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International Paper Company Cases
- Slocum et al v. International Paper Company et al, No. 16-12563
- Sanders et al v. International Paper Company et al, No. 16-12567
- Bolton v. International Paper, No. 16-13346
- Jarrell et al v. International Paper Company et al, No. 16-13793
On June 10, 2015, the sight glass on an evaporator tank containing black liquor ruptured at the Bogalusa Paper Mill, which resulted in a stream of black liquor erupting several feet into the air and dispersing into the atmosphere. Black liquor is a by-product of the paper making process. Black liquor is typically recycled in evaporator tanks for repeated use in the pulping process. Nearby residents contend that the dispersal of black liquor caused personal injury, property damage and/or emotional distress, and argue that Defendants are liable for Plaintiffs’ damages. These nearby residents have filed a series of class action cases that arise out of injuries they allegedly sustained as a result of this discharge of “black liquor” at the Bogalusa Paper Mill. They assert claims against Defendant International Paper Company, for failure to provide complete and accurate information about the chemical composition and known risks presented by “black liquor” that was allegedly discharged from a ruptured evaporator tank at the Bogalusa Paper Mill. Plaintiffs’ theories of liability sound in negligence, strict liability, and nuisance. Defendant denies liability and contests any causal link between Plaintiffs' alleged injuries and the incident.
The Honorable Eldon E. Fallon
500 Poydras Street, Room C-456
New Orleans, LA 70130
The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing regarding the settlement agreement on October 14, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. C.S.T. at the following address: 500 Poydras Street, Room C-456 New Orleans, LA 70130. The hearing will be open to the public.
Settlement Agreement
The Settlement Agreement document contains the complete terms of the parties’ settlement. The Settlement Agreement must be approved by the Court in order to be effective.
Proof of Claim Form
The Proof of Claim Form is a document that must be completed and submitted in order for any class member to receive a monetary award to which they may be entitled under the terms of the settlement.
Notice to Class Members
The Notice to Class Members advises class members that a settlement has been reached in this class action and describes class members’ rights and options relating to the settlement.
On this date, the Court issued an order defining the geographic scope of the class.
On this date, the Court approved a class notice. A copy of the approved notice can be found under the Court’s “Orders/Minute Entries” tab.
On this date, the Court certified an issue class for purposes of determining Defendant’s liability, if any. The issue class includes:
All persons or entities who were physically present or owned property within Bogalusa, Louisiana, Parish of Washington on June 10, 2015, and who sustained injuries or damages as a result of the discharge of “black liquor” at the Bogalusa Paper Mill owned by the International Paper Company.
The trial of these cases shall proceed in two parts: (1) liability and (2) damages. Phase One, for which the Court has certified an issue class, shall consist of all issues related to Defendants’ liability. This includes Plaintiffs nuisance, negligence, strict liability claims, as well as Plaintiffs’ request for equitable relief.
A status conference was held on this date in the Chambers of the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon. Shawn Reed and Jonathan Pederson participated on behalf of the Slocum Plaintiffs. Barry Bolton participated on behalf of the Bolton Plaintiffs. Erin Latuso and Tim Gray participated on behalf of the Defendant International Paper Company. The parties discussed the status of the case and procedural plans to move the case forward. Particularly, the parties discussed plans to map the relevant locations of plaintiffs by the end of August. The parties also discussed additional plans to setup a discovery pool to help with the selection of bellwether cases.
Additional telephone status conferences were set for July 31, 2018 at 9:00 a.m. and August 28, 2018 at 3:30 p.m.
On this date at 10:00 a.m., the Court will conduct a show cause hearing regarding Defendant’s motion to dismiss. To participate in the hearing, please use the following information:
Phone number: 877-336-1839; Access code: 4227405; Security code: 051518
Please keep your line on mute until the Court calls your case. Thank you.
Order
On this date, the Court issued an order defining the geographic scope of the class.
Order
On this date, the Honorable Eldon E. Fallon granted Plaintiffs’ motion for class certification, certifying an issue class for purposes of determining Defendant’s liability, if any.
On this date at 10:00 a.m., the Court will conduct a show cause hearing regarding Defendant’s motion to dismiss. To participate in the hearing, please use the following information:
Phone number: 877-336-1839; Access code: 4227405; Security code: 051518
Please keep your line on mute until the Court calls your case. Thank you.