Status: 11.11.2021 11:54 a.m.
The lead-contaminated drinking water scandal in the US city of Flint in 2014 and 2015 made headlines around the world. Now those affected will receive compensation totaling $ 626 million.
In the water scandal in the city of Flint in the US state of Michigan, those affected received a total of 626 million dollars in damages. A judge approved the deal to compensate people for the consequences of the lead-contaminated drinking water that came out of their taps in 2014 and 2015.
The main beneficiaries of the payments are people from Flint who were children at the time of the scandal and who were exposed to the greatest health risk from the lead in drinking water. Even adults who can prove that their illnesses can be traced back to the lead-contaminated drinking water receive compensation. At least twelve people died because of the contaminated drinking water.
Comparison achieved in 2020
The multi-million dollar settlement was reached in August 2020 after 18 months of tough negotiations. Most of the payments have to be made by the state of Michigan, smaller amounts have to be paid by the city of Flint and a company. It is one of the highest amounts of compensation in the history of the state of Michigan.
The Flint drinking water scandal had hit the headlines in the United States and beyond. In 2014, managers appointed by the state pumped untreated water from the Flint River into the drinking water system for cost reasons.
Lead got into drinking water
As a result, lead was detached from old pipes and fittings and found its way into the households of almost 100,000 residents. “This is a historic and momentous day for the people of Flint who are finally getting justice,” said Ted Leopold, one of the attorneys involved.
The scandal in the former industrial town of Flint became a symbol of social injustice in the USA. In the city, which is largely inhabited by blacks, the authorities initially rejected complaints from residents. Despite complaints from residents, the authorities only took action 18 months after a doctor reported elevated lead levels in children.