Contaminated Water Litigation

Over $1 Billion Recovered for Accident Victims. We are proud to have a reputation for aggressively fighting for the rights of injured workers.

free consultation view our case results

Contaminated Water Lawyers

Clean, safe water is a basic right, yet water contamination remains a significant threat to many communities, including those in and around New Orleans. When harmful chemicals or bacteria infiltrate drinking water supplies, they can cause serious health issues, ranging from gastrointestinal illnesses to life-threatening conditions like cancer and neurological damage. Unfortunately, water contamination often results from the negligent actions of corporations, insufficient infrastructure, or improper waste disposal practices.

At Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso, we stand firmly on the side of affected individuals and communities. Our experienced attorneys handle water contamination lawsuits in communities across the United State, tirelessly pursuing justice for those impacted by unsafe water. With a history of successful environmental litigation, we know the stakes and are committed to holding polluters accountable. If you or a loved one has been exposed to contaminated water, contact us today to discuss your rights and explore options for securing the compensation you deserve.

What Causes Water Contamination?

Water contamination can occur from a range of sources, both human-made and natural, which introduce harmful substances into the water supply. These pollutants can make water unsafe for drinking, cooking, bathing, and other essential uses. Here are some of the most common causes of water contamination affecting communities like New Orleans:

Industrial Pollution

Factories, refineries, and other industrial facilities often release chemicals and waste products into nearby water sources. When hazardous substances like heavy metals, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and other toxic chemicals leak into the water, they can pose severe health risks for surrounding communities. Even minor spills can have lasting effects if these pollutants seep into groundwater, which supplies many local drinking water systems.

Agricultural Runoff

Modern farming practices, while essential for food production, can introduce pollutants into local water supplies. Fertilizers, pesticides, and animal waste from farms can wash into rivers, lakes, and groundwater systems, especially after heavy rains. This runoff can contain high levels of nitrates, phosphorus, and bacteria, which contribute to health issues and environmental imbalances in local water supplies.

Faulty Infrastructure and Old Pipes

Aging infrastructure, including old lead pipes and corroded plumbing, is a major contributor to water contamination. Lead, in particular, poses a serious threat; exposure can lead to developmental issues in children and various health problems in adults. In many cities, including parts of New Orleans, outdated or poorly maintained water systems can allow contaminants to leach into the drinking water, creating significant public health risks.

Accidents and Negligence

Accidental spills, illegal dumping, and other forms of negligence are also frequent causes of water contamination. Examples include oil spills, improper disposal of hazardous waste, and accidental chemical releases. These incidents can contaminate local water sources, impacting both humans and wildlife, and can have lasting effects if not addressed swiftly and thoroughly.

Natural Contamination Sources

While human activity is the most common source of contamination, natural elements can also contribute to unsafe water. Arsenic, radon, and uranium are naturally occurring elements that can seep into groundwater from surrounding rocks and soil. When present in high concentrations, these substances can be toxic, posing additional risks to communities that rely on groundwater as their primary water source.

Companies We’ve Fought Against

Lambert Zainey has obtained recoveries from a long list of maritime companies, including some of the biggest names in the industry.

View More Companies we Fight

Common Contaminants and Their Health Impacts

Water contamination isn’t just about unpleasant tastes or odors — it often involves hazardous chemicals and microbes that can cause severe and sometimes irreversible health issues. Below are some of the most common water contaminants and the health risks they pose.

Lead

Lead is a toxic metal that can leach into drinking water from old pipes and plumbing fixtures. Even small amounts of lead exposure can lead to severe health issues, particularly in children, including developmental delays, learning disabilities, and behavioral problems. In adults, long-term lead exposure may contribute to hypertension, kidney damage, and reproductive issues.

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances)

Known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment, PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals used in industrial processes, firefighting foam, and household products. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to various cancers, liver damage, immune system impairment, and developmental issues in children. PFAS contamination is a growing concern in drinking water systems across the U.S.

Arsenic

Arsenic can enter water supplies naturally through soil and rock erosion or from industrial pollution. Prolonged exposure to arsenic, especially through drinking water, has been linked to skin lesions, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancers of the skin, bladder, and lungs. Arsenic-contaminated water is a significant health risk in many regions.

Bacteria and Viruses

Pathogens like E. coli, giardia, and norovirus can contaminate water supplies through sewage overflows, animal waste, and stormwater runoff. Ingesting water contaminated with these microbes can cause gastrointestinal illnesses, including diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach cramps. For people with weakened immune systems, bacterial contamination can lead to more severe health complications.

