HONOLULU (CN) - A federal judge Wednesday ruled the U.S. is liable for a 2021 fuel leak at the Red Hill Bulk Fuel Storage Facility in Honolulu, which contaminated the drinking water of thousands of military families on Oahu.
In the long-awaited decision, U.S. District Judge Leslie Kobayashi awarded 17 plaintiffs damages for pain and suffering ranging from $3,000 to $75,000, depending on the severity of their injuries. Four plaintiffs will also receive additional compensation for future medical expenses, totaling around $48,000.
Economic losses were minimal in the court's assessment, with only one plaintiff receiving $2,144 for such a loss. Each plaintiff was also granted $1,000 for loss of enjoyment of life.
Despite finding the government liable, the court rejected many of the plaintiffs' claims for damages. The court largely denied requests for ongoing medical treatment costs due to insufficient evidence, and dismissed claims for tutoring costs for affected children.
"The court is sympathetic to plaintiffs and their families but is nevertheless bound to hold plaintiffs to their legal obligation to provide evidence proving by a preponderance that the Fuel Release is a legal cause of each injury," Kobayashi said in the 162-page decision.
This is a developing story and will be updated ...
Source: Courthouse News Service
