How Can I Prove My Illness is Caused by Water Contamination?
Proving that your illness was caused by water contamination in New York involves demonstrating a direct link between the contaminated water source and your health condition or illness. This requires a combination of scientific, medical, and legal evidence. If you have experienced serious side effects linked to exposure to environmental toxins, call now to speak to our knowledgeable staff at Douglas & London or submit an online contact form.
We will provide a full complimentary case evaluation to determine which parties may be liable for your injuries and their related costs. If you decide to move forward with a chemical exposure lawsuit, you owe us no fees unless we achieve restitution on your behalf.
How You and Your Attorney Can Establish Your Case
At least six carcinogenic chemicals have been identified in NYC drinking water, including Bromodichloromethane, Chloroform, Chromium 6, Dichloroacetic acid, Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs), and Trichloroacetic acid. To succeed in a water contamination case, you have to prove the water was contaminated by the following:
- Water Testing Results: Obtain testing results showing the presence of harmful contaminants in the water supply. These contaminants could include bacteria, heavy metals, chemicals like PFAS, or other pollutants.
- Government Records: Access reports from local health departments, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), or the New York Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) documenting contamination issues in the area.
- Expert Analysis: Hire an environmental expert to test your water and confirm that it contains substances linked to health hazards.
Next, link the contamination to the source:
- Identify the Responsible Party: Determine the entity responsible for the contamination, such as a manufacturing plant, waste disposal site, or municipality. For example, some of the most common chemical pollutants in waterways across the country are from gas stations. Studies have shown that fuel additive methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) may cause serious side effects in the gastrointestinal system, kidneys, liver, and nervous system.
- Historical Evidence: Use documents such as permits, environmental impact reports, or violation notices showing that the party contributed to water contamination.
- Proximity Evidence: Show that your water source, such as a private well or municipal supply, is located near a contamination source.
Establish a Causal Link Between Water Contamination and Your Illness
Establish a causal link between contamination and illness by providing medical records diagnosing your illness and linking it to known effects of the contaminants found in the water. For example, lead contamination is linked to neurological disorders, and PFAS chemicals are associated with cancer and hormonal issues. Cite studies or research that can demonstrate a correlation between exposure to the contaminants and the type of illness you developed. You can also access documentation that may reveal negligence or violations of environmental standards.
Prove Exposure
You can prove exposure by your utility records showing that you relied on the contaminated municipal water supply for drinking, cooking, or bathing or documentation proving you used a private well connected to the contaminated water source. You may also need lease agreements, property deeds, or other evidence demonstrating your residence in the affected area during the contamination period.
Provide medical documentation diagnosing your illness and its potential link to contaminants found in the water. This may include records of treatments, medications, and hospital visits related to your condition. Toxicology reports should show elevated levels of harmful substances in your body, such as heavy metals or chemicals found in the water.
Schedule a Free Consultation
Your toxic exposure attorney at Douglas & London will thoroughly investigate your claim, subpoena documents if necessary, take sworn statements called depositions, and help you collect all the medical evidence, environmental research, and expert testimony you need to prove your claim in court. If you believe you’ve been sickened by water contamination, schedule a free consultation today. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no legal fees unless we win restitution for your damages and losses.
