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Hyperion Lawsuit Update:
PARRIS Law Firm Files Government Claim Against LA Sanitation

PARRIS Law Firm has filed a government claim against LA Sanitation (LASAN) for their role in causing the Hyperion Sewage Spill.

For anyone affected by this environmental catastrophe, this is a crucial step towards justice.

How Did the Hyperion Sewage Spill Happen?

On July 11, debris clogged the sewage filtering system at the Hyperion Water Reclamation Plant, flooding the plant with raw, untreated sewage.  LASAN released 17 million gallons of this untreated wastewater into the ocean.

The sewage released noxious odors into the air, including odors from hydrogen sulfide.  The wind carries the hydrogen sulfide into the homes in the nearby El Segundo community.  The days with noxious odors make life nearly unbearable for residents.

LASAN is responsible to have measures in place to prevent debris blockages like the one on July 11. The resulting flood has taken months to clean up, and LASAN has been unable to meet any deadlines to complete the cleanup.

Until cleanup is complete, nearby residents will remain exposed to noxious odors.

Why Did PARRIS File a Government Claim Against LASAN?

LASAN’s release of untreated sewage isn’t just harmful to the community—it’s against the law.

California Health and Safety Code section 41700 prohibits the release of air contaminants that cause “injury, detriment, nuisance, or annoyance to any considerable number of persons or to the public.” Until LASAN cleans up its mess, LASAN will be in violation of this statute every day.

The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) has thus far issued thirty-two (32) Notices of Violation for creating a public nuisance as a result of the noxious odors and one (1) Notice of Violation for the release of visible emissions.

Similarly, California Health and Safety Code section 25510 required LASAN to notify the public immediately following the release of any hazardous material. LASAN admitted to discovering the deluge of sewage and releasing 17 million gallons into the ocean 18 hours before public disclosure, leaving residents and beachgoers subject to untold exposures.

We must hold LASAN accountable for their negligence. This government claim is intended to do just that.

What is a Government Claim?

A government claim is the first step to filing a lawsuit against the government. LASAN is a division of the City of Los Angeles—a government entity.

We filed the first government claim against LASAN on August 2, 2021. You can read the full text of the claim here.  We will continue to file government claims for individual clients.

What’s Next?

LASAN has 45 days from the date of filing to respond to our government claim. LASAN can either:

  • Investigate the claim, and offer to settle with the injured El Segundo residents,
  • Reject the claim, or
  • Decline to respond, which is treated as a rejection.

If LASAN chooses to reject the government claim, then El Segundo residents gain the right to sue LASAN in court.

By filing a government claim against LASAN, we’re ensuring that El Segundo residents will see justice, one way or another.

What Does This Mean for Me?

If you’re a resident of El Segundo, Playa Del Rey, or Marina Del Rey and you’ve experienced (a) noxious odors in your home and (b) abnormal or worsened medical symptoms since July 2021, then you may have a case against LASAN.

You may be entitled to damages for any of the following:

  • Relocation expenses
  • Air conditioning units and increased electrical costs
  • Air purification systems and increased electrical costs
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Loss of the enjoyment of your home
  • Income losses
  • Emotional injuries (anxiety or depression)
  • Physical injuries (skin rashes, eye/nose irritation, nausea, and headaches).

TO PROTECT YOUR RIGHTS, A GOVERNMENT CLAIM SHOULD BE FILED WITH LASAN. 

Time is of the essence—the law gives you a six-month window to take legal action after the date of injury (July 11).

If you think you have a case against LASAN, call PARRIS Law Firm today. We’re devoted to fearlessly protecting the rights of you and your loved ones.  Filing a claim is the best way to protect your rights and ensure a disaster like this never happens again.