Hoffman v. Vulcan Materials Co.
United States District Court for the Middle District of North Carolina
19 F. Supp. 2d 475 (1998)
- Written by Heather Whittemore, JD
Facts
Vulcan Materials Co. (Vulcan) (defendant) operated a rock quarry in North Carolina. The quarry process involved explosions that caused loud noises and threw rocks and dust into the air. A group of homeowners (the homeowners) (plaintiffs) who lived near the quarry filed a lawsuit in state court against Vulcan, alleging the quarry operations harmed their health and property. Each plaintiff sought damages in excess of $30,000 and an injunction to close the quarry. Vulcan removed the case to federal district court, asserting that the federal court had diversity jurisdiction over the case. The homeowners filed a motion to remand the case, arguing that the $75,000 amount-in-controversy requirement was not met because they each only sought some $30,000 in damages. Vulcan opposed the motion, claiming that the requested injunctive relief would cost Vulcan almost $5 million per year and would give each plaintiff benefits that were worth more than $45,000, bringing the total amount in controversy for the plaintiffs above the $75,000 requirement.
Rule of Law
Issue
Holding and Reasoning (Eliason, J.)
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