Published by Table Of Contents
What’s the Problem?
The lawsuit, filed by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul, alleges that developer Hilco and its contractors, MCM Management Corp and Controlled Demolition, violated Illinois air pollution regulations when it demolished the 378-foot smokestack on April 11, 2020.
Following the city-approved implosion, a cloud of dust covered the streets of Little Village, causing residents to suffer a variety of respiratory health effects.
“The companies responsible for the demolition of the Crawford Power Generating Station’s smokestack failed to take steps to protect the community from air pollution and compromised air quality at a time when we are urging residents to remain in their communities to minimize the spread of a deadly respiratory disease,” Raoul said in the complaint. “I am committed to holding the defendants accountable for the environmental damage done to the Little Village community and working to address any remaining contamination.”
Following the demolition, city officials issued a stop-work order at the site and hit the company with $68,000 in fines. The company’s contractor, Heneghan Wrecking, has been allowed to clean up demolition debris at the site.
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency referred the investigation to the state attorney general’s office after the company and its contractor “failed to take necessary steps to protect nearby residents from the resulting impact of the implosion,” according to EPA Director John J. Kim.
The lawsuit seeks undetermined civil penalties and is requiring the defendants to take corrective and preventative actions to protect residents from air pollution.
Hilco is facing at least 2 other lawsuits from Little Village residents following the implosion, in addition to a wrongful death suit filed on behalf of a worker who fell to his death.
Related Articles:
FAQs
Can residents file a lawsuit if they were affected by the Little Village implosion?
Yes, residents who were affected by the Little Village implosion may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Legal claims can seek compensation for property damage, medical expenses, emotional distress, and other related damages. The lawsuit may allege negligence, environmental violations, or failure to properly inform and protect the community.
What evidence is needed to support a lawsuit related to the Little Village implosion?
Evidence needed to support a lawsuit may include medical records documenting health issues caused by the dust and debris, photographs or videos of the aftermath, expert testimony on the environmental impact, and any communication from authorities or companies involved in the implosion.
How did authorities respond to the concerns raised by the Little Village community after the implosion?
Authorities responded to the concerns by conducting investigations, issuing fines or penalties to the responsible parties, and in some cases, implementing cleanup efforts. However, many residents felt that the response was inadequate and did not fully address the harm caused by the implosion.
Can businesses in the Little Village area seek compensation for losses related to the implosion?
Yes, businesses in the Little Village area that experienced losses due to the implosion, such as property damage or reduced customer traffic, may be able to seek compensation through a lawsuit. Claims can include lost income, repair costs, and other financial damages.
See all toxic tort lawsuits that our attorneys had covered.
Do I Have a Little Village Implosion Lawsuit?
The Workplace and Environmental Litigation Group at our law firm is an experienced team of trial lawyers that focus on the representation of plaintiffs in Little Village Implosion Lawsuits. We are handling individual litigation nationwide and currently accepting new injury and death cases in all 50 states.
If you or a loved one has suffered health effects from the smokestack implosion in Little Village, Chicago, you should contact our law firm immediately. You may be entitled to a settlement by filing a suit and we can help.
To contact us for a free review of your potential case, please fill out the form below or call us toll free 24 hrs/day by dialing: