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DESIMONE HOSPITALITY SERVICES, LLC v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY

Civil Action No. 2:14-14845, A.P. 2:14-2036, Civil Action No. 2:14-14846, A.P. 2:14-2008, Civil Action No. 2:14-14847, A.P. 2:14-2009, Civil Action No. 2:14-14848, A.P. 2:14-2010, Civil Action No. 2:14-14849, A.P. 2:14-2011, Civil Action No. 2:14-14850, A.P. 2:14-2012, Civil Action No. 2:14-14851, A.P. 2:14-2013, Civil Action No. 2:14-14852, A.P. 2:14-2014, Civil Action No. 2:14-14853, A.P. 2:14-2015, Civil Action No. 2:14-14854, A.P. 2:14-2016, Civil Action No. 2:14-14855, A.P. 2:14-2017, Civil Action No. 2:14-14856, A.P. 2:14-2018, Civil Action No. 2:14-14857, A.P. 2:14-2019, Civil Action No. 2:14-14858, A.P. 2:14-2022, Civil Action No. 2:14-14859, A.P. 2:14-2023, Civil Action No. 2:14-14860, A.P. 2:14-2024, Civil Action No. 2:14-14861, A.P. 2:14-2025, Civil Action No. 2:14-14862, A.P. 2:14-2026, Civil Action No. 2:14-14863, A.P. 2:14-2027, Civil Action No. 2:14-14864, A.P. 2:14-2029, Civil Action No. 2:14-14865, A.P. 2:14-2030, Civil Action No. 2:14-14866, A.P. 2:14-2031, Civil Action No. 2:14-14867, A.P. 2:14-2032, Civil Action No. 2:14-14868, A.P. 2:14-2030, Civil Action No. 2:14-14869, A.P. 2:14-2034, Civil Action No. 2:14-14870, A.P. 2:14-2035, Civil Action No. 2:14-14871, A.P. 2:14-2037, Civil Action No. 2:14-14872, A.P. 2:14-2038, Civil Action No. 2:14-14873, A.P. 2:14-2039, Civil Action No. 2:14-14874, A.P. 2:14-2040, Civil Action No. 2:14-14875, A.P. 2:14-2041, Civil Action No. 2:14-14876, A.P. 2:14-2042, Civil Action No. 2:14-14877, A.P. 2:14-2043, Civil Action No. 2:14-14878, A.P. 2:14-2044, Civil Action No. 2:14-14879, A.P. 2:14-2045, Civil Action No. 2:14-14880, A.P. 2:14-2046, Civil Action No. 2:14-14881, A.P. 2:14-2047, Civil Action No. 2:14-14882, A.P. 2:14-2048, Civil Action No. 2:14-14883, A.P. 2:14-2049, Civil Action No. 2:14-14884, A.P. 2:14-2050, Civil Action No. 2:14-14885, A.P. 2:14-2051, Civil Action No. 2:14-14886, A.P. 2:14-2052, Civil Action No. 2:14-14887, A.P. 2:14-2053, Civil Action No. 2:14-14888, A.P. 2:14-2054, Civil Action No. 2:14-14889, A.P. 2:14-2055, Civil Action No. 2:14-14890, A.P. 2:14-2056, Civil Action No. 2:14-14891, A.P. 2:14-2057, Civil Action No. 2:14-14892, A.P. 2:14-2058, Civil Action No. 2:14-14893, A.P. 2:14-2059, Civil Action No. 2:14-14894, A.P. 2:14-2060, Civil Action No. 2:14-14895, A.P. 2:14-2061, Civil Action No. 2:14-14896, A.P. 2:14-2062, Civil Action No. 2:14-14897, A.P. 2:14-2063, Civil Action No. 2:14-14898, A.P. 2:14-2064, Civil Action No. 2:14-14899, A.P. 2:14-2065, Civil Action No. 2:14-14900, A.P. 2:14-2067, Civil Action No. 2:14-14901, A.P. 2:14-2028.

