Judge Gives Final Nod to $626 Million Flint Water Settlement

A $626 million partial settlement reached in lawsuits filed over the contamination of drinking water in Flint, Mich., received final approval by a federal judge in the state.

The settlement resolves thousands of claims brought on behalf of Flint residents who drank lead-tainted water after resources were switched to untreated river water in 2014. Michigan plans to sell bonds to finance its part of the settlement, which is one of the largest in the state’s history.

“The settlement reached here is a remarkable achievement for many reasons,” wrote Eastern District of Michigan Judge Judith E. Levy.

The settlement categories include people with lead in their blood or bones, adults with physical injuries, women who experienced miscarriages, and people diagnosed with legionnaires disease, according to the Wednesday filing.

Levy rejected all objections to the settlement, including complaints that class representatives are being paid too much, the settlement’s notice is too vague, and that the Covid-19 pandemic interfered with their ability to meet with lawyers.

“Though we can never undo what has occurred, this settlement makes clear that those who egregiously violate the law and harm their communities will be held accountable,” said Ted Leopold, court-appointed co-lead counsel and partner at Cohen Milstein Sellers & Toll, in a statement Wednesday.

Former Michigan Gov. Rick Snyder and other former officials face criminal charges in connection with the contamination.

The Michigan Attorney General’s Office represented the state.

The case is Waid v. Snyder, E.D. Mich., No. 5:16-cv-10444, 11/10/21.