A judge has approved a $626 million settlement after a slew of lawsuits were filed by Flint, Michigan residents over the water crisis in the city.
The Flint water issue is one that has gone on for years. On Wednesday, a judge agreed to a $626 million settlement after the state of Michigan was accused of overlooking and neglecting water being contaminated in the city, which is home to predominately Black and Brown people.
In a 178-page document, U.S. District Judge Judith Levy referred to the settlement as a success. “The settlement reached here is a remarkable achievement for many reasons, not the least of which is that it sets forth a comprehensive compensation program and timeline that is consistent for every qualifying participant,” said Levy. Attorneys involved in the lawsuit are asking for $200 million in legal fees, AP News reports.
The contamination is reportedly due in part to when the city’s water source was switched. Families, businesses, and more were exposed to the water money from the settlement will toward to some who can prove they were affected. The news outlet reports 80 percent will be given to children to help them recover from the disaster.
“This is a historic and momentous day for the residents of Flint, who will finally begin to see justice served,” said one of the members of the legal team. Ted Leopold. Another lawyer, Corey Stern, said he stood up for “many brave kids who did not deserve the tragedy put on them.”