DESIMONE HOSPITALITY SERVICES, LLC, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. SHAPE SHOP, INC. and THELMA FAYS, LLC d/b/a THELMA FAYS CAFE, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and AMERICAN WATER WORKS SERVICE COMPANY, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. NOEL HARDMAN and BRIAN VANNOY and DIANA JOHNSON and COURTNEY HARPER and KATHRYN CASTO and ROBERT STRINGER and KIMBERLY LAPSLEY and TIMOTHY WILBURN and MEAGAN KRASYK and HEIDI STRICKLEN and MARK STRICKLEN and SONJA MARSHALL and MARLENE DIAL and MARGARET SUE ZALENSKI and JOSEPH ZALENSKI and JAMES PARSONS and JANET ATKINS and KEITH ROEHL and LISA ROEHL and CARL CHADBAND and KRISTI CHADBAND and WILLIAM LIPSCOMB and DEBRA LIPSCOMB and APRIL HARRIS and ARMELIA PANNELL and LENOX CHANDLER and JOHNETTE JASPER and LATAUSHA TAYLOR and KEVIN STUBBLEFIELD and MARTHA STUBBLEFIELD and TAMMY PARSONS, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. MADDIE P. FIELDS, Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. RODOCO, INC. d/b/a DONUT CONNECTION, and ALMOST HEAVEN BURGERS, INC. d/b/a CHECKERS DRIVE-IN RESTAURANT and HARGIS UNLIMITED, LLC d/b/a KANAWHA CITY COIN LAUNDRY and MELANIE MARTIN and MEGAN SPEARS and SYRRA SALON LLC and PAUL KIRK d/b/a BARE KNUCKLES TATTOO SHOP, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. EG & K INC. and RUSTY A. CARPENTER, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, and JOHN DOE CORPORATION 1 THROUGH 5 and JOHN DOE, Defendants. SUSAN K. DYER individually and on behalf of all others similar situated, Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. 5 CORNERS CAFÉ, LLC and THE VINTAGE BARBER SHOP and JUSTIN A. AMOS, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendant. CANDICE HENRY MAHOOD and CARRIE ANN SAMUELS and KATHERINE ELLA GRUBB and KELLI OLDHAM and ELIZABETH GRUBB, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and DENNIS FARRELL and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY and OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendants. VON HARVEY, Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER and AMERICAN WATER WORKS SERVICE COMPANY, INC. and OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendants. PRAY CONSTRUCTION COMPANY and A-LEX, INC. and GRUMPY'S GRILLE, LLC and TWOD INC., Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendants. JOE FAZIO'S RESTAURANT, INC., Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER, Defendants. LAURA GANDEE, individual and as representative of others similarly situated, Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendant. JOHN NELSON and WANDA TRIBBIE, an individual and as representative of and along with "other stylists or barbers, located in Kanawha, Putnam, Boone, Jackson, Cabell, Clay Lincoln, Logan and Roane Counties similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. KUPPEL LLC d/b/a DREAM TANK d/b/a CAPITOL DOME BAR & GRILLE and REEMA FAMILY HAIRSTYLING, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER, Defendants. SHANNON LARWA and SHANNON'S SUITE SALON, LLC d/b/a SHANNON'S SUITE SALON and JENNIFER SCHOOLCRAFT and INNOV8 SALON, LLC d/b/a INNOV8 SALON, LLC and ALEX MORGADO and MORGADO DESIGN, LLC d/b/a MORGADO DESIGN and JOHN PATRICK BURGESS, DDS and MADIGAN RAE BURGESS, DDS, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. CORNELLISUS D. CHRISTIAN, Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendant. JOHN LEVIN and LOUISA LEVIN on behalf of themselves and all others situated, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendants. GRAZIANO INVESTMENTS, INC. and CATERING UNLIMITED, INC. and SHELTON'S OF KANAWHA CITY, LLC and ERIC BOOTH individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendant. HAIR WE ARE, INC., Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER, Defendants. JUNE GURSKI and JOHN DOE BUSINESS OWNER, Plaintiffs, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC. and WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY and JOHN DOE CORPORATION 1 THROUGH 5 and JOHN DOE, Defendants. LITTLE BO PEEP DAYCARE and KIDS R US DAYCARE and PAULINE'S HOUSE OF CURLS and JANE GURSKI and PAULA MILLER, individually and on