On March 29, 2013 in Mayflower, Arkansas, the Exxon Pegasus Oil Pipeline burst and disgorged at least 12,000 of barrels of heavy Canadian crude oil into suburban streets. As many as 40 homes had to be evacuated when a river of oil flooded the neighborhood. Now, thousands of community members have joined together to seek justice, and many are pursuing a Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill lawsuit for long-term damage to their health, property value, and their family’s future.
Free Case Evaluation: If you have been the victim of the Exxon Mayflower oil spill, you should contact our lawyers immediately. We are currently investigating the potential in filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of homeowners who have been adversely affected by this disaster. Your contact information and what we discuss is completely confidential. We look forward to hearing from you.
Exxon Oil Spill in Mayflower, Arkansas
ExxonMobil’s Pegasus pipeline, which is about 65 years old, runs from Patoka, Illinois to Nederland, Texas. It is capable of transporting 90,000 barrels of oil per day. On the afternoon of March 29, 2013, the pipe burst and continued leaking oil until about 3 a.m. on March 31. Images from local media showed crude oil flooding a street and flowing through the yards of several homes. The Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill is one of the largest to ever affect a residential community.
At least 22 homes were immediately evacuated after the spill, and dozens more were evacuated later as hazardous fumes spread throughout the neighborhood. The fumes spread to a local school and forced the cancellation of baseball practices.
ExxonMobil’s cleanup team claimed they recovered 12,000 barrels of oil and wastewater and removed freestanding oil from the streets. However, the company declined to estimate the total volume of the spill. Local media had limited access to the area, and a “no-fly zone” was enacted over the spill. Crews in yellow hazmat suits bagged up contaminated yard waste and recovered dozens of animals that were injured or killed.
The oil in the street also flowed into storm drains that lead to Lake Conway. The lake is a fishing lake stocked with bass, catfish, bream, and crappie. Local responders were able to quickly build dikes to block the oil from flooding into the lake. After the local response, Exxon workers deployed a boom near the lake as a secondary precaution.
Health and Safety Risks of a Crude Oil Spill
Many residents of Mayflower, Arkansas reported smelling fumes from the crude oil spill, which were described “like burning tires” or “drying asphalt.” Unfortunately, the smell of crude oil is due to highly-toxic, carcinogenic natural gas liquids. Even short-term exposure to crude oil chemicals is dangerous — the chemicals rapidly penetrate the skin, circulate through the body, and result in rapid onset of symptoms and serious health effects.
One of the most concerning chemicals is benzene, a natural constituent of crude oil. Benzene evaporates easily, is highly flammable, and is a known carcinogen. Children and individuals with health problems are particularly susceptible to health problems.
Health effects of crude oil exposure can include:
- Difficulty breathing
- Headaches
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Confusion
- Central nervous system effects
- Abnormal heart rhythm (ventricular fibrillation)
- Skin irritation, burning, swelling, or reddening
- Pain
- Permanent skin damage
- Organ damage (kidneys, liver, lungs, etc.)
- Cancer
- And more
Click here to learn more about the toxic health effects of crude oil spills in the air, water, and land.
Protect Your Property Value Damage Claim
Buying a house is the biggest investment most people will make in their lifetime. After the Exxon oil spill in Mayflower, Arkansas, residents of the Northwoods subdivision realized that their property values will be significantly decreased. Many homeowners are now asking themselves, “How will I ever sell my house?”
ExxonMobil has reportedly offered displaced residents at least $1,800 and Easter baskets at a town hall meeting. However, this will come as little consolation for homeowners who will probably find it impossible to sell their home for what it was worth before this oil spill.
Fortunately, you are not alone. Many other homeowners are facing the same terrifying realization. If you decide to pursue a class action lawsuit against Exxon, you could potentially receive compensation for your property values — and more.
Talk to a Lawyer to Protect Your Legal Claim
Before you accept compensation from ExxonMobil, it is a good idea to talk to a lawyer first. Exxon officials say they are “paying for the cleanup and will honor all valid claims.” The company has established claims hotline and received at least 140 claims so far. But before you sign anything, talk to a lawyer — Exxon may be offering you a “low ball settlement” to escape future liability from a class action lawsuit or individual personal injury lawsuits.
Exxon Oil Spill Class Action Lawsuit
You and other homeowners could receive significantly more compensation if you decide to join a class action lawsuit with other homeowners in your neighborhood. Residents of Mayflower, Arkansas have already joined together in the aftermath of this tragedy. When many individuals have similar legal claims, a class action lawsuit is an ideal way to fight for justice and compensation.
Our lawyers will help you fight for the maximum amount of compensation you deserve, which could include:
- Cost of cleanup
- Property damage
- Decreased property value
- Cost of relocating or selling your home
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care
- Emotional injury, stress, anxiety
- Lost opportunity costs
- Punitive damages
- And more
Do I have a Mayflower, Arkansas Oil Spill Lawsuit?
Free Case Evaluation: If you have been the victim of the Exxon Mayflower oil spill, you should contact our lawyers immediately. We are currently investigating the potential in filing a class action lawsuit on behalf of homeowners who have been adversely affected by this disaster. Your contact information and what we discuss is completely confidential. We look forward to hearing from you.
Collen A. Clark is a true advocate for his clients and is passionate about helping people who have been injured or wronged.
Collen’s amazing success in the courtroom and well known dedication to his clients has earned him the recognition of his peers as one of The Top Trial Lawyers in Texas.”
The Clark Firm has assembled a team of trial lawyers with more than 100 years experience, participation in over 600 jury trials and $60 million in verdicts and/or settlements. Please use the form below to contact us for a free Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill lawsuit review.