Jan Burgess is legally blind, but that doesn't stop the Flint resident from playing detective when gathering evidence to document the impact the city's corrosive water has had on her body, home and well-being. Anxious for information on the case, Burgess seeks updates from a website,flintwaterclassaction.com, that was designed by a Metro Detroit legal team to educate Flint residents on how to prepare for their actual date in court. Written by lawyers, the website explains how to preserve evidence by using a damage inventory instruction sheet and provides developments on the cases that have been filed and opportunities to volunteer by reaching others impacted by the contaminated water. The website contains general instructions on collecting evidence and a warning: "If you do not preserve evidence or if you destroy it, you may not be able to recover damages in this case. This is a legal requirement. ... All photographs, videos, emails, text messages, water samples and documents which relate to your case must be preserved and made available to the attorneys for the parties you are suing." Julie Hurwitz and Bill Goodman, two civil rights attorneys from Detroit, are among a dozen attorneys including members of Pitt McGehee Palmer & Rivers who make up what they are calling the Flint Water Class Action Team. Part of the process of seeking certification is gathering common claims from a sufficient number of people, Hurwitz said. But there are no hard and fast numbers to indicate when they've reached that point. "There has to be a way for a court and a jury to be able to assess the damages suffered by the victims. There has to be a way to categorize their damages," she said. "The court has to call everyone together when it's clear they know who everyone is." You can read the entire Detroit News Article here
Legal News -- "On the Front Line: Attorney Fights to Right Injustices"
Channing Robinson-Holmes was featured in a biographical profile published by the Legal News. Read the full profile of Channing here.
WJRT/ABC/Flint -- "See How $600 Million Will be Distributed to Flint Residents"
Michael Pitt and Ted Leopold were quoted in coverage by television outlet WJRT/ABC/Flint regarding the process for filing claims in the Flint Water Crisis class action, in which the State of Michigan announced a proposed $600 million settlement....
Traverse City Record-Eagle -- "Whitmer: $600M Flint Water Deal a Step Toward Making Amends"
MIchael Pitt was cited in an article published by the Traverse City Record-Eagle regarding the State of Michigan's proposed $600 million settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action. Read the full report here.
The Hill -- "Michigan Agrees to $600M Settlement with Flint Residents"
Michael Pitt and Ted Leopold were quoted in The Hill (daily newsletter covering the federal govt. and national issues) as part of its coverage of the State of Michigan's proposed $600 million settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action....
The Hill -- "Michigan Agrees to $600M Settlement with Flint Residents"
Detroit Free Press -- "Flint Water Crisis Legal Settlement Totals $600M, Creates Victim Compensation Fund"
Michael Pitt and Ted Leopold were cited in a Detroit Free Press report on the proposed $600 million settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action and how the funds will be distributed. Read the entire article here.
Detroit News -- "Here's How Flint Families Will Get Paid in Water Crisis Settlement"
Michael Pitt and Ted Leopold were quoted in a Detroit News article reporting on the process to be used for making claims in the Flint Water Crisis class action in which a $600 million settlement has been proposed. Read the entire article...
NBC News -- "Michigan Officials Announce $600M Settlement in Flint Water Crisis"
Michael Pitt and Trachelle Young were quoted in NBC News coverage of the State of Michigan's announcement of a proposed $600 million settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action. Read the entire report here.
WNEM/CBS/Saginaw -- "AG Announces $600M Preliminary Settlement for Flint Water Civil Lawsuit"
Michael Pitt and Ted Leopold were cited in WNEM/CBS/Saginaw coverage of the announcement by the State of Michigan on a proposed $600M settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action. Read the entire report here.
Law360 -- "Unemployment Surge Draws Lawyers to the Front Lines"
Jennifer Lord was quoted in a Law360 "Access to Justice" feature examining problems experienced by thousands of Americans trying to collect unemployment benefits due to COVID-19-related layoffs and ongoing issues with automated...
Bridge Michigan -- "Relief, Optimism and Mistrust Greet $600M Flint Water Lawsuit Settlement"
Michael Pitt was quoted in a Bridge Michigan report on reaction to the announcement of a $600M Settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action. Read the entire report here.
Washington Post -- "Whitmer: $600M Flint Water Deal a Step Towards Making Amends"
Michael Pitt was quoted in a Washington Post report on the announcement of a $600 millon settlement in the Flint Water Crisis class action. Read the entire report here.
Legal News -- "Michigan Court of Appeals Affirms $388K Verdict for Jackson Educator in Whistleblower Lawsuit"
Megan Bonanni was quoted in a Legal News report on the Michigan Court of Appeals affirmation of a $388K verdict in the Pennie Davis whistleblower case against Jackson Schools. Read entire article here.
M. Pitt Cited in MLive Report on Midland Area Couple's Claim Filed Against the Federal Energy Resource Commission in Edenville Dam Collapse
Michael Pitt was quoted in MLive coverage of the claim filed against the Federal Energy Commission by a Midland Couple for property and personal damages caused by flooding after the collapse of the Edenville Dam in May 2020. The firm is representing Dan and Cathy Miller and filed a $1.25 million claim under the Federal Tort Claims Act. Read entire article here.
M. Pitt Cited in Bridge Magazine Report on Lawsuit Firm Filed Against Federal Energy Resource Commission
Michael Pitt was cited in Bridge Magazine coverage of the lawsuit filed by the firm against the Federal Energy Resouce Commission. The plaintiffs are Sanford, Mich. couple Cathy and Dan Allen whose home was severely damaged in mass flooding following the collapse of the Edenville Dam in May 2020.
Midland Daily News -- "Lawsuit Blames State Agencies for Dam Failures"
Mike Pitt, Ted Leopold and Paul Stephen were referenced as plaintiffs' attorneys in a Midland Daily News report on the lawsuit filed June 25 in the Michigan Court of Claims. The coverage notes that the suit's 15 plaintiffs owned property and homes which were damaged or destroyed in the May 19 Midland area flooding caused by the collapse of the Edenville Dam. Read full article here.
Detroit News -- "Feds Didn't Review Finances or Fine Edenville Dam Owner"
Michael Pitt was cited in Detroit News coverage examining the lack of maintenance and repairs at the Edenville Dam and related issues regarding regulation of the dam prior to its collapse and subsequent flooding in the Midland area. Read full article here.
Bridge Magazine -- "Whitmer Administration Names Outside Team to Probe Edenville Dam Failure"
Micheal Pitt was cited in a Bridge Magazine report on the appointment of an independent team of investigators to look into the Edenville Dam failure which resulted in massive flooding and property damage in the Midland, Mich....
GOVERNING -- "Michigan's Ineffective Unemployment System is Nothing New"
Jennifer Lord was cited in an article published by GOVERNING magazine regarding the breakdown in customer service at the Michigan Unemployment Insurance Agency. Read full article here.
Crain's Detroit Business -- "Nonprofit Sues Canton Apartment Complex, Alleging Discrimination of Recovering Substance Abusers"
Robin Wagner and firm client Joseph Paliwoda were quoted in Crain's Detroit Business coverage of the Personalized Nursing LIGHT House vs. Crossings of Canton housing discrimination suit:
Read full article here.