behalf of others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. BOBBY L. TUCKER and REBA TUCKER, his wife, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. MAID IN THE USA, INC., doing business as Maid to Perfection of Charleston, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. OTIS TUCKER and DANETTE TUCKER, his wife, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. THE TOWN OF BUFFALO, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. RONNIE ALLEN BRISCOE and DENISE EVON BRISCOE, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. DEBORAH J. HEDRICK, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. WILLIAM DESIMONE, JR. and DEANNA L. DESIMONE, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. LARRY NEWHOUSE and BRENDA NEWHOUSE, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. WELLINGTON'S, INC., a West Virginia corporation, doing business as Wellington's Cafe' & Catering, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. DARRELL L. MOORE and TAMMY MOORE, his wife, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. GARY N. DEWEESE and CONNIE L. DEWEESE, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. GERALDINE JOHNS, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. CHRISTOPHER M. DEWEESE and LORI L. DEWEESE, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. CHRISTOPHER JORDAN, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. SANDYLOU & TIFFANY 2, LLC, a West Virginia corporation, doing business as Angaleno's Pizza, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. MARGIE JORDAN, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. NICK KONNOVITCH, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY and FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendants. MISTY HARRIS, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA-AMERICAN WATER COMPANY, Defendant. MARY BARBER Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant, WARREN SHAMBLIN and JESSICA SHAMBLIN, Plaintiffs. v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant, BUFFALO VOLUNTEER FIRE DEPARTMENT, INC., Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. TRENT FORBIS and LESLI FORBIS Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. EJ&K ENTERPRISES, LLC and SOUTH HILLS MARKET & CAFÉ, LLC Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. JASON BROGAN, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. AM & GH LLC, doing business as Grano, and L AND G FOODS, INC. and SAHARA CATERING & RESTAURANT, INC., and MADELINES CAFÉ INC., and MOUND CLEANERS, INC., and NEXUS ATHLETIC CLUBS, INC., and CITY FITNESS, INC., and NAUTILUS FITNESS CENTER, INC., and KINETIX FITNESS LLC, and PAUL WALTON, JR., and TABETHA PEIROS and BART A. ROBERTS and KRISTI MADDOX, and all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. FALBO & MONDAY, PLLC, and similiarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. J. E., individually and on behalf of their minor child, K.E., Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. MELISSA JEAN MEDLEY, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. RICHARD GRAVELY, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. SCOTT MILLER and BAR 101, LLC, and ICHIBAN, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. MARK STRICKLAND, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. DANIEL CLEVE STEWART, Plaintiff, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. KRISTY ORD and SHERRI VANCE and CAMBREE VANCE and ANN PERRINE and SANDRA BOWLES and JENNIFER TOTTEN and WILLIAM G. JONES, Plaintiffs. v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. ADELPHIA, INC., on behalf of themselves and all others similarly situated, doing business as Adelphia Sports Bar & Grill, doing business as Capitol Car Wash, doing business as Spyros Parking Lots, Plaintiffs, v. WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER COMPANY Defendant. KANAWHA GOURMET SANDWICHES, LLC, individually and on behalf of all others similarly situated Plaintiff, v. FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., and WEST VIRGINIA AMERICAN WATER and OFFICIAL COMMITTEE OF UNSECURED CREDITORS FOR FREEDOM INDUSTRIES, INC., Defendants.

