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Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Capitol Hill Resident Sues D.C. Water and Sewer
John Parkhurst filed suit in Washington, D.C. Superior Court on February 17th, alleging that high levels of lead in the city's water caused his twin sons' chronic health problems. The suit seeks $200 million in damages, and could become a class action suit on behalf of other residents.
According to Parkhurst, his sons were given formula and food prepared with tap water when they were infants, and showed elevated levels of lead in their systems at their two-year checkup. Now eight years old, the twins suffer from learning and behavioral problems.
A 2007 research paper stated that heightened levels of lead in the water from 2001-2004 had not caused any health problems. However, evidence surfaced recently that the paper was written by a paid consultant for Washington Water and Sewer Authority. In addition, WASA had final say over the contents of the paper, making the results suspect. The lawsuit accuses WASA of hiding the seriousness of lead issues, and seeks various forms of monitoring and medical care for children affected by the lead contamination.
We take the safety of our drinking water for granted, and the failure of a large utility company to keep water safe represents a betrayal of the public trust. If you feel you have been affected by contaminated water, food, or other substances due to the negligence of a company or corporation, please contact The Cochran Firm. The experienced product liability and municipal liability attorneys at our Washington, D.C. office will discuss your case with you and do what we can to help.
According to Parkhurst, his sons were given formula and food prepared with tap water when they were infants, and showed elevated levels of lead in their systems at their two-year checkup. Now eight years old, the twins suffer from learning and behavioral problems.
A 2007 research paper stated that heightened levels of lead in the water from 2001-2004 had not caused any health problems. However, evidence surfaced recently that the paper was written by a paid consultant for Washington Water and Sewer Authority. In addition, WASA had final say over the contents of the paper, making the results suspect. The lawsuit accuses WASA of hiding the seriousness of lead issues, and seeks various forms of monitoring and medical care for children affected by the lead contamination.
We take the safety of our drinking water for granted, and the failure of a large utility company to keep water safe represents a betrayal of the public trust. If you feel you have been affected by contaminated water, food, or other substances due to the negligence of a company or corporation, please contact The Cochran Firm. The experienced product liability and municipal liability attorneys at our Washington, D.C. office will discuss your case with you and do what we can to help.
Labels: DC
posted by Benjamin A. Irwin at 12:07 PM
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