Environmental Litigation

Skip to main content CASES Tipline 1-888-381-2889 Main navigation Cases Attorneys All Attorneys Steve W. Berman, Managing Partner Thomas M. Sobol, Executive Robert B. Carey, Executive France Team U.K. Team Newsroom Press Releases Blog Practices Anti-Terrorism Antitrust Litigation Automotive Litigation Child Sexual Abuse Civil & Human Rights Litigation Class Action Consumer Rights Data Breach, Privacy & Cybersecurity Emissions Litigation Employment Litigation Environmental Litigation Environmental Litigation Practice Environmental Litigation Legal Team Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Three Key Errors in First Decision Dismissing Climate Nuisance Lawsuits First Responder Litigation Governmental Representation High Tech Litigation Intellectual Property Investor Fraud Personal Injury Litigation Pharmaceutical Fraud Sexual Abuse & Harassment Sports Litigation Veterans & Military Servicemember Litigation Whistleblower About About the Firm Firm Story In the Media Our Advantage Contingency Fee Working at Hagens Berman Cycling Teams Success Landmark Cases Victories & Settlements Awards & Recognition Testimonials Contact Contact Us Offices Media Inquiries Careers Environmental Litigation Main navigation Environmental Litigation Practice Environmental Litigation Legal Team Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Three Key Errors in First Decision Dismissing Climate Nuisance Lawsuits Since Hagens Berman’s founding, the firm has sought to work toward one simple goal: work for the greater good. Hagens Berman has established a nationally recognized environmental litigation practice, having handled several landmark cases in the Northwest, the nation and internationally. Hagens Berman believes that protecting and restoring our environment from damage caused by irresponsible and illegal corporate action is some of the most rewarding work a law firm can do. As our firm has grown, we have established an internationally recognized environmental litigation practice. SCIENCE & THE LAW Hagens Berman’s success in environmental litigation stems from a deep understanding of the medical and environmental science that measures potential hazards. That expertise is translated into the courtroom as our attorneys explain those hazards to a judge or jury in easily understood terms. ENVIRONMENTAL & LEGAL EXPERTS Our firm’s fostered deep relationships with top-notch environmental experts result in resonating arguments and court victories, as well as thoroughly researched and vetted investigations REAL IMPACTS FOR THE PLANET Environmental law is a priority at our firm and we have taken an active role in expanding this practice area. In 2003, Steve Berman and his wife Kathy worked with the University of Washington to create the Kathy and Steve Berman Environmental Law Clinic, giving law students the training and opportunities needed to become hands-on advocates for the environment. ENVIRONMENTAL LITIGATION CASES Hagens Berman’s significant environmental cases include: Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Litigation Hagens Berman represented various classes of claimants, including fisherman and businesses located in Prince William Sound and other impacted areas who were damaged by one of the worst oil spills in United States history. RESULT: A $5 billion judgment was awarded by a federal jury, and a $98 million settlement was achieved with Alyeska, the oil company consortium that owned the output of the pipeline. Chinook Ferry Litigation The firm represented a class of property owners who challenged Washington State Ferries’ high-speed operation of a new generation of fast ferries in an environmentally sensitive area of Puget Sound. Two of the ferries at issue caused environmental havoc and property damage, compelling property owners to act. A SEPA study conducted in response to the suit confirmed the adverse environmental impacts of the fast ferry service RESULT: A $4.4 million settlement resulted that is among the most favorable in the annals of class litigation in Washington state. Grand Canyon Litigation The firm represented the Sierra Club in a challenge to a Forest Service decision to allow commercial development on the southern edge of the Grand Canyon National Park. RESULT: The trial court enjoined the project. Kerr-McGee Radiation Case The firm brought a class action on behalf of residents of West Chicago, Illinois who were exposed to radioactive uranium tailings from a rare earth facility operated by Kerr-McGee. RESULT: A medical monitoring settlement valued in excess of $5 million. Rio Tinto Mining Litigation Hagens Berman represented then-current and former residents of Bougainville, Papua New Guinea in a decade-long class action accusing one of the world’s largest mining companies, Rio Tinto, of egregious abuse of human rights and the environment. The complaint sites exposure to toxins, loss of property, environmental destruction and