An engineering firm accused of playing a role in the lead contamination of Flint’s water supply in 2014-15 has agreed to settle lawsuits filed by residents of the city in Michigan, according to attorneys who made the announcement on Thursday.
Lockwood, Andrews & Newman, also known as LAN, disclosed in a court filing that a confidential agreement had been reached with residents in federal court, but both parties require additional time to finalize the specifics.
Additionally, LAN has reached a settlement in a separate lawsuit brought by Michigan’s attorney general in state court.
Residents of Flint filed lawsuits against LAN and another contractor, Veolia North America, alleging that they failed to take adequate measures to address the highly corrosive water in Flint or to recommend a return to a regional water supplier.
During 2014-15, Flint, which was under the management of state-appointed officials, utilized water from the Flint River, which was not treated in the same manner as water previously supplied by a provider in the Detroit area. Consequently, lead seeped into the extensive pipeline network.
Despite being under contract with Flint, LAN has consistently defended its actions and denied any responsibility, although it did settle a lawsuit with four families in December following a mistrial earlier in the year.
While LAN did not disclose the terms of the new settlement, the firm expressed satisfaction with reaching an agreement.
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“We believe that this will ultimately bring closure for the state, the plaintiffs, and LAN,” stated attorney Wayne Mason. “LAN maintains that it bears no responsibility for the issues related to the Flint situation, and engaging in further legal proceedings would not be beneficial for any party involved.”
Corey Stern, an attorney representing Flint residents, also refrained from commenting on the settlement amount agreed upon by LAN. He emphasized the objective of incorporating it into a larger $626 million settlement between the families and the state of Michigan.
“This way, individuals can receive compensation in a single instance, streamlining the process,” Stern explained.
The state faced legal action due to the failure of environmental regulators and other officials to address Flint’s water crisis during the lead contamination period. Flint resumed receiving water from a regional supplier in the autumn of 2015.
Flint Contractor Agrees to Settle Water Crisis-Linked Contamination Suits
Flint, Michigan has been at the center of a water crisis, with residents facing contaminated water due to lead and other pollutants. The situation has led to numerous lawsuits against various parties involved in the water supply system. One of the contractors, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (LAN), has recently agreed to settle contamination suits related to the Flint water crisis.
Background of the Flint Water Crisis
The Flint water crisis began in 2014 when the city switched its water supply source from Lake Huron to the Flint River. The change was meant to save money, but it resulted in lead leaching from old pipes into the water supply. This led to widespread lead contamination, exposing residents to health risks.
LAN’s Role in the Water Crisis
LAN was hired as a contractor by the city of Flint to provide engineering services related to the water supply system. The company has been accused of negligence and failing to properly address the water quality issues that ultimately led to the contamination crisis. As a result, LAN faced multiple lawsuits from residents and officials seeking compensation for the harm caused by the contaminated water.
Settlement Agreement
LAN has recently reached a settlement agreement with the plaintiffs in the contamination suits. The terms of the settlement were not disclosed, but it is expected to include financial compensation to the affected parties. The agreement marks a significant step in resolving the legal disputes related to the Flint water crisis.
Benefits of the Settlement
- Provides financial compensation to affected residents
- Brings closure to the legal disputes
- Promotes accountability for the parties involved
Practical Tips for Similar Cases
For communities facing similar water quality issues, it is important to:
- Monitor water quality regularly
- Address any concerns promptly
- Hold responsible parties accountable
| Key Takeaways: |
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| LAN has agreed to settle contamination suits related to the Flint water crisis |
| The settlement marks a step towards resolving legal disputes |
| Communities facing similar issues should prioritize water quality and accountability |
Conclusion
The settlement agreement between LAN and the plaintiffs in the Flint water crisis-related contamination suits is a significant development in the ongoing efforts to address the aftermath of the water crisis. It underscores the importance of holding accountable those responsible for ensuring safe and clean drinking water for communities. Moving forward, it is essential for all parties involved to learn from the mistakes made in Flint and take proactive measures to prevent similar water quality issues in the future.
