Jersey City Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Jersey City Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Jersey City, New Jersey is the second-largest and oldest city in the state of New Jersey. With such a long history of growth and industrial development, one factor has remained a challenge: contaminated drinking water. In more recent years, water contamination lawsuits are being filed claiming that drinking water in Jersey City has been contaminated with per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These “forever chemicals” can lead to an array of serious health conditions from different types of cancer to ulcerative colitis.

As more individuals come forward, the number of water contamination lawsuits in Jersey City, New Jersey will continue to grow. Many lawsuits are already in progress.

Jersey City, New Jersey Water Contamination Overview

Jersey City, New Jersey was founded in 1660 by the Dutch. The riverfront was developed in the early 1800s as a transportation hub for ferries and steamboats crossing from the Hudson River to Manhattan Island. Later in the 1900s, industry began booming, especially with the influx of European immigrants during World War II.

Jersey City, like many other cities throughout New Jersey, has a long industrial history and cases of environmental pollution, including water contamination due to PFAS. As knowledge of PFAS pollution throughout the state continues to grow, policymakers, public health officials and environmental organizations will be tasked with creating customized policies to remediate the risk of pollution and improve Jersey City’s water quality. However, New Jersey was the first state to regulate certain PFAS in drinking water, and currently is one of the states with the most PFAS testing.

Jersey City Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

In recent years, various PFAS manufacturers have faced lawsuits filed by several cities throughout New Jersey. Jersey City has made significant strides in promoting safe drinking water, especially being the first state to propose enforceable drinking water standards for PFAS. However, these regulations were not put in place until April of 2024, so it’s possible the area residents have been exposed to PFAS for many years. 

The number of water contamination lawsuits continue to rise throughout the country, including in Jersey City, as more individuals exposed to contaminated water are coming forward after developing serious health conditions. Many victims face diagnosis of liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis. 

If you’ve been exposed to toxic water in Jersey City, New Jersey for at least six months and developed one of these health conditions, contact King Law today to learn more about your rights to compensation that can help cover medical costs and other damages.

About Jersey City, NJ Water Contamination:

History of Water Contamination in Jersey City

Here’s a closer look at the history of water contamination in Jersey City:

• 2023: The Commissioner of New Jersey signs Administrative Order 2023-01 to encourage the collection of data throughout the state to help identify, reduce and eliminate sources of PFAS in wastewater and its residuals. 
• 2022: An agreement is announced between the Department of Justice and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) with the Jersey City Municipal Utilities Authority (JCMUA) to significantly improve Jersey City’s municipal sewer and water drinking systems, reducing the amount of pollution being discharged into the Hackensack River, Hudson River and Newark Bay. 
• 2021: The Environmental Working Group (EWG) releases updates to the Tap Water Drinking Database for Jersey City, which detected 12 drinking water contaminants exceeding their Health Guidelines.
• 2020: After 10 years of litigation, an agreement is proposed between PPG Industries and Jersey City property owners to settle claims that waste from the company’s former chromium plant was lowering property values throughout the area. 
• 2018: New Jersey becomes the first state in the nation to establish an enforceable drinking water standard for a PFAS chemical when it sets what is known as a Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) for PFAS. 
• 2015: Honeywell reaches a $10 million settlement with Jersey City residents, paying out around $3,000 to about 2,000 residents located near the site of the former West Side Avenue plant. 
• 2011: A settlement is reached in the PPG Industries lawsuit for costs associated with the cleanup, estimated at $600 million.
• 2010: Three residents on the south side of Jersey City file a lawsuit against PPG and Honeywell, Inc,. a successor to Mutual Chemical, alleging that industrial waste at the site of the former factories exposed them to hexavalent chromium, resulting in health risks and lowered property values. 
• 2009: Several environmental organizations representing citizens of a Jersey City neighborhood filed a lawsuit against PPG Industries to remove chromium waste from the site of their former factories in the area.
• Early 2000s: PFAS are detected in the local area’s water supply, leading to several cities being required to more strictly monitor water quality with higher standards put in place by the state.

Sources of Water Contamination in Jersey City, New Jersey

Some key sources of water contamination in Jersey City, New Jersey include:

Stormwater runoff: Stormwater runoff becomes polluted as it picks up trash and hazardous materials when it flows into local water supplies, contaminating drinking water sources and destroying wildlife habitats. 

Industrial activities and hazardous waste sites: Jersey City was home to several different industrial manufacturers. These industries were often responsible for releasing hazardous chemicals into the area’s groundwater. Also, the state of New Jersey has the largest number of hazardous waste sites per square mile of any state in the entire country. 

Naturally-occurring contaminants: Contaminants in Jersey City’s water supply may also come from naturally-occurring chemicals found in minerals and rocks, such as arsenic, radon, radium and uranium.

