WDIV Local 4 News Documentary Spotlights the Edenville and Sanford Dam Failures, Five Years Later
A half-decade after the catastrophic collapse of the two dams in central Michigan, Detroit Local News 4 (WDIV) aired a feature documentary—Edenville Dam Disaster: 5 Years Later—that captured events from that harrowing night and the stories of residents who watched their homes, memories, and livelihoods disappear in a torrent of water and uncertainty. Through raw interviews and dramatic footage, anchor Karen Drew shed a bright light on the enduring resilience of the victims, who continue to fight for recognition, justice, and meaningful compensation.
In June 2025, Sommers Schwartz senior shareholder Jason Thompson was selected to serve as the lead attorney in a class action lawsuit involving dozens of families and business owners affected by the failure of the Edenville and Sanford Dams. The film serves as a powerful reminder of the emotional and financial toll this event has taken on the community. It reflects the unwavering hope these communities place in our legal system.
The documentary’s message is clear: while restoration is a slow and difficult process, with vigorous legal advocacy, collective perseverance, and community support, lasting recovery is possible—and it is a fight worth pursuing for every disaster victim.
We are continually inspired by the determination of residents and businesses who demand answers and reforms so a preventable tragedy like this will never happen again.
For more information on the Edenville catastrophe, please read previous posts about the disaster, the litigation, and Sommers Schwartz’s efforts on behalf of the plaintiffs:
- Sommers Schwartz Represents Midland County and Sanford Flood Victims in Class Action Against Operators of Failed Dams
- Edenville Dam Inspection Report Shows Structure Failed To Meet State Requirements
- Michigan Court of Appeals Issues Decision for Midland Dam Flooding Lawsuits
- Plaintiffs Score a Procedural Victory Against the State of Michigan in Catastrophic Dam Failure Lawsuit
Click below to watch the full video:
Jason Thompson is a nationally board certified trial attorney and co-chairs Sommers Schwartz’s Complex Litigation Department. He has a formidable breadth of litigation experience, including class action and multidistrict litigation (MDL), and practices nationwide in both state and federal courts.
