Burlington Township Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Burlington Township Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

Burlington Township, New Jersey, has been added to a growing list of cities with water contamination concerns, particularly with the rise in lawsuits linked to PFAS found in the local drinking water. Stay informed about the ongoing contamination issues in Burlington Township, including their historical background, sources of pollution, and recent legal actions. King Law is committed to raising awareness about the health risks of exposure to dangerous chemicals like PFAS, which have been detected in the township’s water supply at levels surpassing safety guidelines.

Burlington Township, New Jersey Water Contamination Overview

Settlers first made their home in Burlington Township, New Jersey in 1677. Thanks to its location along the Delaware River, Burlington played a crucial role in trade, linking Philadelphia and New York City. It’s also known for supporting transportation hubs, industrial initiatives, and the American Revolution. In the 19th century, Burlington’s efforts evolved to focus on textile manufacturing and shipbuilding. Today, it’s largely suburban and residential with a charming community and thriving small businesses. 

Because of Burlington’s industrial past, it continues to struggle with water contamination. Decades of manufacturing discharged toxins into the soil and groundwater, negatively impacting drinking water quality for years to come. Many of these chemicals, including PFAS, build up over time.

Burlington Township Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

Thousands of people across the country are filing personal injury lawsuits after being exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water, which has been linked to serious health conditions such as liver, testicular, thyroid, and kidney cancers, along with thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis. Recent EPA regulations on PFAS underscore the increasing concerns about water safety in Burlington Township.

At King Law, we assist residents of Burlington Township, New Jersey, who have been affected by toxic water. If you were exposed to contaminated drinking water for at least six months and later developed a serious health condition like cancer, contact us for a free consultation. We can assess your eligibility and explore options for pursuing compensation to help cover lost wages, medical bills, and other expenses.

About Burlington Township, New Jersey Water Contamination:

History of Water Contamination in Burlington Township, New Jersey

Learn more about the history of Burlington Township water contamination: 

• February 2024: PFOA levels for Burlington Township water in the first quarter of 2024 hit 16 ppt, above the state’s Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL).
• April 2023: Despite an April 2022 finding of PFOA exceedances, Burlington Township water still did not meet drinking water standards by April 2023. 
• March 2023: High PFAS levels prompt Burlington Township to install a new treatment plant, which is part of a large state initiative to dedicate $65 million toward PFAS water contamination. 
• April 2022: A public notification revealed that Burlington Township Water Department failed to ensure PFAS levels met drinking water standards. 
• 2021: New Jersey began monitoring PFAS levels in drinking water.
• 2020: New Jersey established its own MCL for PFOA at 14 ppb.

Sources of Water Contamination in Burlington Township, New Jersey

Suspected sources of PFAS contamination in Burlington Township drinking water include: 

• Industrial discharges from manufacturers of consumer products like stain-, water-, and fire-resistant products
• Discharge and migration from the manufacture, storage, and use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at military sites, airports, and other areas

Military sites have become one of the largest and most well-known sources of PFAS contamination because of their decades-long use of firefighting foam that contains these “forever chemicals.” While veterans and their families are common victims of harmful PFAS exposure, these chemicals can spread easily through soil, waterways, and groundwater, spreading the impact to nearby communities.

Burlington Township Water Contamination Map

Burlington Township is a suburb of Philadelphia positioned in the southern central portion of New Jersey. It is one of many suburbs in the Philadelphia region facing water contamination issues. Furthermore, its close proximity to the Delaware River increases its susceptibility to contaminants migrating through local waterways, such as from nearby military sites.

Contaminants Found in Burlington Township, New Jersey Drinking Water

The main contaminants in Burlington Township, New Jersey drinking water include: 

Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) 

PFAS contamination has been a concern for Burlington Township over the past four years. New Jersey established its own MCL for PFAS in 2020 and began monitoring PFAS levels in 2021. PFOA levels have exceeded the MCL every year since monitoring began for Burlington Township. PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a group of chemicals that are used in non-stick cookware, fireproof clothing, firefighting foam, and some other applications. PFAS accumulates in the body and the environment, increasing safety concerns with long-term exposure. 

Studies indicate that individuals exposed to PFAS over time are more susceptible to the following: 

• Higher chance of cancers, particularly kidney cancer and testicular cancer
• Liver damage
• Thyroid problems
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Weakened immune system
• Complications during pregnancy, such as high blood pressure and low birth weight

Other Contaminants

Previous test results of Burlington Township drinking water have found 30 total contaminants, 13 of which exceeded Environmental Working Group (EWG) Health Guidelines, including: 

• Arsenic 
• Bromodichloromethane
• Bromoform
• Cadmium
• Chloroform
• Chromium
• Dibromoacetic acid 
• Dibromochloromethane
• Haloacetic acids 
• Nitrate
• Radium
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) 

The most common health risks associated with these toxins, especially with long-term exposure, include cancer, and kidney and liver damage.

Current Water Quality in Burlington Township, New Jersey

The most recent Annual Drinking Water Quality Report from the Burlington Township Water Department shows one test result that violates drinking water standards: PFOA. New Jersey’s MCL is 14 ppt and the highest detected level was 18 ppt. The EPA issued the first enforceable limits for PFOA in drinking water at 4 ppt—Burlington Township had PFOA levels 4.5 times the EPA limit. The report sites the source of PFOA contamination as “discharge from industrial, chemical, and manufacturing factors, release of aqueous film forming foam.” 

Water Treatment Efforts at Burlington Township, New Jersey

Burlington Township has done the following to help address PFAS water contamination: 

• Upgraded Beverly Road Water Treatment Plant (WTP) where PFOA exceedances were found. 
• Conducted an Analysis of Technology Alternatives for Beverly Road WTP before initiating the project with an estimated completion date in 2024.

