North Carolina Ash Spill
On February 9, 2014, a leak was discovered at a Duke Energy power plant in North Carolina. According to officials, thousands of tons of coal ash has been pouring into the Dan River, and it has been estimated that since the discovery of the North Carolina ash spill, at least 82,000 tons of ash mixed with 27 million gallons of contaminated water has leaked. Officials say they cannot provide a time for when the leak will be fully contained, though the flow has significantly lessened as the pond has emptied.
Concerns have arisen that the extent of the damage of the North Carolina ash spill may not be fully understood for several more years. Coal ash is known to contain a mixture of toxic chemicals, including mercury, arsenic, lead and radioactive uranium. Unfortunately, the North Carolina ash spill is nearly impossible to clean up, and it is feared that its effects will go up the food chain and affect animals, wildlife and people.
If you have been affected by the North Carolina ash spill or other hazardous incident, a personal injury attorney can help you understand your situation legally and help you decide if you wish to pursue a claim. Contact Attorney Group today to learn more about your legal rights, at no cost to you.
Other Recent Events
An ExxonMobil pipeline carrying crude oil ruptured in Mayflower, Arkansas on March 29, 2013. Three days later, it was estimated that up to 12,000 barrels of water and oil had been released. 22 residents in the area were evacuated from thier homes, and the U.S. Environmental Protect Agency classified the leak as a major oil spill.
Residents affected by the Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill began filing lawsuits several months later in the summer of 2013. Since that time, other individuals have come forward to pursue claims to seek compensation for damages, and both the state of Arkansas and the U.S. have filed lawsuits against ExxonMobil. Plaintiffs working with personal injury attorneys are seeking punitive damages as a result of conduct that the company allegedly knew would most likely result in injuries or damages but took those actions with a disregard of the consequences.
A state of emergency was declared in eight counties in West Virginia following the leak of a chemical spill into the Elk River on January 9, 2014. Residents in impacted counties were advised to stop using water for bathing, drinking, doing laundry and cooking. The chemical produced an odor similar to cough syrup or licorice, and concerns arose for those that were exposed to the chemical in the water and air. Local health departments advised restaurants, schools and businesses to close their doors as a precautionary measure.
However, since the West Virginia chemical spill, several plaintiffs have filed lawsuits with personal injury attorneys in an effort to recover damages for lost income, lost wages and medical expenses sustained due to the spill. Additionally, although residents depend on natural gas, oil and coal to supply energy needs, when companies handling the products fail to exercise care to protect the environment and people from harm, those affected or injured often have legal claims.
All of these events had horrible environmental and social effects that are requiring a lot of time and money to repair. Any individual affected may not fully understand the extent or limitation of government and private-company funds for compensation, which is why it is important to seek legal counsel if affected by such an event.
Need a Personal Injury Attorney?
If you or someone you love has faced a major catastrophe like the North Carolina ash spill or the Mayflower, Arkansas oil spill due to the negligence of another, you may have legal recourse. Contact Attorney Group today to receive your free, no-obligation consultation and to determine whether you have a valid claim. We understand how devastating these times can be, particularly if you are facing serious financial or physical hardships, and we will do what we can to answer your questions. We can also connect you with an affiliated personal injury attorney who will handle your claim and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Don’t settle without knowing your rights- contact us today.
