Diesel Spill Lawsuits | Property Contamination Attorney
Recently there have been some high-profile transportation accidents and industrial negligence has led to a surge in chemical spill and diesel spill accident. As a result, lawsuits have been filed with victims seeking justice and compensation. If you’ve been affected by a diesel spill—whether through property damage, health issues, or financial loss—filing a diesel spill lawsuit could be a reasonable course of action.
At The Lyon Firm, our experienced property contamination attorneys specialize in toxic tort cases in Ohio and nationwide. We help clients navigate complex claims against negligent parties like trucking companies, fuel transporters, or industrial facilities. The post below explores why diesel spill lawsuits are on the rise, how to file one, and the compensation you may deserve.
What Causes Diesel Spills and Why Are They So Dangerous?
Diesel spills often result from tanker truck accidents, pipeline leaks, or storage tank failures, as seen in the 2024 Kentucky incident where a fuel truck overturned, releasing thousands of gallons into local waterways. These spills contaminate soil, groundwater, and air with benzene—a known carcinogen—leading to long-term environmental damage.
The EPA reports over 1,000 diesel spill incidents annually in the U.S., with cleanup costs exceeding $1 billion. For victims, the dangers are acute: benzene exposure can cause leukemia, while skin contact leads to burns or respiratory issues. Hiring a diesel spill attorney early ensures evidence like soil samples and witness statements is preserved, strengthening your claim.
Health and Environmental Risks of Diesel Spills
Diesel fuel’s toxic components pose immediate and long-term threats. Chronic exposure increases certain cancer risks, per the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). Environmentally, spills kill wildlife, pollute drinking water, and degrade farmland, as in the 2023 Ohio train derailment involving diesel. These risks justify diesel spill compensation claims, covering medical bills and lost wages. A diesel spill lawyer near you can prove negligence—e.g., failure to maintain equipment—under laws like the Clean Water Act, maximizing your recovery.
Legal Basis for Diesel Spill Lawsuits
Diesel spill lawsuits often fall under toxic tort law, targeting parties responsible for spills through negligence or strict liability. Under the Oil Pollution Act (OPA), polluters must cover cleanup and damages without proving fault. Victims can sue for property devaluation, health damages, or business losses, as in a 2022 California case awarding $5 million for contaminated farmland. The establishment might argue spills are accidents, but evidence of poor maintenance or safety violations strengthens cases. A specialized toxic tort attorney will investigate causation, linking your harm to the spill for a compelling claim.
The Lyon Firm & Toxic Tort Law
The Lyon Firm filed a complaint, alleging negligence in a diesel fuel spill that resulted in widespread property damage. The Firm is experienced in filing property contamination cases locally and nationwide, including the recent Clinton Country diesel spill. If you have been impacted by an environmental disaster or industrial accident, contact us for a free consultation.
A diesel spill cleanup is underway in Clinton County in an attempt to limit the damage from 23,000 gallons of diesel fuel leaked into Dutch Creek. The Lyon Firm has been notified of the incident and is taking legal action along with local plaintiffs.
The complaint alleges R+L failed to properly design and operate fuel storage tanks, which leaked thousands of gallons of diesel fuel into surrounding waterways. Plaintiffs now have a potentially hazardous spill impacting their properties, with certain known toxins like benzene leaked into their property.
The trucking company could be liable for cleanup costs as well as costs related to long-term property contamination. R+L Carriers could potentially be responsible for the diesel spill, and Clinton County Emergency Management says the company may not have secured a safety port before filling its tank with fuel.
Residents who live downstream from the diesel spill are dismayed by the obvious water contamination and potential environmental repercussions related to the accident. Property damage is likely, and residents are encouraged to seek more information from The Lyon Firm for a case review.
Officials are wondering if R+L Carriers was compliant with EPA regulations which state a containment pond must have room to hold the same amount as the tank, plus room for rainwater. Locals are weighing the costs of cleanup and potential civil and criminal liability.
Joe Lyon represents plaintiffs in class action property contamination lawsuits in Ohio and nationwide, and has experience in water and property damage litigation. Contact the firm for a free consultation.
Steps to File a Lawsuit
Filing a diesel spill lawsuit starts with consulting a diesel spill attorney to assess your case. Gather evidence—photos, medical records, and witness accounts—within the statute of limitations (typically two to three years). Your lawyer will file in state or federal court, potentially as a class action if many are affected. Discovery follows, where experts testify on contamination’s impact. The Lyon Firm offers free consultations to guide you through this process.
Frequently Asked Questions on Diesel Spill Lawsuits
What is the average compensation for a diesel spill lawsuit?
Compensation varies but can include payment for property damage, medical costs, and lost income, depending on spill severity and negligence.
How long do I have to file a diesel spill lawsuit?
Typically two to three years from discovery but consult a diesel spill attorney to confirm your state’s statute of limitations.
Can I sue if a diesel spill affected my health?
Yes, if linked to exposure, you can claim for cancers or respiratory issues—evidence is key, so hire a diesel spill lawyer early.
What evidence do I need for a diesel spill claim?
Photos, medical records, witness statements, and environmental tests—your diesel spill attorney will gather more to strengthen your case.