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Please click here to contact an environmental law attorney at Lieff Cabraser or call our Nashville office toll-free at (866) 313-1973 and request to speak to attorneys Mark Chalos or Elizabeth Alexander. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.

Case Center

Tennessee TVA Coal Ash Spill

  • Issue: Massive coal ash spill

The Rights of Property Owners

The Legal Rights of Property Owners

Leaks and seepage plagued the retention pond at the TVA coal plant for years. According to a February 2008 inspection report, the TVA reportedly knew about leaks at the Kingston facility for more than two decades and opted not to pay for long-term solutions to the problem.

Although the TVA is a quasi-governmental entity, under the law it can be held fully accountable for the damages it causes. Property owners may have claims for decrease in value, among other claims, including claims for medical monitoring, nuisance, and damages including incidental expenses, even though their property has not been covered with coal ash.

Residents should discuss their situation with legal counsel prior to accepting compensation from TVA. Agreeing to sign any documents that may release your legal rights could have long-term consequences and may not be in your best interest.

Discussing your case with legal counsel who can call upon experts in real estate valuation and scientists who have experience in environmental disasters is critical for a proper evaluation of your rights and remedies. You can be assured that TVA will have on its side experienced lawyers. You should have the same legal resources as TVA.

Contact Lieff Cabraser

Lieff Cabraser Heimann & Bernstein, LLP, has successfully represented hundreds of homeowners whose properties were contaminated by coal sludge. From our Nashville office, our attorneys are representing Kingston residents affected by the coal spill. On January 12, 2009, home and business owners represented by Lieff Cabraser filed a lawsuit against the TVA.

Please click here to contact a Lieff Cabraser attorney or call our Nashville office toll-free at (866) 313-1973 and request to speak to attorneys Mark Chalos or Elizabeth Alexander. There is no charge or obligation for our review of your case.

Learn more about Lieff Cabraser's Extensive Experience in Environmental Disaster and Toxic Exposure Cases.