There are many causes of water contamination, including industry runoff and issues with a water distribution system. Such problems have led to the Camp Lejeune and Flint water contamination crisis. Today, many people are still suffering from water contamination. If you and your family are being exposed to contaminated water, our firm can help you recover damages.
What Causes the Contamination of Water?
According to the EPA (the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency), the most common causes of water contamination include:
- Industry runoff: This can come from a factory that manufactures products containing petroleum, heavy metals, or certain solvents.
- Agricultural runoff: A fertilizer, herbicide, or pesticide can be carried into the water supply.
- Sewage: Animal or human waste can seep into an underground aquifer or be carried by water flow into a populated area.
- Natural contamination: Sometimes, naturally occurring elements found in soil nearby, like arsenic or radium, can contaminate a water supply.
- Issues with a water distribution system: Corrosion or impurities in a water distribution system may transfer lead and other harmful elements into a water supply.
Those problems can lead to serious health issues and even health crisis, including the Camp Lejeune and Flint water contamination crisis.
How Is Water Contamination Allowed to Occur?
The EPA regulates drinking and bathing water quality in public water systems. They also set limits for contaminants in water. However, the EPA hasn’t always existed, and water hasn’t always been regulated the way it is today. The EPA came into existence in 1970, many years after certain water crisis.
The EPA isn’t responsible for all water crisis. Sometimes, government officials are responsible, especially when they fail to properly address an existing water crisis. Generally, the underlying cause of water contamination crisis is negligence.
Today, there are still many water contamination crisis and many people still suffering from prior crisis. Some current and prior crisis include ones in Pittsburgh, Michigan, New Jersey, Illinois, and North Carolina.
What Was the Camp Lejeune Water Contamination Crisis?
This crisis is an example of industry runoff contaminating a water supply. Decades ago, in North Carolina, a dry cleaning company had runoff that contaminated the water at water-distribution plants at Tarawa Terrace, Hadnot Point, and Holcomb Boulevard. These plants supplied water to Camp Lejeune and several other training/residential areas.
In these areas, there were toxins in the drinking and bathing water, which made many people very sick. Today, there aren’t any more toxins in the water, but many people are still very sick. These people are suing for damages.
You are able to sue if you (and/or other family member) suffered damages due to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune or elsewhere. A Camp Lejeune lawyer from our firm can help you with your lawsuit.
What Was the Flint Water Contamination Crisis?
This crisis is an example of issues with a water distribution system, but there were many other factors involved. In 2014, the government of Flint, Michigan switched the city’s water supply. Soon after, the EPA reported high levels of lead contaminants in the water, and determined the causes were plumbing pipes made with lead and poor water treatment.
Today, many people are still sick from the crisis, so they’re suing the government. Currently, there is a proposed settlement of over $600 million for the Flint water crisis, subject to court approval.
You are able to sue if you and your family suffered any damages due to the Flint crisis or another crisis. Our firm can help you find free lead testing and sue for your damages.
What Damages Can I Get in a Water Contamination Case?
In a Camp Lejeune case or a similar case, you can get monthly benefits from the government. These benefits could be standard benefits which could amount to thousands of dollars each month, as well as special benefits which would add to your compensation. You can demand wrongful death benefits if you lost a family member in your case.
In a Flint case or a related case, you can get such damages as medical costs, lost wages, the cost of having to re-pipe your home, the cost of having to add a water treatment system to your home, and related damages. You can also demand wrongful death damages if you lost a family member.
If you sue in either case, you may be able to recover more of your damages, including pain and suffering, medical bills, disability, and others.
How a Water Contamination Attorney Can Help
A water contamination attorney from our firm can help you determine what damages you can get and whether to demand them through a claim or a lawsuit (or both). Your attorney can also:
- Gather supporting documents for your claim or suit
- Prepare your claim or suit for you
- Ensure you have a fair disability rating from Veterans Affairs, if applicable
- Appeal a claim denial
- Sue the government
- Negotiate your benefits, settlement, or court verdict
- Fight on your behalf for a fair resolution
Contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC To Learn More
If you and your loved ones are victims of water contamination, connect with our firm. We have water contamination attorneys near you who handle cases like yours regularly. Don’t delay on getting justice you deserve or compensation you are entitled to. Not taking action right away will only further frustrate the legal process.
Our attorneys stand up to large entities, including the government, and fight hard for their clients, even if it means going to court. To date, our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for their clients. To learn more and consult with us for free, contact Ben Crump Law, PLLC today.