United States District Court, S.D. West Virginia, Charleston.

April 18, 2014.

Attorney(s) appearing for the Case

In Re Freedom Industries, Inc., Debtor, represented by Brian C. Root , MCGUIRE WOODS, J. Nicholas Barth , BARTH & THOMPSON, Jason P. Alter , McGUIRE WOODS, Mark E. Freedlander , MCGUIRE WOODS, Michael J. Roeschenthaler , MCGUIRE WOODS, Scott E. Schuster , McGUIRE WOODS & Stephen L. Thompson , BARTH & THOMPSON.

Desimone Hospitality Services, LLC, Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Shape Shop, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Stephen P. Meyer , MEYER FORD & GLASSER.

Thelma Fays, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Stephen P. Meyer , MEYER FORD & GLASSER.

Noel Hardman, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Brian Vannoy, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Diana Johnson, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Courtney Harper, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Kathryn Casto, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Robert Stringer, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Kimberly Lapsley, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Timothy Wilburn, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Meagan Krasyk, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Heidi Stricklen, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Mark Stricklen, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Sonja Marshall, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Marlene Dial, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Margaret Sue Zalenski, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Joseph Zalenski, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

James Parsons, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Janet Atkins, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Keith Roehl, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Lisa Roehl, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Carl Chadband, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Kristi Chadband, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

William Lipscomb, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Debra Lipscomb, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

April Harris, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Armelia Pannell, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Lenox Chandler, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Johnette Jasper, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Latausha Taylor, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Martha Stubblefield, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Kevin Stubblefield, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Tammy Parsons, Consol Plaintiff, represented by James A. McKowen , JAMES F. HUMPHREYS & ASSOCIATES.

Maddie P. Fields, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Michael J. Del Giudice , CICCARELLO DEL GIUDICE & LAFON & Timothy J. LaFon , CICCARELLO DELGIUDICE & LAFON.

Rodoco, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Almost Heaven Burgers, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Hargis Unlimited, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Melanie Martin, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Megan Spears, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Syrra Salon LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

Paul Kirk, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Frank Petosa , MORGAN & MORGAN, Jana Eisinger , LAW OFFICE OF JANA EISINGER & Michael O. Callaghan , NEELY & CALLAGHAN.

EG & K Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by John K. Bailey .

Rusty A. Carpenter, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John K. Bailey .

Susan K. Dyer, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harry F. Bell, Jr. , THE BELL LAW FIRM, Jerrold Parker , PARKER WAICHMAN, Mindy B. Pava , HAUSFELD, Richard J. Arsenault , NEBLETT BEARD & ARSENAULT & Richard S. Lewis , HAUSFELD.

5 Corners Cafe, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by F. Jerome Tapley , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Hirlye Ray Lutz, III , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Jon C. Conlin , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS & Kathy A. Brown , KATHY BROWN LAW.

The Vintage Barber Shop, Consol Plaintiff, represented by F. Jerome Tapley , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Hirlye Ray Lutz, III , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Jon C. Conlin , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS & Kathy A. Brown , KATHY BROWN LAW.

Justin A. Amos, Consol Plaintiff, represented by F. Jerome Tapley , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Hirlye Ray Lutz, III , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Jon C. Conlin , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS & Kathy A. Brown , KATHY BROWN LAW.

Candice Henry Mahood, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cameron S. McKinney , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP, David L. Grubb , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP & Kristina Thomas Whiteaker , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP.

Carrie Ann Samuels, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cameron S. McKinney , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP, David L. Grubb , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP & Kristina Thomas Whiteaker , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP.

Katherine Ella Grubb, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cameron S. McKinney , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP, David L. Grubb , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP & Kristina Thomas Whiteaker , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP.

Kelli Oldham, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cameron S. McKinney , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP, David L. Grubb , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP & Kristina Thomas Whiteaker , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP.

Elizabeth Grubb, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cameron S. McKinney , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP, David L. Grubb , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP & Kristina Thomas Whiteaker , THE GRUBB LAW GROUP.

Von Harvey, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cynthia M. Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES, G. Patrick Jacobs & J. Michael Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES.

Pray Construction Company, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin L. Bailey , BAILEY & GLASSER & Jonathan R. Marshall , BAILEY & GLASSER.

A-Lex, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin L. Bailey , BAILEY & GLASSER & Jonathan R. Marshall , BAILEY & GLASSER.

