorneys
Reza
Torkzadeh, Founding Partner at TorkLaw, stated, "This
lawsuit represents a crucial stand against corporate negligence.
The PBF Martinez Refinery has repeatedly compromised the health and
safety of the community. Our legal action is aimed at securing
justice for those affected and ensuring such blatant disregard for
public well-being does not continue."
Brooks
Cutter, Senior Partner at Cutter Law, emphasized, "We
are committed to holding the PBF Martinez Refinery accountable for
its repeated toxic releases. Our goal is to achieve not only
compensation for the victims but also meaningful changes in
refinery operations to prevent future harm."
Impact on the Community
According to the lawsuit, the PBF Martinez
Refinery's repeated safety failures have led to widespread health
issues among residents, including severe and permanent lung damage,
cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases, liver and kidney damage, as
well as nausea and fatigue. The environmental impact has been
equally devastating, with contamination affecting local soil and
water resources.
Personal Stories:
- Jennifer Frye: "The toxic dust from the
refinery has devastated my health. I'm now on oxygen 24/7. This
lawsuit is about seeking justice and ensuring no one else suffers
as I have."
- Antoinette Redus: "The refinery's negligence
has made daily life a struggle. We need this lawsuit to bring
accountability and change."
Call to Action
TorkLaw and Cutter Law are calling on all
affected residents to join this critical legal fight. Community
members who have suffered due to the refinery's operations are
encouraged to come forward and support the lawsuit.
Contact Information:
TorkLaw
- Media Contact:
- 18650 MacArthur Blvd. Ste 300, Irvine, CA 92612
- Phone: (888) 845-9696
- Email: media@torklaw.com
Cutter Law P.C.
- Media Contact:
- 401 Watt Avenue, Sacramento,
CA 95864
- Phone: (916) 290-9400
- Email: xx@cutterlaw.com
For more information about the lawsuit and how to
participate, please visit TorkLaw and Cutter Law.
About TorkLaw: TorkLaw is a
nationally recognized law firm dedicated to providing exceptional
legal representation to individuals affected by personal injuries,
environmental disasters, and corporate negligence.
About Cutter Law: Cutter Law is
committed to holding corporations accountable and protecting the
rights of affected communities through strategic, impactful
litigation, including mass tort actions.
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SOURCE TORKLAW