The environment is something we all should feel a responsibility to protect. Any person or group impacted by environmental harm can file an environmental lawsuit. Environmental lawsuits aim to hold another party, typically a corporation, accountable for the damage they have done, including by depriving someone of the use and enjoyment of their property or compromising their health and well-being. It is only fair that negligent corporate practices that harm the environment be countered with environmental lawsuits that allow those affected to stand up for themselves and their community.
There are a variety of environmental protection laws that regulate air quality, water quality, waste management, chemical safety, pollution, and more. When a corporation does not adhere to these laws, unintentionally or not, it can do great harm to an environment and the people that call it home. Often times, groups of people who have all experienced a similar illness or injury because of pollutants, toxins, or other contaminants in their environment will band together and file a class action lawsuit together to seek justice.
Environmental lawsuits and environmental class action litigation can be complex, so many choose to work with experienced attorneys that can not just file a case but see it through to settlement or judgment. Contact us today for a free evaluation.
Settlements
Ross et al. v. USX Company (Clairton Coke Works), Case No. 17-08663 (C.C.P. Allegheny County). Represented, with co-counsel, the citizens of Allegheny County, Pennsylvania who filed suit against U.S. Steel for its operations of the Clairton Coke Works Plant. Plaintiffs alleged that the Coke Works Plant was a blight on their and the class members’ community, and deprived plaintiffs and the class Members of their free use and enjoyment of their property due to its release of toxic and hazardous materials, including contaminants, noise, odors, vapors, and fume. The Judge in Allegheny County granted final approval on a settlement worth $2 million divided among the impacted residents. U.S. Steel further agreed, in a huge win for plaintiffs and the environment, to spend at least $6,500,000 on environmental improvement measures within one year to address plant emissions and reduce the potential for odor.
Nnadili v. Chevron U.S.A., Inc., Case No. 02-1620 (D.D.C.). Represented owners and residents of properties in the District of Columbia that were contaminated with gasoline constituents from leaking underground storage tanks that were installed by Chevron. The plaintiffs, who resided in over 200 properties in the Riggs Park neighborhood of Northeast Washington, D.C., alleged that Chevron’s contamination interfered with the use and enjoyment of their property, impacted their property values, constituted a trespass on their land, and caused fear and emotional distress. The United States Environmental Protection Agency conducted an extensive investigation into the contamination. After approximately five years of litigation, the case settled for $6.2 million.
For information on current Environmental Protection cases, visit Our Environmental Protection Lawyers in DC.