If you live in an area where the water supply has been contaminated with a harmful chemical or pollutant, you may be wondering what you can do to protect yourself and your family. Cases like the Camp Lejeune Incident and the Flint Water Crisis are proof that contaminated water can be dangerous and scary. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to protect yourself from these kinds of incidents in the future. Here are three steps to finding legal help if you are dealing with contaminated drinking water.
1. Contact your local Utility Company
Start by Contacting Your Utility Company If your water has been contaminated, your local utility company is the first place you should check. In most cases, utility companies are aware of water-related issues in their communities and are responsible for fixing them. They will have records of past incidents that may have affected your water supply and may be able to take steps to fix the problem right away. You can contact the utility company responsible for your water by going to their website or by calling their customer service number.
2. Seek Out Local Legal Assistance
If your water supply is still contaminated after contacting your utility company, you may need to seek out legal help. There are legal aid agencies available in almost every community that can help you understand your legal rights and find a suitable course of action. If you have become ill as a result of drinking contaminated water, they can also help you file a personal injury lawsuit to recover compensation for your injuries. You can visit the American Bar Association’s website to find a local legal aid agency near you or call 211 to speak with an operator who can help you find the agency you need. Do as much research as possible regarding your rights regarding being affected by a water main break or other contaminants in your city’s water system. It s important to contact the proper authorities as soon as possible in order to expedite the process of getting your water tested and safe to drink again.
3. Consult With An Attorney
While legal aid agencies and government agencies can be useful resources for investigating water contamination cases, they cannot provide you with legal advice. You will need to work with an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your best interests and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries. An experienced lawyer will be able to assess your situation and determine how best to proceed. You may want to seek the advice of more than one attorney in order to get multiple opinions. Once you have chosen an attorney to represent you, he will handle all of the paperwork and provide you with regular updates on the status of your case.
A contingency fee arrangement is usually most appropriate in contamination cases like Camp Lejeune. This means that you do not pay any legal fees upfront, and you will only have to pay your attorney if and when you win your case. This can give you greater peace of mind knowing that you have legal representation without having to worry about how you will pay the lawyer’s fees. You will only be charged a fee that is equal to a percentage of the total amount awarded to you in a settlement or by a jury at trial.
Your attorney will also work with you to determine the best time to settle your case and ensure that the process is as efficient as possible. This is especially important if you have a lengthy legal case ahead of you or if you are still recovering from your injuries and cannot work while the case is ongoing. A skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer will understand the unique nature of water contamination cases and provide you with the resources you need to pursue your claim and get justice for your suffering.
Conclusion
In regard to drinking water contamination, many have questions and misunderstandings about the legal process for making a claim against a utility company or private party. If you have been a victim of water contamination due to negligence on the part of a utility company or another party, you may be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. While having a lawyer handle your legal matters is always advisable, it is possible to pursue a claim on your own if you are confident in your ability to navigate the legal system and understand the claims process. However, it is advisable to at least consult with an attorney before deciding how to proceed with your claim to ensure that your rights are protected and that you get the best result possible in your case.
