Flint Water Crisis Lawsuit Ends with $53M Settlement for Victims

The Flint Water Crisis, a public health emergency that has unfolded over more than a decade, has led to another significant legal resolution. A new settlement amounting to $53 million has been reached, marking another chapter in the ongoing efforts to address the consequences of this environmental disaster.

Veolia North America, an engineering firm responsible for overseeing numerous water and wastewater treatment facilities, was accused of neglecting to detect corrosion control issues when Flint switched its water source to the Flint River. This oversight resulted in lead pipes corroding and contaminating the drinking water with hazardous lead levels.

According to Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel, the settlement will benefit approximately 26,000 plaintiffs, including many children who suffered from elevated blood lead levels. “While no amount of money can fully repair the damage caused to the Flint community, these funds will provide additional resources to those directly impacted, especially Flint children, by this preventable crisis,” Nessel stated.

In return for this settlement, the State of Michigan will drop its separate lawsuit against Veolia North America. This resolution follows a previous $600 million settlement finalized five years ago, which addressed claims against the State of Michigan, the City of Flint, and other parties involved.