As reported by MLive, the Michigan Court of Appeals has ruled that Benton Harbor residents may proceed with their constitutional claims against state agencies arising from years of exposure to lead-contaminated drinking water, rejecting the state’s attempt to dismiss the case on statute-of-limitations grounds.
The court found unresolved factual questions about whether state officials downplayed health risks and concealed the severity of lead contamination in public messaging, allowing the case to resume in the Michigan Court of Claims after discovery had been paused for more than a year.
The lawsuit, filed by Edwards & Jennings, P.C. and Lieff Cabraser, alleges that state officials violated residents’ constitutional right to bodily integrity by permitting continued exposure to unsafe drinking water while minimizing the danger.
“If the state wants to talk about settlement, we’re certainly open to that discussion, but the intent is to get to trial,” said Lieff Cabraser partner Mark P. Chalos, who represents Benton Harbor families.
You can read the full article on MLive’s website.
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