Nitrates

Commonly found in agricultural runoff, nitrates enter water supplies from fertilizers, animal waste, and septic systems. High levels of nitrates are particularly dangerous for infants, leading to a potentially fatal condition known as “blue baby syndrome,” which affects the blood’s ability to carry oxygen. Long-term exposure can also increase the risk of certain cancers and thyroid problems in adults.

Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)

VOCs, such as benzene, toluene, and chloroform, are often found in industrial solvents, fuel, and household products. When VOCs seep into water supplies, they pose a significant cancer risk, along with liver and kidney damage and neurological symptoms. Prolonged exposure to VOCs in drinking water has been associated with a heightened risk of various cancers, including liver and kidney cancer.

Radon and Other Radioactive Elements

Radioactive contaminants like radon, uranium, and radium can leach into groundwater from natural deposits in rocks and soil. Radon exposure, particularly from drinking and inhaling vaporized water, is a leading cause of lung cancer. Other radioactive elements in water may increase the risk of bone and organ cancers, especially after long-term exposure.

The Legal Rights of Water Contamination Victims

If you or your loved ones have been exposed to contaminated water, you may be entitled to pursue legal action against the responsible parties. Water contamination lawsuits can help victims recover compensation for health problems, medical expenses, property damage, and other losses caused by exposure to harmful substances. Here are some of the key legal rights available to water contamination victims:

1. Right to Hold Responsible Parties Accountable

Victims of water contamination have the right to file lawsuits against those responsible for the pollution, including corporations, government agencies, and property owners who failed to protect the water supply. These entities can be held liable for negligence, especially if they violated state or federal environmental regulations or failed to take reasonable steps to prevent contamination. By taking legal action, victims not only seek compensation for their losses but also work to prevent future harm to others in their community.

2. Protection Under Environmental Laws

Federal and state laws, such as the Clean Water Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act, are in place to protect public water supplies from contamination. These laws set limits on the discharge of pollutants into water sources and require public water systems to monitor and maintain safe water quality. When these laws are violated, individuals affected by contaminated water have the right to seek justice and financial compensation for damages. Experienced attorneys can help victims navigate these complex regulations to build a strong case.

3. Right to Seek Compensation for Health and Financial Damages

Water contamination can lead to serious medical conditions, from cancer and neurological disorders to gastrointestinal diseases. Victims have the right to pursue compensation for a range of damages, including:

Medical expenses: Costs for treatment, ongoing care, medications, and future medical needs related to contamination exposure.
Lost wages and diminished earning capacity: Compensation for income lost due to illness or disability caused by exposure.
Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages to address the emotional and physical impact of illness and treatment.

Property damage: If contaminated water has damaged your property or devalued your home, you may be entitled to compensation for repairs and property loss.

4. Class Action and Mass Tort Options

If a significant number of people in the same area have been affected by contaminated water, victims may have the option to join a class action or mass tort lawsuit. These collective legal actions allow groups of individuals to sue a single responsible party, pooling resources to strengthen their case and reduce individual legal costs. Joining a class action can be an effective way to address widespread contamination and hold large corporations accountable for systemic harm.

5. The Importance of Evidence and Expert Testimony

IIn water contamination cases, proving that a specific contaminant caused your illness can be complex. Victims have the right to build their case with the help of experts in fields such as toxicology, environmental science, and public health. The attorneys at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso are experienced working with these experts in water contamination cases to gather evidence, establish a link between the contaminant and the health impact, and build a compelling case for compensation.

6. Right to Legal Consultation

Most water contamination attorneys offer free consultations, giving victims the chance to discuss their case and legal options without financial risk. At Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso, we believe every victim has the right to seek justice without facing initial costs or barriers. Our team is here to listen, advise, and provide the support you need to make an informed decision about pursuing your legal rights.

case results

Over $1 Billion Recovered for Maritime Accident Victims

see all case results

$330 MILLION SETTLEMENT

Oil storage tank rupture at the Murphy Oil USA refinery in Chalmette, LA. The fastest class certification and resolution of a case of its type and magnitude to date.

SETTLED IN ONLY 12 MONTHS

Arco cryogenic platform explosion caused by improper cold cut of Southern Natural Gas pipeline. Settlement for the injured and deceased in approximately twelve months.

Speak With a Water Contamination Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one has been affected by polluted water in Louisiana or throughout the U.S., the water contamination lawyers at Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso are here to help. We understand the devastating emotional, physical, and financial impact that exposure to polluted water can have on an individual and their family. Our water contamination lawyers are dedicated to holding polluters accountable and fighting for the compensation you deserve.

Time is critical when it comes to filing toxic water contamination claims. Don’t delay protecting your rights — call Lambert Zainey Smith & Soso at (504) 581-1750 to schedule your free initial consultation with an experienced environmental lawsuit attorney.