Our firm investigates business entities that have committed some form of fraud or deceptive business practice, which has harmed a group of consumers in a similar manner. We have successfully resolved numerous consumer fraud claims, helping thousands of people recover their losses. For the last six decades, our firm has stood up to unscrupulous corporate organizations to help consumers in a wide range of consumer fraud matters.
Exxon Mobil Corp and four other gasoline companies are facing a lawsuit claiming that they conspired to increase gas prices. The suit seeks class-action status on the behalf of all affected Illinois gas consumers.
The attorney representing the plaintiffs, Larry Drury, did not disclose exactly how much compensation the suit seeks.
The Claims
Exxon, Marathon Oil Corp., Citgo Petroleum Corp. and BP PLC affiliates Royal Dutch and Shell PLC, have allegedly intentionally limited the gasoline supply to drive up gas prices and increase profits, said U.S. District Judge Amy St. Eve.
“Facts consistent with these allegations could establish that defendants unjustly enriched themselves or acted deceptively or unfairly,” said St. Eve.
The plaintiffs, Michael and Rebecca Siegel, who filed the suit under the Illinois consumer fraud statute, demand evidence from the companies, including records indicating their rationale for their pricing and production reasons.
“Class certification is on the agenda here,” said Drury.
Class-action status for the lawsuit would give the plaintiffs a better chance to negotiate a settlement or win in a trial by using the collective resources of several legal practitioners.
St. Eve originally dismissed claims that the companies used Hurricane Katrina as an opportunity to artificially inflate gas prices, but Drury may re-file those claims when new evidence comes to light.
“It's a good possibility that we'll re-plead those particular allegations,” said Drury.
St. Eve's ruling will allow Drury to continue to press his claim that the companies decreased gas production to increase profits during periods of heavy use.
Spokespersons for BP, Shell, Marathon, Citgo, Petroleos De Venenzuela SA, and Exxon Mobil declined to comment on the suit.
Victim of consumer fraud? You may not be the only one who has suffered the same injustice. Please contact us today for a complimentary consultation with an experienced consumer fraud attorney who can answer your questions and help you plan the appropriate course of action. You may be able to recover compensation for yourself, and everyone else who was similarly wronged.
Consumer fraud class action lawsuits are specifically designed to help individuals who have been similarly aggrieved to pursue a common goal – namely to hold the deceptive business accountable for any damages suffered. Thus, consumers who have been defrauded by a corporation or other entity may file a consumer fraud class action lawsuit on behalf of themselves and others to seek compensation for their shared grievance.
If you feel you have been the victim of consumer fraud or any type of fraud, please contact us to learn about your legal rights and options. WE VALUE YOUR PRIVACY: any information you provide on this secure form will be held in the strictest confidence and will only be used by our attorneys to determine how we can help you.