Landmark Ruling 5-1 for Texas Family in "Fracking" Lawsuit

This is in response to the comment regarding the lawsuit in which Bob and Lisa Parr and their daughter Emma won against Aruba Oil. The unprecedented decision was almost unanimous, a 5-1 ruling for damages caused by "fracking" near their property in Texas. The Parrs experienced symptoms such as chronic nose bleeds, irregular heartbeat, muscle spasms, open sores, rashes that left Lisa scarred, and 4 ping-pong-ball sized lumps on her neck. They could no longer drink from their well. When tested, the hydrocarbon-related chemicals found in Lisa’s blood and lungs matched chemicals detected by the state outside the family’s home.  In addition to the Parr’s toxicity, house pets and livestock died and physical dwarfing of newborn livestock was observed. Historically energy companies settle out of court imposing strict lifetime gag orders.

The ruling was the first of its kind due to energy companies’ effective secrecy campaigns. The 5-1 verdict awarded the Parrs $275,000 for losses of property value, $2 million for past physical pain and suffering and $400,000 for mental anguish. To add perspective, the Parrs sued for $60 million but the lawyers failed to show malicious intent. In a statement last Wednesday, Aruba Oil maintained that they were experienced oil and gas operators and that they were in compliance with air quality limits set by the Texas Railroad Commission and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality. Reports differ as to whether Aruba Oil  intends to appeal although it would seem likely.

It is said that the win was due to the number of court cases filed as well as growing public awareness of the seriousness of problems resulting from "fracking". Records show that 15 million people live within a qas well drilled since 2000.