TVA at Fault for Coal Ash Spill, Says Judge

A federal judge ruled that the Tennessee Valley Authority (TVA) is liable for damages from the spill of a poisonous sludge of coal ash that contaminated 300 acres in a riverside community near Knoxville.

The Wall Street Journal (subscription required) reports that the 2008 spill occurred following the failure of a pool containing a billion gallons of coal ash waste from a TVA power plant. In his decision, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas Varlan said that the accident could have been avoided had the TVA, in accordance with its own policies and rules, investigated and corrected the factors responsible for the pool's failure.

The company defended itself by saying that it was alive to the significance of ensuring public safety and was taking steps to ensure proper cleanup and compensation.

The ruling allows the 800 plaintiffs in the case to seek damages related to negligence, trespass, and private nuisance claims, according to the Journal.

If you or a loved one has been hurt due to negligence on the part of others, contact Sokolove Law today to find out if you may have a case and if a personal injury lawyermay be able to help you. For legal assistance, please call 800-581-6358.

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