Sommers Schwartz Attorney Jason Thompson Selected as Lead Trial Counsel in Edenville Dam Failure Litigation
Sommers Schwartz, P.C., proudly announces that attorney Jason Thompson has been selected as one of the lead trial attorneys in the landmark litigation concerning the catastrophic Edenville Dam failure of May 19, 2020. The case, filed in the Michigan Court of Claims, seeks justice for thousands of Michigan residents who suffered devastating property losses due to the dam’s collapse.
The Edenville Dam failure, followed by the overtopping of the Sanford Dam, led to historic flooding across Midland, Saginaw, Arenac, Gladwin, and Losco Counties. Approximately 11,000 residents were evacuated, and over 2,500 homes and buildings were damaged, with total damages estimated at over $1 Billion.
Jason brings extensive experience in complex tort litigation, having secured significant settlements and verdicts for clients in high-stakes cases. His appointment underscores Sommers Schwartz’s commitment to holding responsible parties accountable and securing compensation for those affected by the disaster.
The lawsuit alleges that the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE) and the Department of Natural Resources (DNR) were aware of the Edenville Dam’s structural deficiencies but rather than take required steps to protect the public, they authorized raising Wixom Lake water levels just weeks before the spring rainy season. A 2022 independent report concluded that the dam’s failure was “foreseeable and preventable,” citing decades of regulatory oversights and design flaws.
Despite the passage of five years, many victims have yet to receive compensation. The upcoming trial, scheduled to commence on January 12, 20206, aims to address these grievances and ensure that such a tragedy does not recur.
For more information about the case or to schedule an interview with Jason, please contact Sommers Schwartz at 800.783.0989 or visit www.sommerspc.com.
