A Civil Action

In Woburn, Massachusetts, serious environmental toxins infiltrate the local water supply. This contamination leads to tragic repercussions, with several local children facing severe health issues and even succumbing to illnesses such as leukemia.

Woburn resident Anne Anderson reaches out to attorney Jan Schlichtmann, sharing her heartbreaking story of losing her son to leukemia just two years ago. This personal tragedy serves as a catalyst for Jan's interest in pursuing the larger implications of the toxic situation.

After hearing Anne's story during a radio appearance, Jan investigates the health crisis and uncovers alarming statistics of twelve leukemia cases documented over a mere fifteen years. This revelation propels him to further examine the conditions surrounding the local water supply.

Testing reveals the water contamination in two of Woburn's municipal wells, with known carcinogens traced back to local tanneries. This significant finding strengthens Jan's resolve to take action against the responsible parties.

As Jan's determination grows, his partners express serious concerns about the financial implications of pursuing the lawsuit. Faced with mounting pressure, they reach a unanimous decision to abandon the case, which forces Jan to reconsider their priorities.

Jan decides to challenge two major corporations, Beatrice Foods and W. R. Grace and Company, believing that holding them accountable could not only lead to financial success but also restore his firm's integrity. This marks a significant turning point in the case.

A complex class-action lawsuit is initiated, which pits Jan against a team of experienced defense attorneys, including Jerry Facher. This legal battle proves to be both arduous and entrenched in scientific scrutiny, testing Jan's abilities as a lawyer.

Jan delves deeper into the intricacies of the environmental crisis, seeking expertise from geologists and engineers. This investigation reveals crucial information regarding the contamination in the townspeople's water supply, which becomes central to the legal argument.

During the trial, Jan's law firm faces financial strains, leading him to rely on personal loans and assets to continue the fight. The mounting pressure takes a toll on him and his colleagues, amplifying the stakes of the case.

A pivotal ruling from Judge Walter J. Skinner bars victim testimonies from being included in the trial. This ruling creates significant obstacles for Jan's case, complicating his efforts to showcase the human impact of the corporate negligence.

Despite his relentless efforts, the trial concludes unfavorably for Jan and the affected families. They are left disillusioned with a meager settlement, which highlights the challenges of seeking justice against powerful corporations.

Following the disappointing outcome of the trial, Jan's law firm dissolves, leaving him with little more than a small apartment and shattered aspirations. This moment serves as a dramatic low point in Jan's professional journey.

Years after the trial, Jan's commitment to environmental justice leads him to advocate for accountability, prompting action from the EPA against the responsible corporations. This advocacy extracts millions for crucial cleanup efforts.

Having turned the page on a challenging chapter in his life, Jan embraces a new direction in his career by practicing environmental law in New Jersey. This transition allows him to continue fighting for justice, albeit in a different capacity.