Grumpy's Grille, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin L. Bailey , BAILEY & GLASSER & Jonathan R. Marshall , BAILEY & GLASSER.

TWOD INC., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Benjamin L. Bailey , BAILEY & GLASSER & Jonathan R. Marshall , BAILEY & GLASSER.

Joe Fazio's Restaurant, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cynthia M. Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES, G. Patrick Jacobs & J. Michael Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES.

Laura Gandee, Consol Plaintiff, represented by F. Jerome Tapley , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Hirlye Ray Lutz, III , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS, Jon C. Conlin , CORY WATSON CROWDER & DEGARIS & Kathy A. Brown , KATHY BROWN LAW.

John Nelson, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Henry E. Wood, III , WOOD LAW OFFICE.

Wanda Tribble, an individual and as representatives of and along with other stylist or barbers located in Kanawha County, Putnam County, Boone County, Jackson County, Cabell County, Clay County, Lincoln, Logan and Roane Counties similarly situated, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Henry E. Wood, III , WOOD LAW OFFICE.

Kuppel LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Richard D. Lindsay , TABOR LINDSAY & ASSOCIATES.

Reema Family Hairstyling, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Richard D. Lindsay , TABOR LINDSAY & ASSOCIATES.

Shannon Larwa, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Shannon's Suite Salon, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Jennifer Schoolcraft, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Innov8 Salon, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Alex Morgado, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Morgado Design, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

John Patrick Burgess, DDS, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Madigan Rae Burgess, DDS, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Miles B. Berger , ROMANO AND ASSOCIATES & Shawn R. Romano , ROMANO & OLIVIO.

Cornellisus D. Christian, Consol Plaintiff, Pro Se.

John Levin, Consol Plaintiff, represented by D. Aaron Rihn , ROBERT PEIRCE & ASSOCIATES & Max Petrunya , ROBERT PIERCE & ASSOCIATES.

Louisa Levin, on behalf of themselves and all others situated, Consol Plaintiff, represented by D. Aaron Rihn , ROBERT PEIRCE & ASSOCIATES & Max Petrunya , ROBERT PIERCE & ASSOCIATES.

Graziano Investments, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Gregory B. Chiartas , FREEMAN & CHIARTAS.

Catering Unlimited, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Gregory B. Chiartas , FREEMAN & CHIARTAS.

Shelton's of Kanawha City, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Gregory B. Chiartas , FREEMAN & CHIARTAS.

Eric Booth, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Gregory B. Chiartas , FREEMAN & CHIARTAS.

Hair We Are, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cynthia M. Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES, G. Patrick Jacobs & J. Michael Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES.

June Gurski, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John K. Bailey .

John Doe Business Owner, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John K. Bailey .

Little Bo Peep Daycare, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Adam J. Levitt , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Andrew G. Dimlich , PULLIN KNOPF FOWLER & FLANAGAN, Edward S. Cook , PROVOST & UMPHREY, John K. Bailey , John E. Tangren , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Matthew J. Grossman & Warren R. McGraw, II , MCGRAW LAW OFFICES.

Kids R Us Daycare, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Adam J. Levitt , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Andrew G. Dimlich , PULLIN KNOPF FOWLER & FLANAGAN, Edward S. Cook , PROVOST & UMPHREY, John K. Bailey , John E. Tangren , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Matthew J. Grossman & Warren R. McGraw, II , MCGRAW LAW OFFICES.

Pauline's House of Curls, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Adam J. Levitt , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Andrew G. Dimlich , PULLIN KNOPF FOWLER & FLANAGAN, Edward S. Cook , PROVOST & UMPHREY, John K. Bailey , John E. Tangren , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Matthew J. Grossman & Warren R. McGraw, II , MCGRAW LAW OFFICES.

June Gurski, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Adam J. Levitt , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Andrew G. Dimlich , PULLIN KNOPF FOWLER & FLANAGAN, Edward S. Cook , PROVOST & UMPHREY, John K. Bailey , John E. Tangren , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Matthew J. Grossman & Warren R. McGraw, II , MCGRAW LAW OFFICES.

