Historically, lead exposure has been a serious concern in many cities across the United States, including Jackson, Mississippi. Lead exposure can occur through various sources, such as lead-based paint, contaminated soil, and contaminated water. Lead can enter drinking water primarily through corroded pipes, plumbing fixtures, and solder used in plumbing systems, especially in older buildings. When water sits stagnant in these pipes through long periods, it can leach lead from these materials into the water.
Lead exposure through drinking water can have dangerous health effects, particularly for infants, children, pregnant women, and developing fetuses, including:
A federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Mississippi has permitted 1,000 children diagnosed with lead poisoning to proceed in a class-action case against Jackson and the Mississippi Department of Health, and hundreds more children could potentially join the case.
The judge in the case called the State Health Department’s handling of Jackson’s lead-contaminated water “straight-up negligence.” The lawsuit claims that the department practiced a pre-flushing method that artificially lowered lead test results, and then failed to warn Jackson residents about contamination. They instead issued boil water notices, which concentrates lead in water rather than removing it.
The lead contamination found in Jackson is greater than that found in Flint, Michigan.
Contact your local water utility or Department of Health for information on water quality testing results, lead levels, and any necessary precautions or remediation measures. Additionally, using certified water filters that are specifically designed to remove lead can be an effective way to reduce exposure in areas with known lead contamination issues.
Step 1.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney Today
Call and speak to one of our attorneys* for a no-cost consultation to discuss your situation, answer your questions, and help you determine the next steps. This call usually takes about 15 minutes, but we are happy to talk to you as long as you would like!
Step 2.
Quick Review of Your Paperwork
If we think you might have a case, we will need to review a few basic documents. If we determine you have a case, then you will have the option to hire us as your attorneys to pursue it.
Step 3.
Signed Attorney/Client Agreement
If you decide to hire us to pursue your case, we will have you sign an attorney-client agreement so we can begin the process of trying to recover your losses.*
*In the vast majority of cases, our agreement is contingent – meaning you won’t owe us any money unless we recover money for you.
