Attorneys answer questions about Flint Water Crisis settlement

FLINT, Mich. (WNEM) - Attorneys answered questions about the class action settlement stemming from the Flint Water Crisis on Wednesday, July 17.

“Our primary goal is to address the concerns, make sure everyone understands the purpose of the notices,” said Trachelle Young with the Flint Water Justice Team Class Counsel.

Flint Water Justice, the attorneys for the plaintiffs in the Flint Water Crisis, hosted the first of three virtual town hall meetings to address claimants’ concerns and questions after they received notices from the settlement administrator in the mail.

“There are different notices that went out. So, we will delineate the different types of notices. We will focus on the deadlines, and we will let people know because whether they haven’t approved but something is missing, or whether they have a deficiency, meaning that something major is missing. We will give them examples of what types of documents that can be submitted,” Young said.

In February, Flint residents reached a settlement with the engineering firm Veolia North America (VNA) for $25 million, adding to the initial settlement of more than $600 million in November 2021.

The settlements are a result of the 2014 water crisis where the city pulled water from the Flint River for 18 months without treating it to reduce corrosion, causing lead from old pipes to leach into people’s homes.

“We feel the frustration of our clients. We know that this settlement has been prolonged. We understand that,” Young said. “They were still harmed, and we want to fight to make sure they get what they’ve earned.”

With the additional money from the VNA settlement, claimants who missed out on the initial settlement filing can now submit for the new additional funds as long as they are eligible. Those who filed for the original settlement will automatically be included in the additional amounts.

“We’re expecting by the end of this year people will get approved and placed in particular categories which will tell them the actual amount of their awards,” Young said.

The attorneys said notices are still being sent out but that anyone with questions or who needs to verify whether the notice is legitimate, they can contact them on their website or visit them at their office on Robert T. Longway Boulevard.

“We’re increasing our office hours back to full speed, Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. So, we’re trying to make sure anybody who has a question or concern can get it addressed,” Young said.

The attorneys say if you receive a notice saying you are missing information or documentation, it is important to respond before the deadline given on the notice because different dates are given.

Flint Water Justice will hold two additional virtual meetings: the first will be on Wednesday, July 24, and the second will be on Sunday, July 28. Both will be held at 6:30 p.m. in the evening.

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