Groundwater Contamination Lawyer

Access to safe and clean drinking water is a basic human right that no one should be denied. Unfortunately, groundwater contamination is a very serious issue, affecting the health of millions of Americans annually.

Many corporations and businesses carelessly pollute drinking water sources, leaving families to unknowingly drink dirty and toxic water that wreaks havoc on their health.

At The Lyon Firm, we’re outraged by this blatant disrespect for our communities and environment. Every person deserves clean, safe water, and for nearly two decades, we’ve been fighting back against companies that put profits before people.

If you or your community is suffering from groundwater contamination, don’t wait for change—take action today. Reach out to us online or call (513) 381-2333 to hold these careless businesses accountable and protect what matters most.

Your health and safety are too important to ignore. These businesses are treating our precious resources like disposable commodities. Filing a groundwater contamination lawsuit can start the process of creating safer water sources for future generations.

What Is Groundwater Contamination?

Groundwater fills the cracks and spaces in underground soil and rock layers. It’s an important source of drinking water, irrigation, and industrial use. Groundwater supplies 38% of the drinking water in the United States and almost half of all drinking water worldwide.

It naturally replenishes itself through rainfall and surface water that seeps into the ground. However, contamination occurs when human-made pollutants, such as chemicals, oil, heavy metals, or waste products, seep underground and mix with the natural groundwater supply.

Once these harmful substances enter the groundwater, they can spread over large areas and are difficult to remove, posing significant risks to human health, ecosystems, and the environment.

Common Sources of Groundwater Contamination Cases

Today, it often feels like corporations prioritize money and expansion over our well-being, leaving a trail of pollution in their path. Unfortunately, this mindset opens the door to several culprits of groundwater contamination, including:

• Leaking Storage Tanks: Tanks that store fuel, oil, or other hazardous substances can corrode or break down over time, causing leaks that taint the groundwater below. There are an estimated 10 million storage tanks buried in the U.S.
  
  
• Industrial Waste: Factories and plants often dispose of dangerous chemicals and byproducts improperly, which can leak into the ground and contaminate water sources.
  
  
• Agricultural Runoff: Pesticides, road salts, herbicides, and fertilizers used in farming can wash into the groundwater through rain or irrigation, introducing harmful chemicals into the water supply.
  
  
• Sewage and Wastewater: Improperly treated sewage and wastewater can seep into the groundwater, carrying contaminants that can pollute drinking water sources.
  
  
• Air Pollution: Pollution in the air can also affect groundwater. Both air and groundwater are connected through the water cycle. When pollutants in the air come down as acid rain, they can make their way into the groundwater and cause contamination.
  
  
• Improper Waste Disposal: When hazardous waste is not disposed of correctly, it can end up in landfills or dumps, where it can leach into the groundwater.

Almost any activity that releases chemicals or waste into the environment, whether on purpose or by accident, can lead to groundwater contamination. Once groundwater is polluted, cleaning it up is both challenging and costly.

A 2021 study revealed that millions of people in the U.S. are drinking water that does not meet federal health standards and contains dangerous contaminants exceeding safe limits.‍

‍I have nothing but positive things to say about this law firm and Mr. Lyon. I am the kind of person that has tons of questions and they were amazing at answering them all. I am very grateful for all the hard work they have done and consider them a trusted resource at this point. If I could give 10 stars I would!

- Michael Hoffman

Groundwater Contamination Problems: What If I Drink Polluted Water?

What makes groundwater contamination so insidious is that it is not always immediately apparent that there is something wrong with the water. Therefore, communities could be using contaminated sources for a long time, not realizing something is wrong until it’s too late.

Drinking and using contaminated water can have severe health consequences, such as:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Gastrointestinal issues
• Headaches
• Cancer
• Nervous system problems
• Reproductive damage
• Kidney failure
• Organ damage
• Circulatory issues

Groundwater contamination doesn’t just cause temporary irritations and short-term problems. Instead, drinking tainted water oftentimes leaves people to struggle with long-term health complications.

Children and babies are especially vulnerable to the dangers of contaminated water, as their young bodies and developing brains are more sensitive to pollutants. Holding companies accountable for groundwater contamination is our moral duty, as the health of future generations depends on it.

Get in touch with The Lyon Firm today online or call (513) 381-2333 to not only get compensation for the suffering you’ve faced because of contaminated water but also to create a brighter and safer future for our children.

How Can a Groundwater Contamination Lawyer Help Me?

Groundwater contamination cases are tricky because it can be hard to pinpoint who caused the pollution and how it spread. Proving how the contamination has affected your health is also challenging since these issues often develop over many years.

It takes knowledge of toxic water litigation to connect the dots between the pollution, your water usage, and your health problems. Having a lawyer on your side can make all the difference in a groundwater contamination lawsuit because they will:

• Investigate the Root Cause: A lawyer will conduct in-depth research to trace back who or what is responsible for the contamination, whether it be a corporation or an individual.

• Track Down Strong Evidence: They will piece together evidence like medical records and expert opinions to show how the company or individual violated groundwater laws and how the contamination harmed you.

• Figure Out All of Your Damages: A lawyer can add up all of how the groundwater contamination harmed you, financially, physically, and emotionally.

• Negotiating On Your Behalf: Your attorney will take care of all communications with the company or the other party’s legal team, including negotiating to get you a fair monetary award.
  
  
• Battling for Your Rights in Court: If the company won’t see reason and agree to a fair settlement, an attorney is prepared to take this fight to trial.

We understand that some people hesitate to partner with a lawyer because they assume they may not need one. However, studies have shown that working with a lawyer can significantly improve the chances of a successful lawsuit.

For example, in 2016, Martindale-Nolo surveyed people who filed personal injury claims and found that over 90% of people with a lawyer got a settlement or award, while only about half of those who handled their own injury claims did.

No one should have to question the safety of their water. Access to clean water is a basic human right, and if contamination has caused you health problems, we’re here to get you justice and ensure companies don’t take your well-being for granted.

Joe Lyon,
Founding Partner of the Lyon Firm

What Types of Compensation Can People Get in Groundwater Contamination Cases?

If you’ve been affected by groundwater contamination, you might be able to get several types of damages. Here’s what you could be entitled to:

• Medical Costs: Money to cover past and future doctor visits and treatments for health problems caused by the contamination.
  
  
• Property Damage: Repairs or loss of value to your property due to polluted groundwater.
  
  
• Lost Wages: Payment for the income you missed out on because of health issues related to the contamination.
  
  
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional stress you’ve gone through.
  
  
• Punitive Damages: Extra money meant to punish the responsible party and discourage them from causing harm again.

Examples of Contaminated Groundwater Lawsuits

Groundwater contamination has swept through our nation, jeopardizing the health of thousands. However, many have refused to take this injustice lying down, choosing to file lawsuits to hold these polluters accountable. Below are just a few cases:

• In 2023, chemical manufacturer 3M Co. was ordered to pay $10.3 billion to settle lawsuits over contamination of many U.S. public drinking water systems with potentially harmful compounds used in firefighting foam and a host of consumer products.
  
  
• Wolverine Worldwide and 3M will pay $54 million to Michigan property owners affected by PFAS groundwater contamination in a proposed settlement.