Greetings Good People,

I came across some great news today and had to share it with you all. The following information comes out of the NPR.

The Supreme Court has ruled that Flint, Michigan victims can sue the state and local government officials for water contamination. City officials and state regulators have argued that they were protected due to “qualified immunity,” but because of their refusal to take cases involving the tainted water, the Supreme Court has upheld lower court rulings. Co-lead counsel on the class action lawsuit, Attorney Michael Pitt, advised the following:

“It’s time for the people of Flint to start feeling like they are going to get their day in court. This just moves the entire process closer to that day.”

The initial lawsuit filed in 2016 argued that then-Gov. Rick Snyder acted indifferently to the harm residents faced when exposed to high levels of lead and contaminants. In 2014, the city’s water source was switched to the Flint River without properly treating the pipes for corrosion, which allowed lead and bacteria to seep into the water. A Legionnaires disease outbreak also occurred, killing 12 people and hospitalizing dozens. And although government officials advised it was safe, 18 months later they admitted it wasn’t.

Defense Attorney Pitts says it could be another year before the trial begins, but this is major progress for the communities in Flint. To check out the full article, click here. If you have any additional information, feel free to comment below.

Until Next Time…