Filed a civil complaint against seven manufacturers deemed responsible for PFAS contamination.

Health Risks and Symptoms Linked to Drinking Water in Burlington Township

Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water in Burlington Township, New Jersey may heighten the risk of the following conditions: 

• Kidney cancer 
• Testicular cancer 
• Thyroid cancer 
• Liver cancer 
• Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 
• Male breast cancer 
• Prostate cancer 
• Thyroid disease 
• Ulcerative colitis

Let your healthcare provider know if you’ve been exposed to toxic drinking water. Regular checkups and monitoring can help detect serious health conditions soon and improve your treatment options and prognosis. You should also consider scheduling a consultation with an attorney as soon as possible to pursue legal action that could help with medical bills and lost wages.

Eligibility Criteria for the Burlington Township Water Contamination Lawsuit

To qualify for a personal injury lawsuit related to Burlington Township’s water contamination, individuals typically must meet the following requirements: 

• Resided or worked in an area with proven contamination for at least six months during a time of pollution. 
• Received an official diagnosis of a qualifying health condition related to the water contamination (such as kidney, liver, testicular, or thyroid cancer—thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis may also qualify). 
• Are able to provide documentation showing proof of exposure, a related diagnosis, and the connection between toxic exposure and the related health illness.

Concrete proof of contamination and related health problems is essential to building a strong case eligible for compensation from the manufacturers responsible for wrongful exposure.

Burlington Township Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlement amounts for water contamination cases in Burlington Township can differ greatly, influenced by factors such as the length of exposure to the polluted water and the seriousness of the health issues that resulted. The stronger the connection between the contamination and health conditions, the higher the potential payout.

In similar instances, settlements have ranged from $30,000 to $300,000, with an average around $250,000. Those facing more severe health effects or longer periods of exposure might receive higher settlements, possibly reaching or exceeding a million dollars. Conversely, individuals with milder health issues or weaker evidence may see payouts between $30,000 and $75,000. Due to the complexities of these cases, consulting legal professionals is crucial to understanding the compensation you may be entitled to.

How to File a Burlington Township, New Jersey Water Contamination Lawsuit

Filing a water contamination lawsuit in Burlington Township, New Jersey, usually involves several key steps:

1. Collect essential documents: Begin by gathering proof that you lived or worked in Burlington Township during the period of water contamination. This could include items like utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records. Additionally, collect medical records that connect your health issues, such as cancer or thyroid problems, to the contaminated water. Strengthen your case by securing environmental reports, public health notices, or government documents that verify the presence of contaminants in Burlington Township’s water supply. Your lawyer can assist you in obtaining these.
2. Seek legal advice: Consult with a lawyer who specializes in environmental law and is familiar with New Jersey’s legal system. They can help you file your lawsuit in the appropriate court and ensure all legal steps are correctly followed.
3. File your lawsuit: Your attorney will file your case on your behalf with the appropriate court, if you qualify. Many water contamination classes reach a settlement but some may go to court. While court verdicts can result in higher payouts if in your favor, you do risk earning no compensation at all and the process can take much longer. Rely on your attorney’s advice to decide which option is best for you, if presented. 

King Law has extensive experience handling water contamination cases and is prepared to represent you with confidence, compassion, and expertise. Contact us today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation. Don’t delay. 

Evidence to Support Your Burlington Township Water Contamination Claim

Burlington Township water contamination cases require claimants to gather strong evidence that links your exposure to the health issues you’ve experienced. This is crucial for building a successful claim.

To bolster your case, collect the following critical evidence:

• Medical records: Include details of diagnoses, treatments, and statements from doctors linking your health problems to the contaminated water.
• Proof of residence or employment: Gather utility bills, lease agreements, or employment records showing you lived or worked in Burlington Township during the contamination period.
• Environmental reports: Secure documents, such as public health notices or government reports, that confirm contamination levels in Burlington Township’s water.
• Expert opinions: Obtain statements from medical and environmental experts to validate the connection between your exposure and your health conditions.
• Witness testimonies: Collect accounts from other community members who have experienced similar health issues, demonstrating the widespread impact of the contamination.

Compiling this evidence will strengthen your case and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome in your Burlington Township water contamination lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations for Burlington Township Water Contamination Claims

Understanding the statute of limitations is essential when filing a water contamination lawsuit, as it determines the deadline for taking legal action to seek compensation. Failing to meet this deadline can result in losing your right to pursue a claim. The timeframe for filing varies based on the state and the specifics of the case.

Because these deadlines can differ, it’s critical for those impacted by water contamination to consult a lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you identify the correct filing deadlines and ensure all legal steps are completed on time. Reaching out to a lawyer early will protect your right to file a claim, giving you ample time to gather evidence and build a stronger case for a better chance of success.

Burlington Township Water Contamination Lawyers

At King Law, we specialize in representing clients facing water contamination issues, especially those involving PFAS and other hazardous chemicals in the local water supply. With extensive experience in environmental law, our team is equipped to navigate the complexities of these cases. From evaluating your claim to gathering crucial documents and delivering strong legal representation in court, we support you at every step. We understand the serious effects water contamination can have on your health and well-being, and we are committed to helping you pursue the compensation you deserve.

At King Law, we are dedicated to guiding our clients through this challenging process, offering the legal expertise and support necessary to build a compelling case. If you’ve been affected by water contamination in Burlington Township, having knowledgeable legal representation can make all the difference in securing justice and the compensation you need.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about Burlington Township, New Jersey water contamination with answers to these frequently asked questions: