Water contamination is a serious problem that can have severe consequences for the health of individuals and communities. Unfortunately, in many cases, the responsibility for the contamination falls on the preparators, who may have failed to ensure the safety of the water supply.
The information provided here is intended to help individuals and families affected by water contamination. It also provides a clear and concise guide to the steps they need to take to seek compensation.
1. Determine Whether You Have a Case Against the Polluters
Before taking any action to seek compensation for health issues due to water contamination, it is necessary to determine whether you have a case against the polluters. To do this, you must establish a clear link between your health problems and water contamination. Some signs that you may have a case include:
- A diagnosis of a condition that is known to be caused by exposure to the specific contaminants found in the water supply
- A history of exposure to contaminated water over an extended period
- Documentation of the contamination and the levels of specific contaminants in the water supply
One notable example of water contamination is Camp Lejeune, a U.S. Marine Corps base in North Carolina. For decades, the base’s drinking water was contaminated with toxic chemicals, including benzene, trichloroethylene, and vinyl chloride. As a result, many veterans and their families who lived or worked at Camp Lejeune have suffered from critical health problems, including cancers, birth defects, and other illnesses.
The Department of Veterans Affairs established a program to provide compensation and health care to veterans and their families who were affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. To be eligible for this compensation, individuals must have been stationed or lived at the base between 1953 and 1987. In addition, they must have been diagnosed with one of the conditions specified in the program.
It takes around four months to settle the compensation for a claim for critical illness or disability from the time of the submission of the lawsuit, as said by the Department of Veteran Affairs to APN News.
2. Get a Lawyer Who Has Experience with Water Contamination
An experienced lawyer will have the knowledge and expertise needed to help you navigate the complex legal process and to ensure that you receive the deserving compensation.
There are numerous personal injury law firms and around 62,881 personal injury lawyers in the US to choose from according to your specific need, as per IBIS World. However, this number has increased by 4.1% from 2022. When selecting a lawyer, look for someone who:
- Specializes in environmental law and has experience handling water contamination cases
- Is familiar with the specific contaminants involved in your case and the health problems they can cause
- Has a track record of success in winning compensation for clients who have been affected by water contamination
Having a lawyer who is knowledgeable about water contamination and has experience handling these types of cases will give you the best chance of obtaining the compensation you deserve. In addition, your lawyer can help you gather and present evidence to support your case, negotiate with the polluters or their insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
3. Gather Information About the People or Companies Responsible for Water Pollution
When seeking compensation for health issues due to water contamination, gathering as much information as possible about the people or companies responsible for the pollution is important. This information will help you to build a strong case and to hold the polluters accountable.
One of the first steps is to identify the source of the contamination. It may be a company that operates a factory near your water supply, a municipality responsible for treating the water, or another entity. You can gather information about the polluters by researching public records, such as government reports and news articles, and by contacting local environmental agencies.
It is also important to understand the specific contaminants in your water supply and the health problems they can cause. This information can be obtained from numerous sources, including government websites, medical journals, and advocacy organizations.
4. Find Out if You Can Get Help from Other Sources as You Pursue Your Claim
As you seek compensation for health issues due to water contamination, finding out if you can get help from other sources is important. In some cases, you may be eligible for assistance from government programs, advocacy organizations, or other groups that support individuals affected by environmental contamination.
For example, you may be eligible for compensation through a government program, such as the Department of Veterans Affairs program established for those affected by the water contamination at Camp Lejeune. You can research different programs by visiting government websites and contacting relevant agencies.
Advocacy organizations may also assist, such as information on the contamination and your rights, legal resources, and support from others in similar situations. It is also important to consider joining a class action lawsuit in which a large group of people sues another party.
According to About Lawsuits, recently, a class action lawsuit has been filed against Coca-Cola company for failing to disclose the harmful PFAS chemical levels in its product “Simply Tropical.” Firstly, the company falsely advertised its product as “healthy” and “natural.” In addition, the tested sample of the juice contained 100 times the PFOA recommended by the EPA in the drinking water.
5. Have Patience During the Legal Process
Seeking compensation for health issues due to water contamination can be lengthy and complex. Therefore, it is necessary to have patience and understand that the legal process can take time, as it may involve gathering and presenting evidence, negotiating with the polluters, and potentially going to court.
It is also important to remember that the legal process may be frustrating, and the outcome may not be what you initially hoped. For example, the polluters may deny responsibility for the contamination, or you may not receive the compensation you seek.
With Right Steps, You Can Increase Your Chances of Getting Compensated
Getting compensation for health issues due to water contamination can be a complex and challenging process. However, by taking the right steps and being patient, you can increase your chances of obtaining the compensation you deserve. In addition, following the steps provided above, you can take control of your situation and hold the polluters accountable for their actions.
