January 1, Flint residents to receive $626M settlement over water quality

On Wednesday, US District Judge Judith Levy approved a $626 million settlement for Flint residents and others exposed to lead and bacteria-contaminated water from 2014 to 2015.

“The settlement reached here is a remarkable achievement for many reasons, not the least of which is that it sets forth a comprehensive compensation program and timeline that is consistent for every qualifying participant,” Levy said.

Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel (D) and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer (D) announced the deal in Aug. 2020, when the litigation was still pending.

The bulk of the funds, $600 million, will come from the state, which was accused of cutting corners instead of protecting its residents when it switched Flint’s water source without treating the water. McLaren Health is paying $5 million, and engineering firm Rowe Professional Services is paying $1.25 million.

“This is a historic and momentous day for the residents of Flint, who will finally begin to see justice served,” said Ted Leopold, one of the lead attorneys in the suit.

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Judge OKs $626 million settlement in Flint water litigation