Kentucky water contamination attorneys note that Governor Earl Ray Tomblin of West Virginia has issued a state of emergency after a chemical has affected the drinking water in eight countries. West Virginia American Water has advised residents of Boone, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam, Clay, Logan, Jackson and Roane counties to avoid using water for laundry, drinking, cooking and bathing; water may only be used to flush toilets and to douse fires. Instead, bottled water or water from an alternative source should be used for baby formula and food preparation, bathing, washing dishes, brushing teeth, making ice, drinking and washing clothes until further notice.
According to a local news report out of Charleston/Huntington at station WCHS, the chemical, 4-Methylcyclohexane Methanol, is used in the coal preparing process and had reportedly leaked into the Elk River Thursday morning, January 9, 2014, at Freedom Industries in Charleston. While the West Virginia American Water treatment facility initially stated that the water was safe to use, the company issued a “do not use” advisory several hours later, and the governor subsequently issued a state of emergency.
Officials have contacted nursing homes and hospitals to assess the needs of these facilities first, and restaurants who receive water through West Virginia American Water were forced to close their doors. Schools in Clay, Lincoln, Kanawha and Putnam counties are closed January 10, 2014 due to the contaminated water, and Governor Tomblin is working with FEMA and the National Guard to fly safe drinking water into the area where it will subsequently be trucked to the emergency management offices in each of the affected counties.
Furthermore, the report advised that those who are distressed, ill or have medical issues that would require immediate assistance to contact the Emergency Operations Center at 304-746-8828. Symptoms to report include vomiting, nausea, burning sensations or severe eye irritation. Serious symptoms of contamination include severe eye irritation, severe burning in the throat, nonstop vomiting, severe skin irritation such as blistering or difficulty breathing.
Have You Been Affected by the Chemical Leak?
Although the U.S. depends on fossil fuels including oil, coal and natural gas to supply its energy needs, when companies handling these products fail to exercise reasonable care to protect the environment and residents from harm, those who are adversely affected often have legal recourse. If you or a loved one have suffered damages or have been injured as a result of the West Virginia chemical leak, water contamination attorneys can assist you in filing for and receiving the compensation to which you may be entitled.
You may be eligible to recover damages for medical expenses, pain and suffering and loss of income, particularly if you were unable to go to your place of employment or if you are a business owner and you were required to shut your doors for lack of appropriate drinking water. Contact Kentucky water contamination attorneys to learn more about your legal rights.
Concerned about Toxic Water? Water Contamination Attorneys Can Help You
If you or a loved one were directly affected by the Elk River chemical leak or if you have questions about filing a claim as a result of water contamination, contact water contamination attorneys today for assistance. Attorney Group for Kentucky is offering free, no-obligation consultations to those who feel they are entitled to receive compensation. We will review your case and connect you with water contamination attorneys who will assist you in bringing a claim against the parties responsible for your damages. The time to file is often limited, so seek legal counsel today.
