Attorney Bob Hilliard has 30 years’ experience in fighting mass torts and product liability lawsuits. He is a partner in Corpus Christi law firm Hilliard Muñoz Gonzales LLP. Courtesy photo
The first lawsuit has been filed in the current Corpus Christi water crisis, while the Corpus Christi city council plans to hold a 5:30 p.m. emergency executive session concerning the current water crisis.
With residents unable to use water for even bathing or handwashing, a local law firm has filed a $1 million lawsuit against Valero and its subsidiaries and Ergon Asphalt & Emulsions Inc. on behalf of several local businesses.
The lawsuit was filed Dec. 15 by Hilliard Munoz Gonzales LLP on behalf of Coiffures of Country Club Inc., Anthony’s Aveda Concept Salon and resident Paula Porter against Valero Marketing and Supply Co., Valero South Texas Marketing Co., Valero Bill Greeley Plant, Valero Refining-Texas LP and Ergon.
The lawsuit charges that the companies “wantonly and recklessly exposed unsuspecting business owners, employees and residents to toxic chemicals, contaminated their water and forced the closure of their businesses.”
The civil case was assigned to Nueces County Court at Law 1. Attorney Bob Hilliard has asked for a jury trial in the matter. The lawsuit also requests that a judge issue a temporary restraining order to stop any of the companies in question from “selling, destroying, altering, or modifying any documents or evidence related to this incident.”
Hilliard represents clients in personal injury, product liability, commercial and business litigation as well as mass torts and wrongful death matters. He has been featured on ABC World News Tonight, Good Morning America, FOX News, 60 Minutes and other national and international media for his work.
SPECIAL EMERGENCY MEETING
The city council will meet in executive session at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 15 to discuss the current water crisis. According to the agenda, they will meet to “consult with attorneys concerning confidential legal issues related to the interruption of water service.”
The item goes on to say that according to a list of different state and federal agencies and laws, the council will discuss “potential claims related to the interruption of water service, potential claims against third parties related to the aforementioned interruption, and emergencies related thereto, with possible discussion and action in open session.”