Paula Miller, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Adam J. Levitt , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Andrew G. Dimlich , PULLIN KNOPF FOWLER & FLANAGAN, Edward S. Cook , PROVOST & UMPHREY, John K. Bailey , John E. Tangren , GRANT & EISENHOFER, Matthew J. Grossman & Warren R. McGraw, II , MCGRAW LAW OFFICES.

Bobby L. Tucker, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Reba Tucker, his wife, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Maid in the USA, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Otis Tucker, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Danette Tucker, his wife, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

The Town of Buffalo, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Ronnie Allen Briscoe, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Denise Evon Briscoe, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Deborah J. Hedrick, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

William Desimone, Jr., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Deanna L. Desimone, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Larry Newhouse, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Brenda Newhouse, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Wellington's, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Darrell L. Moore, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Tammy Moore, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Gary N. Deweese, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Connie L. Deweese, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Geraldine Johns, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Christopher M. Deweese, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Lori L. Deweese, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Christopher Jordan, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

SandyLou & Tiffany 2, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Margie Jordan, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Nick Konnovitch, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Misty Harris, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Mary Barber, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Warren Shamblin, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Jessica Shamblin, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Trent Forbis, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

Lesli Forbis, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harvey D. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM & Thomas H. Peyton , THE PEYTON LAW FIRM.

EJ&K Enterprises, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Jonathan R. Mani , MANI & ELLIS & Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM.

South Hills Market & Cafe, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Jonathan R. Mani , MANI & ELLIS & Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM.

Jason Brogan, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Cynthia M. Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES, G. Patrick Jacobs & J. Michael Ranson , RANSON LAW OFFICES.

AM & GH LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

L and G Foods, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Sahara Catering & Restaurant, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Madelines Cafe Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Nexus Athletic Clubs, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

City Fitness, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Nautilus Fitness Center, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Kinetix Fitness LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Paul Walton, Jr., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Tabetha Peiros, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Bart A. Roberts, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Kristi Maddox, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Mound Cleaners, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Falbo & Monday, PLLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM, Marvin W. Masters , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

J. E., individually and on behalf of their minor child, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John E. Sutter , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, William C. Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES & William Jesse Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES.

K.E., Consol Plaintiff, represented by John E. Sutter , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, William C. Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES & William Jesse Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES.

Melissa Jean Medley, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John E. Sutter , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, William C. Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES & William Jesse Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES.

Richard Gravely, Consol Plaintiff, Pro Se.

Scott Miller, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Aaron L. Harrah , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, Anthony J. Majestro , POWELL & MAJESTRO, J. C. Powell , POWELL & MAJESTRO, James C. Peterson , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, L. Lee Javins, II , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS, R. Edison Hill , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER & Timothy C. Bailey , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS.

Bar 101, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Aaron L. Harrah , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, Anthony J. Majestro , POWELL & MAJESTRO, J. C. Powell , POWELL & MAJESTRO, James C. Peterson , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, L. Lee Javins, II , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS, R. Edison Hill , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER & Timothy C. Bailey , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS.

Ichiban, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Aaron L. Harrah , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, Anthony J. Majestro , POWELL & MAJESTRO, J. C. Powell , POWELL & MAJESTRO, James C. Peterson , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER, L. Lee Javins, II , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS, R. Edison Hill , HILL PETERSON CARPER BEE & DEITZLER & Timothy C. Bailey , BUCCI BAILEY & JAVINS.

Mark Strickland, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John E. Sutter , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, William C. Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES & William Jesse Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES.

Daniel Cleve Stewart, Consol Plaintiff, represented by John E. Sutter , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, Roger A. Decanio , THE SUTTER LAW FIRM, William C. Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES & William Jesse Forbes , FORBES LAW OFFICES.

Kristy Ord, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM & Robert V. Berthold, Jr. , BERTHOLD LAW FIRM.

