ERIN BROCKOVICH VISIT BRINGS POLLUTION TO TOP-OF-MIND

“I hope we wake up to the things we’re doing,” said environmental advocate Erin Brockovich, upon arriving in Indianapolis earlier this month to speak at the Indiana Convention for Women.

Interesting – right here in Franklin, Indiana, testing has confirmed the presence of cancer-causing chemicals hundreds of times higher than the “safe limits” set by our own environmental agency. “Coincidentally”, the toll of Johnson County children diagnosed with rare forms of cancer in the past decade is now approaching 60!

A team of environmentalists found high levels of Tetrachloroethylene (PCE), Trichloroethylene (TCE) and Radon in homes near the old Amphenol Corporation and Franklin Power Products site. Even worse, the remediation system which was designed to pump the contaminated groundwater underneath the site and treat it had no filter, and chemicals were going into the air.

Whether you live in a rural/agricultural area or in a large urban center, any outside activity which devalues your property can and should be addressed, our personal injury attorneys explain. But what if it’s about something even more important that property rights?  What if it’s about children’s health?!

Central Indiana is one of the 25 most polluted areas in the world, Emily Hopkins remarks in her Indianapolis Star piece reporting on the Brockovich speech. The contaminants coming out of coal pits in and around the city include arsenic, mercury, boron, chromium, and selenium, and coal ash is at its most dangerous when wet, because, like tea steeped in water, the toxins commingle with the underlying water table. Mothers talking to our Ramey & Hailey attorneys want to warn other mothers about environmental toxins and carcinogens.

Here at Ramey & Hailey, we closely follow reports on the dangers water and air pollution pose to residents’ health. We know contaminants are commonly found in Indiana rivers, lakes, and drinking water supplies,. We know the presence of asbestos and mold can diminish the health of anyone exposed to those substances over long periods of time. Sick waters, sick buildings, and sick air result in sick Hoosiers.

Our message is this: If you have been diagnosed with a condition caused by exposure to a toxic substance, knowing your legal rights can be crucial in getting financial help for injuries, damages, loss of wages, and medical expenses. 

The Erin Brockovich visit may have moved environmental pollution to the top of our minds, and that’s a good thing. Only becoming aware and then taking action can get us off that “most polluted” list. Taking legal action today against corporations which carelessly pollute our air and water can possibly save some of our children’s lives tomorrow!