Jersey City, New Jersey Water Contamination Map

Reference our Jersey City water contamination map to learn more about the areas where PFAS have been detected as well as areas where levels have exceeded safety standards. 

Contaminants Found in Jersey City Drinking Water

The drinking water in Jersey City, New Jersey has tested positive for the following contaminants:

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

PFAS include a group of manmade chemicals the help products repel water and oil and are resistant to heat. They have been widely used commercially since as far back as the 1940s in products like non-stick cookware, coatings on food packaging materials, fire-fighting foams and more. PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment and can build up in the body over time. 

Exposure to PFAS can lead to an array of serious health risks, such as kidney, liver, bladder and testicular cancer. PFAS can also cause thyroid disorders, weaken the immune system, lead to pregnancy complications like decreased birth weight and other health concerns.

Haloacetic acids- HAA5 and HAA9

Haloacetic acids are formed after disinfectants, like chlorine, are added to tap water. Individuals exposed to HAAs through contaminated drinking water may be more at risk for cancer and other health issues, like kidney and liver problems. In Jersey City drinking water, HAA5 was found at levels 284 times above the EWG’s Health Guideline, while HAA9 was found at levels 639 times higher than the Health Guideline.

Arsenic

Arsenic appears naturally in many minerals, soil and bedrock. However, it can also be found in groundwater from pesticides, herbicides and insecticides. Consuming contaminated drinking water with high concentrations of arsenic can lead to health issues such as:

• Cancer 
• Diabetes
• Neurological issues
• Cardiovascular and pulmonary disease
• Circulatory problems
• Skin damage

In Jersey City, the EWG detected arsenic at levels 26 times above their Health Guideline.

Chromium

Chromium can either occur naturally in mineral deposits in groundwater or could be due to industrial contamination. In Jersey City, chromium levels were found at 2.3 times above the EWG’s Health Guideline. Individuals exposed to chromium can face liver and reproductive system damage, as well as an increased risk for cancer.

Other contaminants

Several other contaminants have been found in Jersey City drinking water that present certain health risks, including the following: 

• Chloroform: Increased risk of cancer, liver issues, kidney and nervous system damage
• Bromodichloromethane: Can lead to bladder cancer or other cancers and fetal development issues
• Nitrate: Higher risk for hypothyroidism and cancers such as colorectal cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, ovarian cancer
• Total trihalomethanes (TTHMs): Increased risk for bladder cancer, skin cancer, and fetal growth and development issues

Current Water Quality in Jersey City, New Jersey

Drinking water in Jersey City, New Jersey is currently in compliance with the EPA’s health-based drinking water standards. However, the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found several contaminants in Jersey City’s tap water exceeding their Health Guideline.

Advanced Water Treatment Efforts

The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) sets many water quality standards more stringently than the EPA’s regulation0 throughout the state of New Jersey. The NJDEP is currently regulating PFAS such as PFOA, PFOS and PFNA after these three types of PFAS were found at higher levels in the area’s groundwater and drinking water. 

The NJDEP has adopted rule amendments regarding PFAS that establish drinking water Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs), expand testing of private wells subject to sale or lease, and set specific Groundwater Quality Standards for PFOA, PFOS and PFNA. They are also working to develop surface weather quality standards for PFAS designed to protect both human and aquatic life.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water in Jersey City

Exposure to contaminants like PFAS and chromium in Jersey City, New Jersey drinking water may lead to an array of serious health conditions, including: 

• Kidney problems or kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Lung cancer
• Skin cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Cardiovascular disease
• Neurological issues
• Birth defects
• Low fertility levels 
• High blood pressure in pregnant women
• Hormonal or endocrine disorders
• Obesity
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Weakened immune system

Some individuals may be at higher risk than others for certain health issues, such as the elderly, children or pregnant women. However, long-term exposure to contaminated drinking water can affect anyone. To help manage any serious conditions and lower the risk of future health complications if you’ve been exposed to contaminated drinking water, schedule regular health check-ups and screenings. If you are currently experiencing symptoms, contact a health provider right away.

Eligibility Criteria for the Jersey City Water Contamination Lawsuit

If you’ve been diagnosed with serious health conditions due to consuming contaminated water in Jersey City, New Jersey, you may be eligible for compensation through a PFAS lawsuit. 

To be eligible for a Jersey City water contamination lawsuit, the following criteria must be met:

Specific documentation

Provide medical records that confirm a diagnosis and proof of residence or employment in the affected area during the contamination period. Other documents may include utility bills and lease agreements. 

Health diagnoses

Individuals exposed to contaminated water should have diagnoses from a health provider for conditions like lung cancer, bladder cancer, kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis and other health concerns.