Sherri Vance, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

Cambree Vance, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

Ann Perrine, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

Sandra Bowles, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

Jennifer Totten, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

William G. Jones, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Kimberly K. Parmer , THE MASTERS LAW FIRM.

Adelphia, Inc., Consol Plaintiff, represented by Charles R. Webb , THE WEBB LAW FIRM, J. Timothy DiPiero , DITRAPANO BARRETT & DIPIERO, Lonnie C. Simmons , DITRAPANO BARRETT & DIPIERO, Robert M. Bastress, III , DITRAPANO BARRETT & DIPIERO & Sean P. McGinley , DITRAPANO BARRETT & DIPIERO.

Kanawha Gourmet Sandwiches, LLC, Consol Plaintiff, represented by Harry F. Bell, Jr. , THE BELL LAW FIRM, James Pizzirusso , HAUSFELD, Jerrold Parker , PARKER WAICHMAN, Jonathan W. Price , THE BELL LAW FIRM, Mindy B. Pava , HAUSFELD, Richard J. Arsenault , NEBLETT BEARD & ARSENAULT & Richard S. Lewis , HAUSFELD.

West Virginia-American Water Company, Defendant, represented by A. L. Emch , JACKSON KELLY, Brian R. Swiger , JACKSON KELLY, Thomas J. Hurney, Jr. , JACKSON KELLY, William C. Ballard , JACKSON KELLY & William F. Dobbs, Jr. , JACKSON KELLY.

Freedom Industries, Inc., Consol Defendant, represented by J. Nicholas Barth , BARTH & THOMPSON, Jason P. Alter , McGUIRE WOODS, Mark E. Freedlander , MCGUIRE WOODS, Michael J. Roeschenthaler , MCGUIRE WOODS, Scott E. Schuster , McGUIRE WOODS & Stephen L. Thompson , BARTH & THOMPSON.

American Water Works Service Company, Inc., Consol Defendant, represented by A. L. Emch , JACKSON KELLY, Thomas J. Hurney, Jr. , JACKSON KELLY, William C. Ballard , JACKSON KELLY & William F. Dobbs, Jr. , JACKSON KELLY.

Official Committee of Unsecured Creditors for Freedom Industries, Inc., Interested Party, represented by Douglas L. Lutz , FROST BROWN TODD, Edward M. King , FROST BROWN TODD, Jared M. Tully , FROST BROWN TODD & Ronald E. Gold , FROST BROWN TODD.

MEMORANDUM OPINION AND ORDER

JOHN T. COPENHAVER, District Judge.

Pending are certain motions to remand filed on various dates in each of the above-styled adversary proceedings except for Christian v. Freedom Industries, Inc., 2:14-14861. These motions are subject to a briefing order entered in the bankruptcy court on March 27, 2014.

The assignment of these formerly miscellaneous actions was entered April 10, 2014. On April 16, 2014, the court withdrew the references of the cases to the bankruptcy court. The court presently has under consideration certain administrative steps to achieve the just, speedy, and efficient resolution of the litigation. The purpose of this memorandum opinion and order is to address a limited consolidation of the cases pending the further order of the court.

I.

Freedom is a West Virginia corporation engaged primarily in the production of specialty chemicals for the mining, steel, and cement industries. It is also a leading supplier of freeze conditioning agents, dust control palliatives, flotation reagents, water treatment polymers, and other specialty chemicals. Freedom operates two production facilities in West Virginia, namely, in Nitro ("Nitro Facility") and Charleston ("Charleston Facility").

On January 9, 2014, an apparent leak occurred in one of Freedom's storage tanks located at the Charleston Facility. On January 17, 2014 ("Petition Date"), Freedom petitioned in this district for relief under chapter 11 of title 11 of the United States Code, 11 U.S.C. §§ 101.

