What happened in the Woburn case?
What happened in the Woburn case?
In May of 1979 a major story broke in Woburn. Several barrels of chemicals had been found dumped near the Aberjona River. When state investigators tested Wells G and H, they found that they were contaminated with TCE (tetrachloroethylene — a suspected carcinogen) and other industrial byproducts.
What was the outcome of the trial against Beatrice and WR Grace?
Jurors reach verdict: Beatrice acquitted, Grace found liable for contaminating wells G and H. First phase of the trial ends. The next phase, demonstrating causality of leukemia by the remaining defendant (W.R. Grace & Co.) is scheduled to begin in September.
What was the suspect chemical agent claimed to have caused disease at Woburn civil action?
“A Civil Action” focuses on a liability lawsuit filed by eight Woburn families against Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace. These corporations were accused of dumping chemicals (especially trichlo roethylene, a probable human carcinogen) in ways that allowed the compounds to reach Woburn’s water.
Who won the Woburn case?
He turned it down. Lawyers around town whispered about the crazy young attorney who had refused a million-dollar settlement from MGH. Schlichtmann took the case to trial and won $4.7 million. It was thought to be the largest malpractice award in Massachusetts history.
When did the Woburn Massachusetts water contamination happen?
May 1979
The most significant event occurred in May 1979, when the City of Woburn was ordered to close wells G and H in response to the discovery by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health that toxic chemicals were present in the water produced by both wells.
Who is the plaintiff in a civil action movie?
The first reported decision in the case is at 96 F.R.D. 431 (denial of defendants’ motion to dismiss). A 1998 film of the same name, starring John Travolta as plaintiff’s lawyer Jan Schlichtmann and Robert Duvall as Beatrice Foods attorney Jerome Facher, was based on the book.
Is Woburn a good place to live?
Safe Neighborhoods in Town Woburn has been recognized as one of the safer neighborhoods around Boston, leaving quite a few options for living arrangements. One of the most beloved communities is the affluent neighborhood of Shakerhill, which can be found on the southwest corner of town.
