Pa. Clairton Coke Works Class Action Settlement

Allegheny County, Pa. residents have secured an $8.5 million settlement in the Clairton Coke Works emissions class action lawsuit alleging U.S. Steel polluted the area to such a degree that residents could not enjoy or use their home.

Class Members include all those who owned, rented, or otherwise occupied residential property near the Clairton Coke Works plant since May 25, 2015.

A map of the area covered by the Clairton Coke Works emissions class action settlement is available on the notice.

Lead plaintiffs, Cindy Ross and Cheryl Hurt, alleged that they and other area residents in Allegheny County had been exposed to the plant’s emissions, including pollution and noxious odors.

They say that they were unable to use their residential property in a normal manner at times because of Clairton Coke Work’s fumes.

Ross and Hurt alleged in their 2017 class action lawsuit that emissions from the plant disproportionately affected residents to the north and east. The Post Gazette reports that it is difficult for residents of West Pennsylvania to hold industries accountable for emissions in the area because there are so many competing sources.

The local news source also reports that the plant that is the subject of the Clairton Coke Works emissions class action lawsuit is subject to another complaint concerning a fire that occurred in late 2018. According to that class action lawsuit, despite fire destroying desulfurization controls, the plant maintained limited operations for five months while those controls were repaired.

U.S. Steel maintains that it is not liable in the lawsuit, but agreed to pay $8.5 million as a part of the class action settlement agreement.

Under the terms of the settlement, $6.5 million will be used by the plant to improve safety measures within one year. Improvements include the installation of Pushing Emission Control baghouses, battery machinery improvement, and refractory improvements. The remainder will go to Class Member claims, plaintiff awards, and attorneys’ fees.

Attorneys’ fees are proposed to be $925,000 and the lead plaintiffs will receive $5,000 each. Class Members will share in the remaining portion of the settlement fund. The amount of each award depends on how many Class Members submit valid claims on time.

To make a claim in the Clairton Coke Works emissions class action settlement, Class Members must submit a completed Claim Form by mail that includes the address of the property were they resided and a copy of government issued identification. The Claim Form must be postmarked by Feb. 3, 2020.

Class Members who wish to opt out of or object to the Claiton Coke Works emissions class action settlement must do so by Jan. 20, 2020. The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for Feb. 24, 2020.

Who’s Eligible

Class Members include those who resided in the area around U.S. Steel’s Clairton Coke Works since May 25, 2015. A map of the exact area where residents must have lived to be Class Members is available on the notice.

Potential Award

Unknown. Class Members will receive a share of the remaining settlement fund after attorneys’ fees and plaintiff awards are paid.

Proof of Purchase

The Claim Form must include the residential address of the property affected by the class action settlement along with a copy of the Class Member’s government issued identification, such as a driver’s license.

Claim Form

CLICK HERE TO FILE A CLAIM »

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

2/3/2020

Case Name

Ross v. USX Company, Case No. G.D. 17-008663 in the Court of Common Pleas Allegheny County, Pennsylvania

Final Hearing

2/24/2020

UPDATE: The Pa. Clairton Coke Works Class Action Settlement was granted final approval on February 24, 2020. Let Top Class Actions know when you receive a check in the comments section below or on our Facebook page.

Settlement Website

LDClassAction.com/Clairton

Claims Administrator

Liddle & Dubin PC
975 East Jefferson Ave.
Detroit, MI 48207
(800) 536-0045
info@LDClassAction.com

Class Counsel

Steven D. Liddle
James E. DePasquale
LIDDLE & DUBIN PC

Defense Counsel

Paul K. Stockman
KAZMAREK MOWREY CLOUD LASETER LLP

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