An adverse diagnosis is always difficult to cope with. Finding out your drinking water damaged your health might increase your stress and frustration. If you are a Vermont resident who believes perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) water contamination led to your diagnosis, a personal injury lawyer with Ben Crump Law, PLLC, can help you build a compelling case for compensation for your injuries.
We’ll establish how the municipal water agency failed to provide safe water free of PFOA and other contaminants. In addition, we’ll collect the evidence of negligence and liability necessary to recover medical expenses and damages related to your condition. So, let our team focus on building your case while you concentrate on getting well or mourning your loved one.
PFOA and Other Contaminants Found in the Water in Vermont
Many substances could contaminate your drinking water supply. Therefore, your municipality should regularly test for potential contaminants. The agency should also filter and distill the water supply if it detects contaminants.
According to Vermont Department of Health guidelines, your water source could contain the following contaminants:
- Arsenic
- Bacteria
- Copper
- Lead
- Manganese
- Nitrates and nitrites
- PFOAs
- Radium
- Radon
Industry-specific subject matter experts and forensic test results help us determine the contaminants in your water. Along with medical experts, their reports help substantiate your case.
What Can I Do to Recover Compensation?
When you are ready to hold the municipality responsible for the health effects of water contamination, you have several options. Our personal injury attorney will help you choose to file:
- A claim for damages against the agency
- A personal injury lawsuit
- Start or join a class action lawsuit
Each option has its merits. However, when we represent you, we explain how each works, what it entails, and its potential timeline.
How Can Ben Crump Law, PLLC, Help With Your Water Contamination Case
As you build a case against a government entity, our law firm will fight by your side every step of the way. You’ll find our familiarity with cases like yours and their applicable laws make it beneficial to work with us. When we handle your case, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation into the facts
- Consult experts to test your water supply
- Document your case and collect evidence
- Review your medical records with experts
- Assess your range of recoverable financial awards
- Handle all written, verbal, and virtual communication
- Negotiate for the compensation you and your family need
In most cases, a settlement agreement will resolve your matter. We aim to obtain the best possible resolution for you and your family. However, if we cannot settle your case, we will not hesitate to go to court on your behalf.
How Much does It Cost to Work With Ben Crump Law, PLLC?
It costs nothing upfront. In addition, you incur no out-of-pocket expenses when you work with our law firm. Instead, Ben Crump Law, PLLC, represents injured clients on a contingency fee basis. Here’s how it works:
- We cover all costs associated with your case
- Instead of traditional fees, we accept a percentage of your financial award
- If you do not receive a monetary award, you owe us nothing
We believe you’re entitled to legal service and support. Thus, we aim to ensure you can receive it without adding to the financial strain you feel from your ongoing healthcare issues. In addition, our fee structure ensures your case complies with Vermont’s statute of limitations for personal injury or wrongful death lawsuits.
How do I Show I Am Entitled to Compensation for PFOA Exposure?
When our law firm represents you, we document the at-fault party’s negligent acts. The components of negligence include:
- Duty of care: The responsibility to provide safe water
- Breach of duty: Failure to supply clean water free of contaminants
- Causation: Contaminated water led to your adverse health condition
- Damages: Your damaged health incurred financial and emotional costs
You are entitled to compensation if PFOA water contamination in Vermont damaged your health. So, our law firm will collect evidence and consult experts to support your case and your right to recover compensation.
What Compensation Can I Recover for Water Contamination?
If your physical health suffered because of contaminated water, you could recover the costs of your current and ongoing health care. In addition, if you required mental health care support, you could also recover these costs.
Finally, we will fight for compensation that covers the following:
- Current and future lost income
- Ongoing pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional trauma
- Wrongful death damages
Our investigation includes a thorough assessment of your potential financial award. We will ensure your case is not undervalued before starting settlement negotiations or taking your case to trial.
How Long do I Have to File My Water Contamination Lawsuit?
Vermont generally gives you three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, according to 12 VSA § 512. While you must observe the statute of limitations, compliance can become complicated. For example, the relevant date can vary based on the date of discovery of your illness and other factors related to your case.
Unfortunately, misinterpreting the filing deadline can be costly because:
- You might not be allowed to file your case
- The court might dismiss your case without hearing your evidence
- You would be unable to compel compensation
So, leave all the details to us. Our law firm will establish the applicable date and ensure timely compliance.
Call Our Consultation Team Today About Your Vermont Water Contamination Case
Everyone should be able to rely on the safety and cleanliness of their local water supply. However, if PFOA water contamination damaged your health or the health of someone you love in Vermont, you could qualify for financial compensation.
Let the team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC, review the details of your case and help you fight for compensation. Contact one of our team members today for your free case review.
