Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
Michigan To Settle Tainted Flint Water Lawsuits For $600M, Sources Say
Detroit Free Press: Sources: Imminent Settlement In Flint Drinking Water Cases Could Top $500M
The state of Michigan is close to a settlement totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for civil lawsuits arising from the lead contamination of Flint's drinking water, according to people familiar with the cases. Sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly, said an announcement of a framework for a settlement could be made as soon as Thursday or Friday, though there could still be many details to be worked out, because of the complexity of the litigation and the large number of cases and defendants. (Egan, 8/19)
The New York Times: Michigan To Pay $600 Million To Victims Of Flint Water Crisis
The money would largely be designated for children in Flint who were poisoned by lead-tainted tap water after officials changed the city’s water supply six years ago, setting off a crisis that drew national attention and remains a worry for many residents. (Bosman, 8/19)
Mlive.com: Details Expected Soon On Who Can Make A Claim For Part Of $600M Flint Water Settlement
Young children are particularly vulnerable to the toxic effects of lead and can suffer profound and permanent adverse health effects, particularly to the brain and nervous system, according to the World Health Organization. Lead also causes long-term harm in adults, including increased risk of high blood pressure and kidney damage, and exposure of pregnant women to high levels of lead can cause miscarriage, stillbirth, premature birth and low birth weight, the WHO says. The level of lead in Flint water spiked after the city’s source of drinking water was changed in parts of 2014 and 2015 and the switch occurred after a series of decisions by state-appointed emergency managers and state agencies responsible for water safety. (Fonger, 8/20)
Mlive.com: $600M Flint Water Crisis Settlement Is More Than The State Has Paid Out For The Last Decades’ Worth Of Lawsuits Combined
A $600 million settlement would be a historically large one for the state. According to data from the Senate Fiscal Agency, it’s more than the $546 million the state has paid out in court judgements and settlements for every lawsuit against it, combined, in the last 10 fiscal years for which data is available. The money would need to be appropriated through the state legislature, according to a source briefed on the settlement but not authorized to speak publicly. There is an existing fund the state sends money it wins from lawsuit settlements into and sometimes pays small settlements out of, but it will not cover a settlement of this magnitude, the source said. (Lawler, 8/19)