At the time of filing of the omnibus motions to withdraw reference, 62 civil actions had been instituted against various defendants relating to the incident. Freedom contends it is foreseeable that, in those cases where it is not named, parties will assert indemnity or contribution claims against it at a later time. On February 21 and 22, 2014, Freedom removed to the bankruptcy court those state actions in which it was named a defendant. On February 24, 2014, West Virginia American Water Company ("WVAWC") removed to this court as "related-to" cases each of the state actions in which Freedom was not named.1

The factual allegations in all of the cases arise from the alleged leak. According to Freedom, the claims vary and rely on a range of legal and equitable theories. No one disputes, however, that the plaintiffs assert one or more of four categories of claims as follows: (a) physical personal injury tort claims, such as bodily injury, emotional distress and/or requests for medical monitoring to detect bodily injury in the future; (b) non-physical personal injury tort claims, such as annoyance, loss of enjoyment, nuisance and inconvenience; (c) property-related claims, such as trespass, property damage, and loss of use of property; and (d) financial claims, such as lost income or loss-of-business claims.

II.

A. The Governing Standard

Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 42(a) provides as follows:

(a) Consolidation. If actions before the court involve a common question of law or fact, the court may: (1) join for hearing or trial any or all matters at issue in the actions; (2) consolidate the actions; or (3) issue any other orders to avoid unnecessary cost or delay.

Fed. R. Civ. Proc. 42(a).

Our court of appeals affords broad discretion to district courts in assessing the desirability of consolidation, recognizing the superiority of the trial court in determining how best to structure similar pieces of litigation. See A/S J. Ludwig Mowinckles Rederi v. Tidewater Const. Co., 559 F.2d 928, 933 (4th Cir. 1977) ("District courts have broad discretion under F.R.Civ.P. 42(a) to consolidate causes pending in the same district."). It has, however, provided guidelines for exercising that discretion. See Arnold v. Eastern Air Lines, Inc., 681 F.2d 186, 193 (4th Cir. 1982). Those guidelines essentially balance the specific risks of prejudice and possible confusion with the potential for inconsistent adjudications of common factual and legal issues and the burden on available judicial resources posed by multiple lawsuits. Id. at 193. Efficiency from a time and cost perspective are also considered. Id.

The risk of inconsistent adjudications, substantial expense to the parties, and inefficient use of court resources markedly increases here if the court declines consolidation at least to some extent. Consolidation for purposes of adjudicating the motions for remand, with coordinated and consolidated briefing, would avoid each of those undesirable outcomes and diminish the chances of confusion and prejudice that might otherwise result.

For example, an individual consideration of dozens of sets of remand briefs, with differing arguments by the parties, might lead to remand in some cases but not others depending upon the precise grounds raised by particular plaintiffs seeking a return to state court. The length of time required to resolve each of these actions separately, and the expenses associated therewith, also militate strongly in favor of consolidation as to the remand motions.

Based upon the foregoing, a limited consolidation is appropriate. Additionally, other initial procedural devices are in order at this time. The court, accordingly, ORDERS as follows:

1. That the above-styled civil actions be, and hereby are, consolidated for purposes of briefing and resolving the matter of remand; 2. That Desimone Hospitality Services v. West Virginia American Water Company, civil action 2:14-14845, be and hereby is, designated as the lead case, with all further filings to be captioned and docketed in that case pending the further order of the court; 3. That counsel for the parties be, and hereby are, directed to designate by agreement no more than three of their number from each the plaintiff and the defendant sides to serve as liaison counsel for purposes of the consultations required below and to notice the designated lawyers on the record on or before May 1, 2014; and 4. That, in lieu of the briefing order entered in the bankruptcy court on March 27, 2014, liaison counsel be, and hereby are, directed to meet and confer no later than May 8, 2014, for purposes of arriving at a proposed stipulated briefing schedule designed to result in a single set of omnibus briefing that addresses all of the arguments for remand found in the pending remand motions.

The Clerk is directed to forward copies of this written opinion and order to all counsel of record.

FootNotes


1. Two cases were instituted in the district court invoking federal question jurisdiction. Two more were removed and invoke diversity jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act ("CAFA") and 28 U.S.C. § 1332(d)(2). The remaining actions were instituted in various state circuit courts and removed as adversary proceedings pursuant to 28 U.S.C. §§ 1334 and 1452(a).

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