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Belmont County hires Napoli Shkolnik to pursue PFAS contamination claims
Summary
The Board approved a retainer with Napoli Shkolnik on behalf of the Belmont County Water & Sewer District to prosecute negligence claims related to PFAS contamination; the firm will be paid 25% of recovery or a lower court-approved amount, and the county pays no fee if there is no recovery.
The Belmont County Board of Commissioners voted April 1 to approve a retainer agreement with the law firm Napoli Shkolnik to pursue legal claims concerning contamination of water supplies and wastewater by per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The agreement directs the firm to prosecute negligence claims against any individuals or corporations found liable under the law for injuries or property damages arising out of PFAS contamination. Under the contract, Napoli Shkolnik would receive 25% of any recovery or another amount approved by a court, whichever is lower; the county will not owe legal fees if there is no recovery.
Commission President Jerry Echemann moved the retainer and Commissioner Vince Gianangeli seconded; the motion passed on a unanimous roll call. The retainer was approved specifically on behalf of the Belmont County Water & Sewer District.
The transcript does not record opposing views or additional details about potential targets or a litigation timeline. The matter now resides with the retained counsel and county officials for any further action.
