Attorneys detail strategy for class action lawsuit against Prestige Feed Products

Lawyers have unveiled their plan for a class-action lawsuit against Prestige Feed Products, a Mount Prospect animal feed producer that has been the subject of numerous complaints from nearby residents concerning foul odors. The legal team, consisting of Reed Solt and Laura Sheets from the Detroit-based firm Liddle Sheets P.C., recently held a meeting at the Unity Des Plaines church to inform clients and interested parties about the upcoming legal proceedings.

During the gathering, the attorneys discussed the impending court date on May 14 before Cook County Judge Clare Quish, where the lawsuit against Prestige Feed Products LLC and Cereal Byproducts Co. will be heard. Sheets outlined the primary goal of the lawsuit, which is to secure financial compensation for the affected residents and compel the operators to address the ongoing odor problems. The plaintiffs are seeking class-action status for the case to represent all those adversely affected by the noxious smells emanating from the feed producer.

Sheets highlighted the persistence of the odor issues, noting that the foul smell lingers even when the plant is not in operation. Prestige Feed Products has grudgingly allowed access to the attorneys under specific conditions, most notably excluding visits during operational hours to avoid exposure to the piercing odors.

The class-action lawsuit is just one of several legal challenges facing Prestige, which is currently embroiled in disputes with Mount Prospect, Des Plaines, and the Illinois attorney general’s office. These legal battles stem from complaints raised by both private citizens and government agencies about the odors and noise pollution emitted by the feed producer.

Residents living near the facility have long voiced their discontent over the pervasive stench of burnt cheese and the disruptive noise coming from the plant. According to Mary Beth Stillmaker, a plaintiff in the lawsuit, the community has registered over 1,400 complaints regarding the odors and noise pollution generated by the factory.

Local homeowner Alan Wurtz described the extent of the odor issues, lamenting the impact on his personal property, including his car and patio furniture. Despite Prestige Feed Products’ attempts to mitigate the odors over the years, affected residents like Wurtz have found the measures ineffective in addressing the problem.

Sheets encouraged residents to continue documenting their experiences and lodging complaints to support the legal case against the feed producer. The attorneys reiterated the importance of community feedback in bolstering their legal arguments and ensuring a successful outcome in court.

As the legal battle against Prestige Feed Products intensifies, affected residents are hopeful that their grievances will be addressed, and the company held accountable for the persistent odor and noise issues plaguing the neighborhood. The upcoming court date on May 14 will mark a crucial milestone in the fight for justice on behalf of the community adversely impacted by the animal feed producer’s operations.