Victims Of Colorado Mine Spill Awaiting Payments 3 Years After The Fact.

Generally, the goal of a lawsuit in tort law is to secure compensation for someone who has suffered personal injury as the result of negligence. Subject to various state laws and guidelines, damage awards are determined by juries, and the liable party must pay up. However, securing an award and collecting it are two different things, as liable parties may be reluctant to pay and employ various tactics to delay or even avoid paying compensation.  They may even file for bankruptcy. If you are considering bringing a negligence lawsuit, it would be wise to contact an expert personal injury attorney at 617-787-3700.

More than three years have passed since a major mine spill badly polluted rivers in three states. But the federal government still has not paid for damages for any of the victims affected by the event, which ironically was triggered by the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). An EPA-led contractor crew was doing excavation work at the entrance to the Gold King near Silverton, Colorado, on Aug. 5, 2015, when workers inadvertently unleashed 3 million gallons of wastewater pent up inside the mine.

Pollution then flooded the rivers of Colorado, New Mexico, and Utah, and many tribal lands were affected. Farmers, rafting operators, tour guides, homeowners, and many others were adversely affected by the event, and these groups filed for roughly $318 in economic losses. Although the EPA paid out some money to state, tribal, and local governments for the costs of responding to the spill, no money has been paid to the individual claimants. Initially, the federal government cited sovereign immunity, claiming  that the lawsuits could not be brought in the first place, but then the government said it would review the claims. Still, though, no money has been paid out to date. Claimants from each of the three states affected have also filed separate suits against the EPA.

If you or a loved one has been injured as the result of the negligence of another, you may be entitled to significant monetary relief. Act now and contact one of our expert attorneys here at the Law Offices of Gilbert R. Hoy, Jr. and Affiliates to discuss your potential claim. Call us today at 617-787-3700 or email us at info@gilhoylaw.com for your free and private consultation. Your needs are our top priority!

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