Q: Can I bring a class action suit against JCP&L?
I live in a residential zone in a small town along the Jersey Shore. For some reason, JCP&L operates a sub-station in my same residential zone. In addition to polluting the environment with EMFs, they are pervasive, constant noise polluters. They disregard the town's zoning and community standards and operate the substation 24 hours/day, 7 days a week. Complaints to resolve this issue have been completely ignored by the utility and JCP&L has 100% destroyed the quality of life for myself and my neighbors. What recourse do we have?
A:
Yes, initiating a class action lawsuit might be a good idea if there have been multiple complaints from residents which the company failed to promptly resolve. Depending on the extent of the problem, JCP&L may be held liable for corporate misconduct and/or environmental damage. However, before filing a class action lawsuit, it is crucial to consult a lawyer specialized in this area of practice, namely in Environmental Law, as they have the necessary knowledge to thoroughly evaluate every aspect of your situation and tell you whether taking legal action is a worthy endeavor. If initiating a class action lawsuit proves unfeasible, a lawyer with vast experience in pursuing cases which involve environmental pollution will also be able to provide you with alternative options.
Finally, to increase your potential lawsuit’s chances of success, you should get as many residents involved as possible, preferably people who were significantly injured or whose lives have been severely affected by the company’s activity. It is highly recommended to have at least 40 individuals partaking in the lawsuit in addition to the lead plaintiff, who can be you or another resident.
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