Six Things You Need To Do Before Filing A Water Contamination Claim
Contaminated water is not something that should be taken lightly.
A body of water being contaminated can lead to the people in the surrounding area getting ill instantly and developing long-term health problems. If you think you have been a victim of contaminated water, then you may want to make a claim against the people in charge of keeping your water clean.
We have put together this article to help you prepare for making a claim. It contains 6 steps you should take before heading to court.
Maybe you are involved or eligible to get involved with an ongoing claim – like the Camp Lejeune lawsuit – you will also find this article helpful.
If contaminated water has changed your life for the worse, then you should try to make sure that you and your family get justice.
#1 – Look After Yourself
If contaminated water in your area has made you or someone in your family unwell – then the first thing you want to concentrate on is making sure that everyone is getting the medical treatment and rehabilitation they need.
You do not want to neglect your health until after a settlement is made because you never know how long that will take to happen.
While you are getting treatment, keep a note of what treatments you have received and how much it has cost. Make a note of the amount of time you have spent in treatment as well.
#2 – Get A Sample Of The Water In Your Tap And Have It Tested
Before you take anyone to court you will want to make sure that you collect as much evidence as possible.
One of the most important pieces of evidence you can collect is a sample of the water you are claiming is contaminated. You should send it off for testing.
When you know what is in the water, a medical professional will be able to show the direct links between your illness and the chemicals in your water.
#3 – Collect Any Communication You Have Had With The Water Company
It will help your case if you can prove that you spoke to the water company about the contamination problem when you first noticed it.
When you are preparing for your case, you should collect all the evidence of your communication with the company. You can also use the evidence of other people communicating the same issue to the company in your case.
This collection should include any letters and emails you have sent the company, as well as any recordings of phone calls that have been made.
#4 – Hire A Lawyer
You have a better chance of winning your case if you bring a lawyer onto your team.
Having the right lawyer can make a huge difference to your chances of getting a settlement or a payout. They will be able to help you find the most important evidence, structure a case-winning argument, and put together all the key court documentation.
A lawyer will also be able to advise you on your rights throughout the process.
#5 – If There Is A Group Claim Get Involved In That Too
If you are a victim of water contamination, then it is very likely that the people who live around you are also suffering.
Before taking a solo case to court, do some research, is there a group case taking place?
Being involved in a larger claim with more resources will only benefit you and the other victims. If the group case wins – like in the case of the Camp Lejeune lawsuit – then there will be a legal precedent that will help other victims to make successful claims.
Companies are more likely to settle and make changes if a group claim is made.
#6 – Collect Evidence Of How The Contamination Has Changed Your Life
You wouldn’t be reading this article if water contamination hadn’t changed your life for the worse.
Maybe you or a family member has been unwell and had to pay big medical bills? Maybe your house price has gone down? Maybe you have lost your job because you have been unwell?
Try to document the ramifications of the water contamination in your life. The more that you can prove how negatively you have been affected, the more likely you are to win your case.
Your lawyer can help you to put together this evidence.
