A jury in Jackson County, Missouri awarded $11 million to individuals owning land near a Premium Standard Farms hog farm. The plaintiffs complained the smell from the hog farm prevented them from enjoying their land. Premium Standard produces 200,000 hogs a year about 80 miles north of Kansas City. The lawsuit resulted in an award of $825,000 to each of the thirteen plaintiffs, $250,000 to the fourteenth plaintiff and $75,000 to the fifteenth plaintiff. Fourteen of these plaintiffs received $100,000 each in 1999 for the same problem. While the hog company argues such lawsuits threaten farming in Missouri, plaintiffs’ counsel made it clear that negotiations could have included more than just money. Unless Premium Standard wants to face a similar lawsuit in the future, it needs to relocate to an area not surrounded by residences or get creative in smell containment.

If you have been injured, contact a Missouri injury attorney at 800-517-0602.