11-15-2012, 12:41 PM
It sounds very similar to the case that was built against PG&E here in California, RaisingAPrince. The one regarding contaminated drinking water from the Hinkley plant that was alleged to have caused cancer in some of the residents of the area. It's the case that catapulted Erin Brockovich into the limelight.
If I recall correctly, Brockovich was able to build a case against PG&E, who originally claimed that they weren't aware that some of the chemicals dumped into ponds were cancerous, with the help of a PG&E insider who produced reports to the contrary. Also, the fact that PG&E was buying a lot of the most contaminated property in the area prior to the scandal breaking was incriminating and indicative that they had knowledge and were engaged in a cover up. It didn't go to trial; Brockovich's firm won a settlement of around 350 million for the litigating families in the mid 90s.
My guess is that the outcome of the Toledo Whirpool case will depend upon internal company records and the ability for litigants to prove that Whirlpool knew (or should have known) that the chemicals dumped in the park contained cancer-causing agents. If that can be proven and especially if there are also indications that Whirpool engaged in a cover-up, look for a large settlement. If it can't be definitively proven, could be a very long and disappointing battle for the families involved. JMO...
If I recall correctly, Brockovich was able to build a case against PG&E, who originally claimed that they weren't aware that some of the chemicals dumped into ponds were cancerous, with the help of a PG&E insider who produced reports to the contrary. Also, the fact that PG&E was buying a lot of the most contaminated property in the area prior to the scandal breaking was incriminating and indicative that they had knowledge and were engaged in a cover up. It didn't go to trial; Brockovich's firm won a settlement of around 350 million for the litigating families in the mid 90s.
My guess is that the outcome of the Toledo Whirpool case will depend upon internal company records and the ability for litigants to prove that Whirlpool knew (or should have known) that the chemicals dumped in the park contained cancer-causing agents. If that can be proven and especially if there are also indications that Whirpool engaged in a cover-up, look for a large settlement. If it can't be definitively proven, could be a very long and disappointing battle for the families involved. JMO...