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  4.  | Whirlpool’s Role In Cancer-Causing Pollution Remains Uncertain

Whirlpool’s Role In Cancer-Causing Pollution Remains Uncertain

by | Aug 21, 2015 | Premises Liability

Whirlpool Corp. recently settled a lawsuit with land owners outside Clyde, Ohio. The land owners filed suit because of alleged contamination on their properties. Specifically, they alleged that Whirlpool dumped cancer-causing waste at its site, contaminating soil in the area.

The lawsuit is independent – but related to – another lawsuit that was recently dropped involving dozens of children who suffered cancer. Parents alleged that their children were sickened by harmful chemicals emitted from the Whirlpool plant.

The company is currently cleaning contaminated waste at the Clyde plant and settled the lawsuit with nearby land owners under confidential terms. Still, Whirlpool maintains that it did not cause cancer in 35 children, including three cases that were fatal.

The sick children and their parents may decide to re-file their cancer-related lawsuit anytime before February 2016.

Unfortunately, contamination and pollution lawsuits are not uncommon in Ohio. Toxic tort lawsuits are usually filed in the two aforementioned situations: (1) when pollution causes land owners to lose value or use of their property, or (2) when pollution causes illness.

These cases can be extremely complex and difficult to win, especially those involving illnesses. It is not enough to show that the company polluted and a person became sick after possible exposure to the pollution. The victim needs to show that the pollution caused his or her illness, too. As we know, cancer often develops for no ascertainable reason. A plaintiff-victim must build a strong case to convince a court that a company’s pollution is the source of the illness at issue.

If you think you or a family member may be the victim of soil or water contamination, speak with an experienced premises liability attorney to discuss your legal options.