Parker Waichman LLP

Texas Family Seeks $9 Million in Lawsuit Over Fracking-Related Illnesses

A Texas family’s nuisance lawsuit seeks $9 million in damages from Aruba Petroleum, a company drilling natural gas wells near their property, for exposing them to the hazardous gases, chemicals and industrial wastes in the fracking process that are making them sick. The Parr family, who filed the lawsuit, owns 40 acres of property in […]

Texas Family Seeks $9 Million in Lawsuit Over Fracking-Related IllnessesA Texas family’s nuisance lawsuit seeks $9 million in damages from Aruba Petroleum, a company drilling natural gas wells near their property, for exposing them to the hazardous gases, chemicals and industrial wastes in the fracking process that are making them sick.

The Parr family, who filed the lawsuit, owns 40 acres of property in Wise County, Texas, near 22 gas wells drilled by Aruba Petroleum, Law360 reports. The lawsuit alleges that since Aruba started drilling in 2008, they have suffered numerous medical problems, and at times, they say, they were so sick they couldn’t work. The lawsuit attributes their illnesses to benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene, and other volatile organic compounds from the drilling sites. “Aruba is a reckless natural gas company that makes people sick,” the Parrs’ attorney said in his opening statement. “Make them stop.”

In hydraulic fracturing – fracking – large amounts of highly pressurized water and chemicals are injected underground to fracture the shale layer and release natural gas and oil. Fracking is controversial because of the risks of air, water, and soil contamination in the process itself; the heavy demands placed on local water supplies; and the problem of properly disposing of chemical-laced wastewater. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) created a 31-member panel to study the potential impact of hydraulic fracturing on drinking water resources.

In 2011 the Parrs sued Aruba and other drilling companies operating in the Barnett Shale, according to Law360. In addition to medical damages, the Parrs claim that Aruba’s drilling activity constitutes a trespass on their property and they say their property value plummeted because of the gas wells. In January, the Parrs’ negligence claims against Encana Oil & Gas and Aruba were dismissed, but Dallas County Court Judge Mark Greenberg allowed the nuisance and trespass claims to go forward. Aruba says it operates within industry standards and that its drilling operations did not cause the Parr’s health problems.

 

 

What Our Clients Say About Us
We have worked with thousands of clients and we appreciate them and their positive reviews. Here are just a few recent client reviews...
5 Star Reviews 150
Parker Waichman is the best law firm to use when you are in need of a strong advocate. They are a reputable law firm. Thank you to Nick Warywoda and Linda Ingber a team who was more than helpful, understanding and compassionate. We recommend them to injured people.
delroy white
6 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
I want to toffake this time with deep appreciation to Sophia chilelli, Harrison Biggs, Chriss oxx and Gerard Ryan....I I would recommend them to family, friends and neighbors.....They are courteous very compassionate.....If you have any issues or concerns trust them..... God bless you all...I also pray for the entire Parker Waichman law firm... Mike Soto
Michael Soto
3 years ago
5 Star Reviews 150
Hi my name is Jillian and I was represented by Michelle Josama and she was absolutely fantastic she is approachable she’s cordial she’s respectful knowledgeable and she gets the job done if anyone needs someone to represent them Michelle Josama is the one thank you so much Michelle and God bless you you’re doing a great work
Gillian Doeman
4 years ago

Why Choose Us to Help You?

We Take Care of Everything
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
No Recovery = No Legal Fees
We work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that we only get paid from a portion of your settlement or jury award. If you don't get compensation, you owe us nothing.
Decades of Experience
Your situation is stressful enough: Let us take on the deadlines, paperwork, investigation, and litigation. We'll handle every detail so you don't have to worry.
Respected by Our Peers
Judges, insurance adjusters, and fellow attorneys all speak highly of our skills, and we've earned numerous accolades, including a flawless rating from AVVO.
We Have Many Locations To Serve You
We have the experience and the skilled litigators to win your case. Contact us and speak with a real attorney who can help you.
Long Island – Nassau
Parker Waichman LLP
6 Harbor Park Drive
Port Washington, NY 11050
Long Island – Suffolk
Parker Waichman LLP
201 Old Country Road – Suite 145
Melville, NY 11747
New York
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038
Queens
Parker Waichman LLP
118-35 Queens Boulevard, Suite 400
Forest Hills, NY 11375
Brooklyn
Parker Waichman LLP
300 Cadman Plaza West
One Pierrepont Plaza, 12th Floor
Brooklyn, NY 11201
New Jersey
Parker Waichman LLP
80 Main Street, Suite 265
West Orange, NJ 07052
Florida
Parker Waichman LLP
27299 Riverview Center Boulevard
Suite 108
Bonita Springs, FL 34134
Nationwide Service
Parker Waichman LLP
59 Maiden Lane, 6th Floor
New York, NY 10038