Corboy & Demetrio Obtains $6 Million in Death of Worker in Clark Oil Refinery Fire
A $6 million settlement was secured by Chicago personal injury and wrongful death lawyer Edward Willer of Corboy & Demetrio in the death of a worker in a suburban oil refinery fire and explosion in March of 1995.
The settlement was featured in the Chicago Daily Law Bulletin, Southtown Star and on Channel 7 ABC News.
According to the lawsuit, as two untrained workers at the Clark oil refinery in Blue Island, Illinois, worked on a pipe in the plant, an explosion and fire occurred. The fire caused the death of a 37-year-old maintenance mechanic, the father of two young children, who was on his lunch break. The plaintiff alleged that Clark USA, the parent corporation of the refinery, was negligent when it employed untrained and unskilled workers to perform repairs in an effort to cut costs.
The lawsuit was originally dismissed by the trial court. Attorney Willer brought an appeal to the Illinois Appellate Court, which reversed the dismissal. An appeal was also taken to the Illinois Supreme Court, which upheld the Appellate Court's ruling. After the case was reinstated in the trial court, the $6 million settlement was reached.
To consult with attorney Willer or any other lawyer at Corboy & Demetrio, call 312.346.3191. We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
