Liberty County approves $4.1 million settlement in Arkema-related litigation

After consulting with counsel in executive session under Texas Government Code §551.071, the Liberty County Commissioners Court approved a settlement on Nov. 7 to resolve pending lawsuits involving Arkema Inc. and others.

An attorney in open session moved that Liberty County approve settlement of the lawsuits — listed in the meeting record as cause number 2020-61765 MDL2 in the 330th District Court of Harris County and case number CV1813081 in the 250th District Court of Liberty County — for a total settlement fund of $4,100,000. The motion included a provision that Liberty County would grant a full and final release of its claims against the defendants, that suits would be dismissed with prejudice, and that each side would bear its own attorney fees, costs and expenses. The motion authorized Liberty County’s attorney to work with Baker Weltring LLP to finalize the settlement agreement and authorized the Liberty County judge to execute the agreement on behalf of the county when finalized. Payment of the settlement funds was ordered within 30 days of approval.

The court voted unanimously to approve the settlement. After the vote, a speaker thanked Baker Weltring LLP and former Commissioner Leon Wilson for initiating the lawsuit. No further financial breakdown or distribution of the settlement fund was provided at the meeting.

The court recessed into executive session under Government Code §551.071 to consult with counsel before returning to open session for the motion and vote.