Flint water contamination class action settlement

Updates:

• On Nov. 15, 2023, the court preliminarily approved a new class settlement with the Leo A. Daly Co., Lockwood Andrews and Newnam Inc. and Lockwood and Newnam PC (the LAN defendants), which would add additional money to the settlement fund. 
• Notices will be sent to class members by Dec 15, 2023.
• ​Those who already registered for the current settlement and filed a claim form do not need to take any action to participate in the new settlement.
• Those who did not previously register and did not file a claim form may register for and file a claim in the new settlement with the LAN defendants; the deadline is Jan. 16, 2024.
• More information on the new settlement with the LAN defendants is available on the administrator’s website.

• The claim deadline has been extended to June 30, 2022.

Flint, Michigan, residents who were exposed to polluted water during the Flint water crisis may be able to benefit from a $641.25 million water contamination class action lawsuit settlement with city and state entities and others.

The settlement benefits individuals who used, were exposed to, or paid for water from the Flint Water Treatment Plant (at 4500 Dort Highway, Flint, Michigan 48506), during the period of April 25, 2014, to Nov. 16, 2020.

The Flint water crisis has been in the news since it began in 2014 when the city of Flint switched its water supply, according to the Natural Resources Defense Council. Instead of continuing to use Detroit’s water system, the city began sourcing water from the Flint River in order to save money.

However, due to inadequate water treatment and poor testing, this shift caused 18 months of exposure to contaminants such as lead. Flint residents — especially children living in the city — suffered from serious health issues such as elevated blood lead levels, skin rashes, hair loss, and more.

In February 2017, the Michigan Civil Rights Commission deemed the Flint water crisis was linked to “systemic racism,” which led people in power to ignore the voices and suffering of Flint residents.

“The people of Flint have been subjected to unprecedented harm and hardship, much of it caused by structural and systemic discrimination and racism that have corroded your city, your institutions, and your water pipes, for generations,” the commission wrote.

Although the commission validated Flint residents and their experiences, several lawsuits were filed against the city of Flint, Michigan state, various government and health officials, and others. Plaintiffs in these cases aimed to hold the defendants responsible for failing to prevent the water contamination, concealing the issue, failing to remedy contamination, and covering up alleged misconduct.

In January 2021, the court granted preliminary approval to a $641.25 million settlement with the state of Michigan, the city of Flint, government officials, McLaren Hospital, and Rowe Engineering. Other engineering companies and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) are not involved in this settlement and haven’t resolved the claims against them.

Flint water crisis class action settlement benefits

Class Members can recover a cash payment from the Flint water contamination lawsuit settlement. The settlement grid provides detailed information about claim levels and which claimants are eligible for higher payments. 

Each claimant category requires different proof. 

For example, Category 1 minor child claimants include children who were 6 years of age or younger when they were first exposed to Flint water and who were found to have elevated blood level tests. Proof for these claimants includes a blood lead test and bone lead test. 

According to the Flint water contamination lawsuit settlement website, claim amounts will be determined based on a review of each claimant’s situation and possible appeals. Although this process will take a significant amount of time, payments may be issued as soon as the end of 2022.

In order to submit a claim, Class Members must fill out a claim form, declaration of proof of exposure, lien questionnaire, release, signature attestation form, and business forms (if applicable). 

The deadline to file a claim with the Flint water contamination class action lawsuit settlement is June 30, 2022.

Who’s Eligible

The settlement benefits individuals who used, were exposed to, or paid for water from the Flint Water Treatment Plant (at 4500 Dort Highway, Flint, Michigan 48506), during the period of April 25, 2014, to Nov. 16, 2020.

Potential Award

Varies

Proof of Purchase

Each claimant category requires different proof.

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

06/30/2022 (UPDATED)

01/16/2024 for those who did not register for and file a claim in the new settlement with the LAN defendants

Case Name

In re: Flint Water Cases, Case No. 5:16-cv-10444 in the U.S. District Court Eastern District of Michigan

Final Hearing

11/10/2021

Settlement Website

OfficialFlintWaterSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

​ARCHER Systems, LLC
Re: Flint Water Settlement
1775 St. James Place, Suite 200
Houston, TX 77056
FLINTWATER@ARCHERSYSTEMS.COM
800-493-1754

Class Counsel

Theodore J. Leopold
COHEN MILSTEIN SELLERS & TOLL PLLC

Michael L. Pitt
PITT MCGEHEE PALMER BONANNI & RIVERS PC

Corey M. Stern
LEVY KONIGSBERG LLP

Hunter Shkolnik
NAPOLI SHKOLNIK

Defense Counsel

J. Brian MacDonald
CLINE CLINE & GRIFFIN

William Y. Kim, Assistant City Attorney
CITY OF FLINT DEPARTMENT OF LAW

Frederick A. Berg Jr.
BUTZEL LONG PC

Craig S. Thompson
SULLIVAN WARD PATTON GLEESON AND FELTY PC