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Federal judge allows part of a Flint water crisis lawsuit to move forward

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

A lengthy order from a federal judge is allowing part of a wide-ranging Flint water crisis lawsuit to go forward. 

Plaintiffs are Flint residents Shari Guertin, her child and Diogenes Muse-Cleveland.  The suit claims a variety of state and local officials, government agencies, and private contractors’ actions caused their drinking water to become contaminated with lead and actively concealed the problem.

U.S. District Judge Judith Levy’s order will allow the suit to move forward against the city of Flint, two former emergency managers, and nine other current and former government employees. 

The suit accuses the defendants of violating the plaintiffs’ fundamental right to bodily integrity “so egregious as to shock the conscience.”

But in her 101-page opinion, Judge Levy dismissed the same count against several defendants, including Governor Rick Snyder.

The judge will also allow a negligence count against two contractors.

Monday’s order dismissed most of the counts in the original lawsuit. 

This isone of many Flint water crisis lawsuitsmaking their way through the court.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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