Chemtool $94.5M Manufacturing Plant Fire Settlement

If you were an Illinois citizen on June 14, 2021, and owned or rented property within a three-mile radius of the Chemtool Manufacturing Plant in Rockton, Illinois, you may be eligible for benefits from a class action settlement.

Chemtool Inc. has agreed to pay $94,500,000 to settle a class action lawsuit for alleged property damage and other losses resulting from a fire at its manufacturing plant in Rockton, Illinois.

Who Can Submit a Claim?

The class members are defined as:

• Illinois citizens who were property owners or tenants within a three-mile radius of the Chemtool Manufacturing Plant on June 14, 2021
• Individuals who did not opt out of the class

Who is Excluded?

Specifically excluded from the class are:

• Chemtool Incorporated
• Any entities in which Chemtool has a controlling interest
• Any of Chemtool’s officers, directors, or employees as of June 23, 2021
• Any of Chemtool’s legal representatives, heirs, successors, and assigns
• Anyone employed by the law firms representing the Plaintiffs
• Any Judge to whom this case is assigned and his or her immediate family

What Awards Can Class Members Claim?

The settlement fund of $94,500,000 will be used to provide monetary awards to eligible class members. The amount each class member receives will depend on several factors, including the number of approved claims, the status of the claimant as an owner or tenant, the distance of the property from the Chemtool Plant, whether the property was residential or non-residential, and the number of persons living at the property at the time of the fire.

For example, if a class member was an owner of a residential property within one mile of the plant and had four family members living at the property, their award might be higher compared to a tenant of a non-residential property located three miles away.

• Residential Property Owners: Higher compensation based on proximity and number of residents.
• Non-Residential Property Owners: Compensation based on proximity.
• Tenants: Compensation based on proximity and number of residents.

Is Proof Required to Claim the Reward?

Yes, proof is required to claim the reward. Claimants must provide documentation showing that they owned or rented the property within the class area on June 14, 2021. Acceptable forms of documentation include:

• Utility bills
• Telephone bills
• Voter ID cards
• Driver's licenses
• State IDs
• Deeds
• Mortgage statements
• Rental agreements
• Other similar documents showing the address and dates of ownership or residence

How to Claim Your Award

To claim your award, you can file a claim online by visiting file a claim online. Alternatively, you can submit a hard copy of the claim form by mail to:

Chemtool Class Action Settlement Administrator

P.O. Box 2009

Chanhassen, MN 55317-2009

The claim form must be postmarked on or before September 12, 2024.

How do I Get Paid?

Once your claim is approved, the settlement administrator will process your payment. Details on the payment method will be provided by the settlement administrator, and you may receive your award either through a check or direct deposit, depending on the options available.

$94,500,000 Settlement Fund Breakdown

The total settlement amount is $94,500,000. This fund will cover monetary awards to eligible class members, expenses of the settlement administrator, incentive awards to class representatives, attorneys' fees, and litigation expenses. Class Counsel is requesting an incentive award of $18,000 for each of the four class representatives and an equal amount for each of the three named plaintiffs in the related Mackey case. Class Counsel's fees are limited to no more than 35% of the settlement fund.

Important Dates

• Claim Deadline: September 12, 2024
• Final Approval Hearing: September 27, 2024

Why is There a Class Action Settlement?

The lawsuit stems from a fire that broke out at the Chemtool Manufacturing Plant on June 14, 2021. The fire caused significant damage to properties within a three-mile radius, leading to claims for property cleanup costs, diminution of property value, loss of reasonable use and enjoyment of property, and other related damages.

• The fire created a plume of smoke, dust, and debris.
• Holian Insulation Company, a contractor performing work at the plant, was also implicated in the lawsuit.

Chemtool and its parent company, Lubrizol, deny any wrongdoing but agreed to the settlement to avoid the costs and uncertainties of continued litigation.

The next steps include the final approval hearing, where the court will determine whether the settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. If approved, the settlement will be finalized, and payments will be distributed to eligible class members.