Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Environmental Litigation topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Mount Clemens approves contingency retention to pursue PFAS/AFFF claims
Summary
The commission approved a contingent-fee retention agreement to pursue potential claims related to PFAS contamination tied to AFFF litigation, retaining the national firm Edelson PC and a local partner; staff said the city qualifies as part of the settlement class.
The Mount Clemens City Commission approved a contingency-fee retention agreement to pursue potential claims tied to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination associated with aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
City staff recommended retaining the national plaintiffs' firm Edelson PC and a local firm to represent Mount Clemens in potential claims connected to a broader multidistrict litigation settlement. The administration told the commission the city qualifies as part of the settlement class.
Under the agreement the firms will be paid a percentage of any recovery on a contingent basis; the city will owe no fees if there is no recovery, staff said. The city attorney reviewed the retention agreement, according to staff.
Commissioners discussed the recommendation and a speaker noted prior positive experience working with the retained firm before the motion was approved by roll call.
Next steps: the retained firms will review potential claims on behalf of the city and advise commissioners on potential recoveries and legal strategy; the agreement does not obligate city funds unless a recovery is achieved.
