In just the last decade, several states have suffered water contamination. Many households across the United States face problems with poor water quality. For example, in 2014, city officials in Flint, Michigan, induced a public health crisis when they exposed residents to lead-contaminated water. Additionally, hundreds of children in Jackson, Mississippi, developed lead poisoning after the city’s water supply contained high lead levels. Tragically, residents of another low-income and predominantly black community have a water crisis. Since 2018, Benton Harbor, Michigan’s water supply has had lead levels that exceed the EPA’s limit.
Our law firm is currently handling lawsuits on behalf of individuals injured by the Benton Harbor water crisis.
In 2018, Michigan first detected unacceptable lead levels in Benton Harbor’s water supply. According to the EPA, the legal limit for lead in drinking water is 15 ppb. Benton Habor’s water supply has surpassed the EPA’s standards for years after its initial discovery. The extensive water contamination forced residents to resort to only using bottled water. The Benton Harbor Community Water Council distributed bottled water to residents even before Michigan finally urged Benton Harbor to use bottled water in 2021. Representatives of the community water council reported they have passed out 2,000 cases of water per month since 2019, all at their own cost.
Benton Harbor’s aging infrastructure and hundreds of hazardous lead pipes cause lead to seep into the community’s water supply. In 2021, several homes in Benton Harbor still tested at alarmingly high levels of lead. These tests included lead contamination levels numbering 889 ppb, 605 ppb, 469 ppb, 109 ppb, and 107 ppb.
Prolonged exposure to lead can result in serious adverse health effects in children and adults. Benton Harbor is home to approximately 10,000 people, all of whom are at risk of lead poisoning. Children are particularly susceptible to lead poisoning. The World Health Organization stated that children absorb 4-5 times more lead than adults from a given source. Also, the organization claims there is no known safe blood lead concentration for children. Lead poisoning in children may cause:
While children are more vulnerable to lead exposure, adults can also develop life-altering health issues. Lead poisoning in adults may cause:
In a 2021 project plan, the city speculates that 2,390 of its 2,800 water service lines likely contain a portion of lead. After the state recommended all residents switch to bottled water, the governor signed a directive to replace all lead service lines in 18 months. But residents criticize the state’s delayed response. Frustrated Benton Harbor residents allege city officials knew about the elevated lead levels but did not step in until years later. In November 2021, the community of Benton Harbor filed a federal lawsuit against Michigan, Governor Gretchen Whitmer, and other officials. Claimants accuse officials of ignoring the lead levels in the water and disregarding the health of citizens.
If you or a loved one suffered because of contaminated water in Benton Habor, Michigan, you may qualify for a lead poisoning lawsuit. A lead poisoning lawsuit may help you recover compensation for:
No family should have to wait in line every day for bottled water. A parent should not have to fear that their child will use tap water to brush their teeth. All human beings have a right to clean and safe drinking water, but residents of Brenton Harbor were denied this right. Officials should never abandon an entire community amid a water crisis. However, for years the community of Brenton Harbor supplied their water bottles as officials did nothing to remedy the toxic lead levels in the water supply.
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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