Why has Baton Rouge not tested for PFAS that may hurt Louisiana residents?

Louisiana – January 23. 2023

Man-made chemicals found in the Mississippi River industrial corridor between Baton Rouge and New Orleans are part of a class of thousands of chemicals known as per- and polyfluorinated substances, or collectively as “PFAS.” One of the chemicals, perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, or PFOS, was found in two locations in Ascension Parish in trace concentrations roughly on par with what has been found in some water systems.

Testing for toxins.

In Louisiana, public drinking water systems are not required to treat for PFAS or regularly test for them. Baton Rouge Water is scheduled to test for PFAS between this year and 2025 and they have not tested previously. PFOS, one of the chemicals found in the river, has been shown to depress the immune system in children, contribute to low birth weights and high blood pressure in pregnant women, and affect the cardiovascular system. Persistent chemicals increasingly drawing regulatory scrutiny because of their potential harm to the environment and the public have been detected in the Mississippi River in Ascension, Pointe Coupee and St. James parishes, a New Orleans nonprofit has found. An experienced groundwater pollution attorney in Louisiana can assist victims of toxic exposure and their families.

Damages (monetary compensation) are the sum of money that may be awarded to an injured party to compensate them for harms caused by environmental exposure to toxins.  The damage amounts attempt to financially measure the extent of harm that a victim has suffered because of negligent actions.  Damages are different from costs, which are the expenses incurred because of bringing a lawsuit, although the court may order the losing party to pay those expenses as well.

Damage recovery could address:

• Medical treatment,
• Necessary medications,
• Medical equipment,
• At home care and nursing services,
• Mental health counseling,
• Physical therapy,
• Dependents,
• Burial and funeral expenses.

Health risks.

A skilled environmental pollution lawyer can initiate a legal claim supported by proof of the exposure and illness provided by medical personnel highlighting medical records that prove a direct link between toxins in the water and a harmful illness to a Louisiana resident. Depending upon the severity of a PFAS related illness, lawyers may be able to find other avenues to secure compensation by taking legal action against companies that produced and supplied dangerous products that cause water pollution, specifically those who breach environmental laws. Mediation and arbitration can allow victims and businesses to achieve a successful damage award in some cases. Attorneys at Stag Liuzza understand how important it is to seek financial assistance to combat PFAS-related illnesses, and death harms from Louisiana water supplies.

STAG LIUZZA, LLC
One Canal Place
365 Canal Street
Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130

Ph: 504-593-9600
Fax: 504-593-9601

Sources.

1. https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=110567
2. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109387
3. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371
4. ‘Forever chemicals’ found in lower Mississippi | News | nola.com