Federal Judge Approves Payment Plan for Flint Water Crisis Settlement

Flint Water Crisis Settlement: Judge Approves Payment Process

In a significant development, a federal judge has greenlit the commencement of payments from a substantial $600 million settlement related to the Flint water crisis. This decision paves the way for tens of thousands of claims to be addressed, marking a pivotal step in the long-standing issue.

The crisis traces back a decade when Flint’s water supply became contaminated with lead. This was due to a cost-cutting move by a state-appointed emergency manager to change the water source to the Flint River, which was not treated properly, leading to widespread contamination.

Currently, nearly 26,000 claims have been validated to receive part of the settlement fund provided by the state of Michigan, Flint city, and other parties involved.

U.S. District Court Judge Judith Levy issued an order last Friday, outlining the payment procedure. Eligible claimants will receive a letter with details on accessing a payment portal, allowing them to review payment information and choose a payment method:

A letter shall be sent to each claimant or their counsel, if they are represented, containing a unique identification code that will allow them to access the payment portal, find their payment information, and select their form of payment. Letters that are mailed and returned to the sender shall be resent one additional time. Claimants who are unable to access an online system shall be provided with an alternative method of selecting their payment options.

Special Master Deborah Greenspan, overseeing the claims process, indicated that payments would range significantly. Property claims might see payments of $1,000, while young children affected by lead exposure could receive up to $100,000.

The order also addresses unresolved matters such as the claims of 1,100 Medicare-entitled individuals, whose settlements might be subject to Medicare liens.

Additionally, the issue of attorneys’ fees for the numerous legal representatives of Flint residents and businesses remains to be settled.

The Special Master is tasked with completing the final calculations to determine precise payouts for the 30 different categories of claims included in the settlement. Notably, almost 80% of the settlement is designated for those who were minors during the crisis a decade ago.