Seeking shelter from hundreds of asbestos exposure lawsuits filed by victims of mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, and other serious illnesses, Hess Corporation has put a subsidiary company into bankruptcy protection. In response, those victims are now redirecting their legal actions to the parent company itself.
Workers at Hess-Owned Refinery Affected by Mesothelioma and Other Illnesses
The legal filings come from victims of mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related disease who were exposed to the carcinogenic material after decades of working at Hess’ U.S. Virgin Islands-based refinery. The HONX oil refinery operated on the island of St. Croix for almost 60 years, and according to advocates for victims, it was responsible for significant environmental and social damage.
Court records show that creditors of Hess’ subsidiary asked a federal judge to lift the HONX bankruptcy filing, accusing the parent company of using the bankruptcy to shield itself from lawsuits filed by mesothelioma victims. They claim that the company is trying to protect approximately $37 billion from exposure to asbestos lawsuits, and point out that laws passed in 2021 allow older, sicker plaintiffs to expedite their lawsuits.
Mesothelioma Victims in the Virgin Islands can Expedite Lawsuits
According to attorneys attempting to pursue justice on behalf of mesothelioma victims, Hess is working to prevent the case from being heard in the U.S. Virgin Islands. “Hess, like every other asbestos defendant in the USVI, has been terrified of having its liability determined by members of the community that it devastated through its reckless and rapacious conduct — and no defendant has permitted an asbestos case to go to trial there,” the claim asserts. “Every day that goes by in this case, and every day the USVI actions remain enjoined, Hess continues to generate millions in free cash flow, while asbestos claimants suffer, witness memories fade, and evidence grows stale. Like most defendants, Hess would prefer litigation and judgments years into the future to litigation and judgments right now.”
The HONX refinery being blamed for workers’ mesothelioma and other illnesses operated from 1965 to 1998. In addition to being cited for asbestos exposure, residents point to the release of 700,000 pounds of benzene and groundwater being poisoned with petroleum. Roughly 600 asbestos claims have been settled out of court, and the remaining plaintiffs have indicated that with HONX having filed for bankruptcy, they will now turn their attention directly to Hess.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net can provide you with the resources you need. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608.
