What Happened in Flint
In 2014, Flint officials switched the city's water source to the Flint River in an effort to reduce costs — without treating the water with corrosion inhibitors. The result was catastrophic: lead leached from aging pipes into the drinking water supply of an entire city. Officials then concealed and disputed evidence of the crisis, delaying action for years.
Class action and individual lawsuits were filed on behalf of over 90,000 Flint residents and businesses against the State of Michigan, the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), former Governor Rick Snyder, and other governmental defendants.
On November 10, 2021, Judge Judith E. Levy of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan granted final approval of a $626.25 million settlement — one of the largest environmental settlements in U.S. history.
How the Settlement Funds Are Distributed
Allocated to individuals under 18 at the time of the crisis
Significant portion designated for children aged 6 and younger
Directed to special education services, adults, business owners, and property damage claimants
Timeline of the Flint Water Crisis Litigation
Flint switches its water source to the Flint River to cut costs. Officials fail to treat the water with corrosion inhibitors, causing lead to leach from aging pipes.
Independent researchers confirm elevated blood lead levels in Flint children. State officials initially dispute and suppress the findings.
Federal emergency declared. Class action and individual lawsuits filed against the State of Michigan, DEQ, and former Governor Rick Snyder.
Judge Levy grants class certification for liability claims against engineering firms LAN and VNA for professional negligence.
Judge Levy grants final approval for a historic $626.25 million settlement covering over 90,000 Flint residents and businesses.
Veolia North America agrees to a $25 million class action settlement with property owners, businesses, and adults harmed by the water crisis.
Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (LAN) reaches an $8 million professional negligence settlement compensating individuals and property damage subclasses.
Separate litigation against the U.S. EPA continues in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Engineering Firms & Federal Agency
Following years of litigation alleging professional negligence, both engineering firms involved in the Flint water crisis have reached class action settlements. In February 2024, Veolia North America agreed to a $25 million settlement covering property owners, businesses, and adults. In 2024, Lockwood, Andrews & Newnam (LAN) reached an $8 million settlement to compensate individuals and property damage subclasses. Both settlements were approved by Judge Levy in the Eastern District of Michigan.
Separate litigation against the U.S. EPA remains pending in the Eastern District of Michigan. These claims concern the federal agency's role in and response to the Flint water crisis. The outcome may provide additional compensation for affected residents.
Where Things Stand in 2026
Payments from the $659.25 million in Flint Water Crisis settlements are actively being distributed. Property damage payments began in late 2025, adult injury payments in June 2026, and a new batch covering teen claimants and businesses was released July 23, 2026.
Nationally Recognized. Proven Results.
Bronstein, Gewirtz & Grossman is a nationally recognized firm representing consumers in class action and mass tort cases, and investors in securities fraud class actions and shareholder derivative suits. Our firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for clients nationwide.
Attorney Advertising. Past results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome in any future matter. For settlement-specific information, visit FlintWaterJustice.com or call (810) 255-4451.