Over 100 Wisconsin families file lawsuit against pipe company

In the small town of Jackson, Wisconsin, 150 families are suing Washington County over damages from a fuel pipeline that spilled gasoline onto a farm pasture on July 17. According to Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, the families are being represented by law firms Habush, Habush and Rottier and Peter Angelos. These residents are suing the West Shore Pipe Line Company as well as a few other organizations involved in the production of the fuel pipes.
"As early as 1988, the U.S. Department of Transportation had warned that pipelines like this one, using electric resistance weld construction techniques, were subject to seam failure and required careful inspection and maintenance to avoid spills," Dan Rottier, attorney at Habush, Habush and Rottier, told the source.
In addition, the pipeline in question was nearly 50-years-old and pumping gasoline at the maximum operating pressure, resulting in the loss of 54,600 gallons being spilled within minutes of breaking.
The plaintiffs filed the lawsuit on Monday, December 3 and are seeking compensation for reduced property values, costs of providing a new safe water supply, lost profits and interference with local businesses. In addition to mental anguish, loss of use of properties and a reduced quality of life.
With such a large lawsuit on hand, attorneys involved in this case may need to ensure they get the most accurate deposition transcripts. By partnering with Milwaukee court reporters that also provide video deposition services, lawyers will be able to effectively handle the amount of depositions and hearings that may be needed for this case.
December 11th, 2012 at 8:53 pm
Yikes! Hope this issue gets resolved quickly and the residents can get back to their daily lives.