Hess’ St. Croix Refinery Blamed for Mesothelioma and Other Asbestos Injuries
An oil refinery operated for decades by Hess in the U.S. Virgin Islands has been blamed for countless cases of malignant mesothelioma and other asbestos injuries. Though victims have sought justice against HONX, Inc. for years, the company has evaded liability through a series of legal maneuvers. Recently, the company announced a deadline of March 17, 2023, by which time all victims seeking compensation must submit claims.
U.S. Virgin Islands’ Laws Support Mesothelioma Victims
According to many of the St. Croix mesothelioma victims, HONX filed for bankruptcy protection after settling hundreds of asbestos claims out of court. The company created a subsidiary organization, which it then placed in bankruptcy protection. In response, victims have asked a federal judge to lift the filing. They accused the company of trying to evade having their claims heard in the U. S. Virgin Islands, where the laws are friendlier to victims.
Attorneys for mesothelioma victims and others affected by asbestos during the 33 years that the oil refinery operated say that Virgin Islands law requires that claims filed by older, sicker patients be expedited. They accuse the company of trying to protect its $37 billion in assets by pursuing the bankruptcy protection instead of facing victims in court.
Refinery Workers with Mesothelioma Seek Justice
While the company continues its pursuit of bankruptcy protection from those exposed to asbestos at its St. Croix refinery, attorneys representing mesothelioma victims are pushing back. Within their claim they said, “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.”
Their claim continued, “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.”
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