ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION
Groundwater Pollution Lawyers in New Orleans
According to the Groundwater Foundation, over 50% of the water we drink is sourced from groundwater. This precious resource is not infinite.
This resource is highly vulnerable to human pollution. The actions of oil companies and other corporations can leave this water polluted and contaminated. Groundwater can become polluted if oil, gasoline, or other chemicals leak into the ground and contaminate the water. Toxic chemicals used in oilfield drilling and other types of mining can contaminate groundwater. Drinking contaminated or polluted groundwater can be hazardous to your health. Individuals can be poisoned when chemicals get into the groundwater. If septic tank waste gets into the groundwater, individuals can suffer from disease.
WHAT IS GROUNDWATER POLLUTION?
- PFAS (“forever chemicals”)
- 1,4-dioxane
- industrial solvents and degreasers
- petroleum and fuel contamination
- pesticides and agricultural chemicals
- heavy metals and industrial waste
- chemical manufacturing facilities
- industrial plants and refineries
- military installations and airports
- firefighting foam (AFFF) use
- landfills and waste disposal sites
- hazardous waste releases
HEALTH AND PROPERTY RISKS
Groundwater contamination can create both serious health concerns and significant economic harm. Because exposure often occurs gradually, individuals and communities may not realize they have been affected until testing reveals contamination or health problems begin to emerge.
Scientific research has linked certain contaminants to elevated cancer risk, immune system disruption, thyroid disease, liver and kidney damage, reproductive complications, and developmental concerns. Chemicals such as PFAS and 1,4-dioxane are especially concerning because of their persistence in the environment and ability to remain in water systems over long periods of time.
The impact often extends beyond health concerns. Contaminated groundwater can reduce property values, interfere with business operations, require expensive remediation, and make drinking water unsafe. Municipalities and water systems may also face major treatment costs in order to comply with changing environmental standards.
For many families and businesses, groundwater pollution becomes both a financial burden and a long-term public health concern.
HOW PFAS CONTAMINATES OUR COMMUNITIES
HOW GROUNDWATER POLLUTION SPREADS
- Oil Storage. While many oil storage tanks are above-ground, if oil leaks from these tanks, the groundwater can potentially become polluted.
- Septic Systems. A properly designed septic system will dispose of human waste in a steady manner over time. However, when these systems break down or are poorly designed, the waste in these systems can get into the groundwater, posing a risk to human health.
- Mining companies, oil sites, and other industries use dangerous chemicals. If these chemicals get into the ground, they can contaminate the groundwater.
NEW ORLEANS GROUNDWATER POLLUTION
WHO MAY HAVE A GROUNDWATER POLLUTION CLAIM?
Groundwater contamination can affect far more than individual homeowners. In many cases, pollution impacts entire neighborhoods, businesses, municipalities, and public water systems.
You may have a claim if contamination has affected your drinking water, damaged your property, disrupted business operations, or created long-term health concerns. Property owners with contaminated wells, municipalities facing expensive remediation costs, and individuals exposed to toxic chemicals may all have legal options depending on the circumstances.
At Stag Liuzza, our groundwater pollution lawyers represent homeowners, businesses, municipalities, water authorities, and communities affected by industrial contamination and toxic exposure.
Why Groundwater Pollution Cases Are Different
- knew about contamination risks for years
- failed to warn nearby communities
- delayed cleanup efforts
- disputed scientific findings or liability
- environmental science and hydrogeology
- toxic exposure evidence
- long-term contamination timelines
- multiple corporate defendants
- extensive environmental testing
THE IMPORTANCE OF EVIDENCE
EVIDENCE MATTERS; AND IT DISAPPEARS
- water testing results
- contamination maps
- historical environmental reports
- property records
- groundwater monitoring data
- internal corporate documents
- environmental studies and sampling
- records may be lost or destroyed
- contamination conditions can change
- testing data becomes harder to obtain
- responsible parties become more difficult to identify
Why Choose Stag Liuzza As Your Groundwater Pollution Lawyers?
Groundwater pollution cases combine environmental science, toxic exposure, and complex corporate liability. The companies responsible often have decades of internal records, extensive legal resources, and a history of aggressively defending contamination claims.
Stag Liuzza handles complex environmental litigation involving groundwater contamination, toxic chemicals, and public health concerns. Our team works with hydrogeologists, environmental scientists, toxicologists, and industry experts to investigate contamination pathways, uncover the full scope of harm, and hold responsible parties accountable.
We prepare every case as if it will go to trial. That preparation shapes negotiations, strengthens our position, and helps ensure our clients are taken seriously from the outset.
Results That Speak
In March 2024, 3M finalized a settlement of up to $12.5 billion for U.S. public water suppliers to address PFAS contamination. The agreement covers water systems with current or future detections of "forever chemicals," with funds supporting testing, filtration, and infrastructure improvements.
Jury verdict for property owners whose land was contaminated with radioactive materials from oil and gas operations.
Verdict for pipeyard worker who contracted lung cancer from exposure to Radium-226 and other radioactive materials.
Settlement for commercial auto injury case involving a large insurance company.
No fee unless we win. Past results do not guarantee similar outcomes.
Meet the Team
With decades of combined experience in environmental law, toxic torts, and complex litigation, Stag Liuzza's attorneys have the expertise to take on the most challenging cases.
Michael G. Stag
CEO & Managing PartnerOver $16 billion in settlements and more than $1 billion in jury verdicts recovered for clients. Pioneered the field of oilfield cleanup litigation. Appointed by judges to leadership for several nationwide litigations.
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Ashley M. Liuzza
COO & PartnerAppointed co-lead class counsel in major environmental cases. Extensive PFAS litigation experience. Helps people who developed meningioma as a result of being prescribed Depo-Provera.
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Merritt Cunningham
PartnerLeads the pharmaceutical and medical device division. Extensive MDL and mass tort experience. Represents thousands of firefighters harmed by PFAS exposure.
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Matthew D. Rogenes
PartnerPartner and trial lawyer. Trial and settlement experience in trucking cases and maritime personal injury. Recently recovered over $20 million for clients.
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READY TO TALK?
If you or a loved one has been harmed by groundwater pollution, we’re here to help. Let’s discuss your case.
Get in Touch
Contact Stag Liuzza
Ready to discuss your case? Reach out for a free, confidential consultation. We respond to all inquiries within 24 hours.
One Canal Place
365 Canal Street, Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130