Chemtool Fire in Rockton, Illinois

DiCello Levitt recovered $100 million for Illinois residents whose homes and properties were damaged by the catastrophic Chemtool fire.

Callout image for Chemtool lawsuit reads This settlement provided meaningful compensation to Rockton, Illinois, families and set an important precedent for holding corporations accountable in preventable environmental disasters.

On June 14, 2021, a massive fire tore through Chemtool Incorporated’s production facility in Rockton, Illinois, sending toxic smoke across the region and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. The blaze burned for days, destroying the plant, damaging surrounding property, and leaving the community facing years of disruption.

What Happened?

Chemtool Incorporated manufactured custom lubricants and grease products at its Rockton facility. On June 14, 2021, a fire at the facility sent a plume of smoke above surrounding communities. Winnebago County authorities declared a disaster emergency, ordered residents within a one-mile radius to evacuate, and issued a mask advisory to residents within a three-mile radius. The evacuation orders remained in place until the morning of June 18, 2021. The fire was not declared extinguished until June 23, 2021.

Who Was Affected?

The Rockton community suffered both immediate and lasting harm. Property owners and tenants endured extensive property damage. Many were forced to leave their homes during the fire and returned home to face a significant amount of necessary cleanup, resulting not only in financial losses but also emotional hardship as they worked to rebuild their lives.

Our Role in the Litigation

As Co-Lead Counsel, DiCello Levitt pursued claims against Chemtool Incorporated and its parent, The Lubrizol Corporation, to secure justice for those harmed. Through detailed investigation, expert testimony, and complex negotiations, we achieved a $94.5 million settlement in September 2024. We subsequently resolved claims against the contractor involved in the accident that led to the fire for an additional $5.5 million. This result ensured significant compensation for affected property owners and tenants and helps deter future industrial disasters.

These cases are Grasley, et al., v. Chemtool and Mackey, et al., v. Chemtool, et al. The DiCello Levitt team was led by Daniel Flynn with support from Anna Claire Skinner.

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