Duration of exposure 

Individuals must have been exposed to contaminated water for at least six months while living or working in Jersey City during the contamination period. 

This criteria helps strengthen an individual’s legal case and establish compensation eligibility. Consulting with an experienced attorney, like those at King Law, can help guide you through the legal process effectively.

Jersey City Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Individuals filing water contamination lawsuits in Jersey City, New Jersey may be eligible for a settlement that could help cover medical bills or lost wages while they were out of work. However, the amount of the settlement can vary based on several factors, such as:

• The severity of the health impact on the individual affected
• The length and extent of the exposure
• The age of the individual

Historically, water contamination lawsuits have been settled between $30,000 to $300,000. Previous water contamination lawsuits were often settled within a range of $100,000 to $300,000, with the average settlement hovering near $250,000. Some cases involving more severe health conditions may result in settlements exceeding $300,000. Some exceptional cases could see settlements near or exceed one million dollars.

If the injuries are less significant or there’s less proof of connection to drinking contaminated water in Jersey City, settlements might be valued between $30,000 to $75,000. Keep in mind that settlements are often lower than potential trial verdicts, but a settlement ensures payment where a trial could lead to no reward at all.

Those affected by Jersey City water contamination should seek advice from legal experts to understand their options and potential for compensation.

How to File a Jersey City Water Contamination Lawsuit

Water contamination lawsuits in Jersey City, New Jersey involve multiple steps and may take up to several months to resolve. To start the process, follow these instructions: 

1. Initial consultation: A consultation with an attorney who specializes in environmental law and water contamination cases will help determine the strength of your claim and provide an overview of the legal process.
2. Evidence collection: Support your claim by gathering essential documents, such as medical records, proof of residence or employment, and environmental reports.
3. Legal filing: In New Jersey, claims must be filed within the statute of limitation, which is two years from the date of diagnosis or injury discovery. Your attorney will draft and submit the required legal paperwork, including the complaint. This document details your allegations and the damages you’re seeking.
4. Pre-trial procedures: The pre-trial phase includes discovery, where both sides share relevant evidence. More information may also be gathered through depositions and interrogatories during this phase.
5. Settlement negotiations: Your attorney will negotiate on your behalf to secure fair compensation for your damages. Many cases are settled before they ever reach trial. 
6. Trial: The case will go to trial if no settlement has been reached. Your attorney will present evidence and argue the case before a judge or jury, who will determine the outcome and potential compensation.

King Law understands the complexities of New Jersey law, and we can help navigate the unique considerations for Jersey City water contamination lawsuits. Contact King Law today to set up a consultation for your Jersey City water contamination claim. 

Evidence to Support Your Jersey City Water Contamination Claim

You can increase your chances of receiving fair compensation if you can provide strong evidence to substantiate claims in Jersey City, New Jersey water contamination cases. To improve your case, gather and present the following documentation:

• Health records: Provide comprehensive documentation of any medical diagnoses, treatments, and health conditions related to water contamination, along with receipts for medical expenses.
• Proof of residence or employment: Submit utility bills, rental agreements, and work records that confirm your presence in Jersey City during the time of contamination.
• Environmental data: Provide data such as government reports and public health notices that detail the contamination levels in Jersey City’s drinking water.
• Testimonies from experts: Present statements from experts in the medical and environmental fields who can establish a direct connection between your health issues and the contaminated water.
• Personal narratives: Offer a written account of your exposure to the contaminated water and the resulting impact on your health and lifestyle.
• Statements from key witnesses: Collect statements from others in the community who have experienced similar health effects from the contaminated water.

By providing these key pieces of evidence, you can help strengthen your case and improve your chances of a favorable outcome.

Statute of Limitations for Jersey City Water Contamination Claims

In New Jersey, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those related to toxic exposure, is typically two years from the date of diagnosis. Individuals exposed to contaminated water must file their claim within this timeframe for compensation eligibility. Missing this deadline can result in disqualification from receiving compensation.

Keep in mind that deadlines will vary based on the specifics of your case, and gathering all the essential evidence to build and strengthen your water contamination case will take some time. It’s imperative to consult with an attorney experienced in environmental or personal injury law as soon as possible to help ensure you meet all the filing deadlines and avoid losing your right to pursue compensation. An attorney can guide you through all the required legal steps in a timely manner.

Jersey City Water Contamination Lawyers

At King Law, we are dedicated to supporting our clients through every step of this difficult process, providing the legal expertise and guidance necessary to build a strong case. We specialize in water contamination cases in Jersey City, New Jersey, including those involving PFAS and other harmful chemicals in those local drinking water. 

If you’ve been affected by water contamination in Jersey City, having skilled legal representation can be crucial in securing justice and the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Learn more about Jersey City water contamination with these frequently asked questions.