Year: 1998
Runtime: 115 min
Language: English
Director: Steven Zaillian
A determined lawyer finds himself in a legal battle that becomes increasingly complex and personally devastating. Jan Schlichtmann takes on what appears to be a simple personal-injury case but soon discovers a web of corporate deceit and hidden dangers. The relentless pursuit of justice tests his resolve and threatens to consume him as he confronts powerful adversaries and unravels dark secrets within the case.
Warning: spoilers below!
Haven’t seen A Civil Action yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!
Read the complete plot breakdown of A Civil Action (1998), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.
In the city of Woburn, Massachusetts, serious environmental toxins have seeped into the water supply, leading to tragic consequences with multiple local children succumbing to illness. In this gripping drama, cocky Boston attorney Jan Schlichtmann and his tight-knit team of personal injury lawyers are approached by Woburn resident Anne Anderson, who seeks justice for her son, lost to Leukemia just two years prior.
Compelled by Anne’s heart-wrenching story shared during a radio appearance, Jan discovers the daunting statistics of 12 Leukemia cases in just 15 years. With tests revealing contamination in two of the town’s wells from known carcinogens, his partners express concerns about the financial burden of pursuing the case, leading to a unanimous decision to drop it. However, as Jan assesses the gravity of the situation, he uncovers a significant opportunity within the environmental crisis indicating that local tanneries may hold the key to multiple fatalities.
The plot thickens as Jan steps up to challenge deux major corporations—Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace and Company—believing that not only could this case earn him considerable financial reward, but also salvage the dignity of his law firm. An arduous class action lawsuit ensues where, despite Jan’s keen legal acumen, he faces daunting opposition from seasoned defense lawyers like Jerry Facher.
In the throes of litigation, Jan plunges deeper into a maze of scientific evidence requiring expertise from geologists and engineers, revealing the contaminated origins of the townspeople’s water supply. Despite the backlash and dwindling finances, he refuses to settle easily, insisting that the case reaches beyond mere compensation—it’s about accountability and securing a safer future for the community.
As tension escalates within his firm, relying on loans and personal assets to keep afloat, Jan endures a heart-wrenching trial filled with setbacks. A pivotal ruling by Judge Walter J. Skinner prevents victims from testifying, creating a tremendous hurdle for Jan’s case. Ultimately, though he fights valiantly, the outcome leaves him and the families disillusioned, resulting in a meager settlement and the dissolution of his law firm.
Left with nothing but a small apartment and shattered dreams, Jan’s journey doesn’t conclude in defeat. Years later, his relentless pursuit of justice and environmental responsibility prompts the EPA to take action against the corporations involved, extracting millions for cleanup efforts. Despite the scars left by the battle, Jan finds renewed purpose, now practicing environmental law in New Jersey, having turned the page on a challenging chapter in his life.
Last Updated: November 03, 2024 at 21:39
Don't stop at just watching — explore A Civil Action in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what A Civil Action is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.
Track the full timeline of A Civil Action with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.
Discover movies like A Civil Action that share similar genres, themes, and storytelling elements. Whether you’re drawn to the atmosphere, character arcs, or plot structure, these curated recommendations will help you explore more films you’ll love.
A Civil Action (1998) Scene-by-Scene Movie Timeline
A Civil Action (1998) Movie Characters, Themes & Settings
Movies Like A Civil Action – Similar Titles You’ll Enjoy
Class Action (1991) Story Summary & Characters
Criminal Activities (2015) Story Summary & Characters
Erin Brockovich (2000) Story Summary & Characters
...and justice for all. (1979) Movie Recap & Themes
Dark Waters (2019) Detailed Story Recap
Michael Clayton (2007) Full Movie Breakdown
The Lincoln Lawyer (2011) Movie Recap & Themes
Casino Jack (2010) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
Law Abiding Citizen (2009) Full Movie Breakdown
A Most Violent Year (2014) Movie Recap & Themes
Crude (2009) Film Overview & Timeline
The Devil Has a Name (2020) Story Summary & Characters
Marshall (2017) Full Movie Breakdown
The Negotiator (1998) Spoiler-Packed Plot Recap
The Client (1994) Movie Recap & Themes