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Chiquita Canyon Landfill Mass Tort Lawsuit


chiquita canyon landfill class action lawsuit

The Chiquita Canyon Landfill in Castaic, California is being ordered to do something about the odor that is radiating from their property into local neighborhoods after thousands of complaints from neighbors and dozens of violation notices. In early September, the South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued an abatement order to the operators of the landfill (Waste Connections) to take action to reduce the odors coming from the landfill that are impacting the surrounding community. More specifically, the operators have been ordered to maximize use of gas flares, submit monthly reports, bring an expert committee to investigate/address the issue, and increase the monitoring effort, in general.

The order comes after resident complaints about a smell so putrid that they must keep their windows closed at all times and outdoor activities must be limited. Some residents have complained of asthma attacks and nose bleeds caused by the smell.

According to both the property owners and the AQMD, the smell is caused by dimethyl sulfide (DMS) that is coming from an older part of the landfill. DMS is a colorless, oily liquid that is often described as smelling like an onion or worse. The smell reportedly impacts multiple communities, including Castaic, Live Oak, Hasley Canyon, and Val Verde.

Reportedly, neighbors are trying to come together to file a mass tort lawsuit.

If you or your family were affected by smell coming from the landfill, you could have grounds to file a lawsuit. For more information about the legal options available to you, we recommend that you seek legal assistance with the experts here at our law firm immediately. At the Downtown L.A. Law Group, our lawyers are more than ready to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation that you are owed. Contact us today for more information about the legal options available to you.

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Harm Associated with Exposure to DMS

As explained above, the smell has been associated with the gas DMS. Exposure to DMS has been associated with the following:

  • Headaches
  • Dizziness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Coughing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Severe irritation of the respiratory tract
  • Ulcers in the mucous membrane (in the nose)
  • Ulcers in the throat
  • Coma
  • Pulmonary edema (a build-up of fluid in the lungs)

If you or your family live near the landfill and have suffered any of these symptoms, you might have grounds to file a lawsuit. For more information about the legal options available to you, contact us today. Our lawyers here at the Downtown L.A. Law Group are more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to pursue your claim.

Waste Connection Liability

Waste Connections, the owners and operators of the Chiquita Canyon Landfill, can certainly be held responsible for any harm associated with the poor management of their landfill. These businesses that are known to release gases and other toxins into the environment must always adhere to regulations and must respond appropriately to any complaints that arise. According to reports, there have been thousands of complaints made by residents – still West Connection failed to do anything. Because the operators were aware of the issue but failed to address it, they can be found liable for any harm suffered by neighbors.

Can I sue Waste Connection for the smell coming from Chiquita Canyon Landfill?
Yes, you could have grounds to sue. In fact, you could even participate in a mass tort lawsuit.

Chiquita Canyon Landfill Mass Tort Lawsuit

Considering how many residents have possibly been affected by the smell caused by the DMS at the landfill, it is likely that a mass tort lawsuit will arise. Mass tort lawsuits are common in situation in which multiple parties are harmed in a similar way. Therefore, any residents that suffered symptoms, health complications, and other damages, could have grounds to participate in a mass tort lawsuit. If you are interested in learning more about what you can do to participate in a mass tort lawsuit on this case, contact us today. Our mass tort landfill injury lawyers are ready to help you with your claim.

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Can I Recover Compensation?

Yes – you could be eligible to recover compensation for the harm that you or your family suffered. Although every claim is different, claimants could possibly recover compensation for medical costs, lost pay, pain and suffering, property damage, and legal fees. How much can I be eligible to receive? How much can this case settle for? Mass tort lawsuits tend to be high-value cases because of the multiple claimants in the case. In general, class action lawsuits can be worth up to $50 million, although the exact value of the Chiquita Canyon landfill mass tort lawsuit will be based on the facts. For a more detailed review of possible case value and what you could be awarded, we urge you to reach out to our experts here at our law firm.

Contact the Downtown L.A. Law Group Today

Our legal team is more than ready to provide you with the guidance that you need to understand your rights and take action. Our team is not afraid to take on any party or entity to ensure that our clients get justice. You can trust that our team is ready to aggressively fight for your rights and get you the maximum recovery available for your claim. To remain accessible to all, our team offers free legal services. These include free consultations and free second opinions. During these free legal services, our expert lawyers will be available to answer all questions, address all concerns, and provide you with all the guidance that you need to begin or continue your claim against the landfill owners. If you are interested in speaking with our lawyers about how you can start or continue your claim after starting it elsewhere, contact us today.

Our Zero-Fee Guarantee ensures that our clients will never have to pay upfront legal fees for our legal services. We also work on a strict contingency structure, so our clients will never be required to pay any legal costs unless their claims are successful. If you do not win, you will not be responsible for any legal fees.

Our team is ready to handle your claim and help you secure the recovery that you are owed. Contact us as soon as possible.


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