Dark Waters

In 1998, distressed farmer Wilbur Tennant approaches corporate defense attorney Robert Bilott with alarming evidence. Wilbur reveals that all 190 of his cows have died under mysterious circumstances, showcasing troubling symptoms that he believes are linked to the nearby DuPont plant.

Despite his initial hesitations, Robert decides to investigate Wilbur's claims. He visits Wilbur in Parkersburg, West Virginia, where he examines boxes of tapes and data that reinforce the farmer's suspicions regarding DuPont's waste disposal practices.

Convinced of the urgency of the situation, Robert discusses the case with his boss, Tom Terp. Reluctantly, Tom agrees to allow Robert to take on the case as a minor project, setting the stage for a significant legal battle against DuPont.

During a legal gathering, Robert confronts Phil Donnelly, DuPont's legal representative. Phil dismissively downplays the issue, which only fuels Robert's determination to uncover the truth behind the chemical disposal at the plant.

Undeterred by the challenges ahead, Robert files a lawsuit against DuPont. This action is a crucial step that allows him to initiate legal discovery and access the company's internal documents in search of evidence regarding their toxic practices.

As Robert meticulously reviews DuPont's extensive documentation, he uncovers the presence of PFOA, a chemical utilized in Teflon production. His findings reveal alarming health risks associated with PFOA, showcasing DuPont's negligence in disclosing this information.

Robert's obsession with the case begins to strain his personal life, particularly with his pregnant wife, Sarah. Their discussions highlight the emotional toll the situation has taken, especially as Robert learns more about the hazards of PFOA that DuPont has concealed for decades.

As the legal battle intensifies, Robert witnesses the personal consequences of his fight, including Wilbur's social ostracism within their community. This realization strengthens his resolve to pursue justice, leading to a class-action lawsuit backed by local residents affected by DuPont's actions.

Robert encounters significant resistance not only from DuPont but also from his own law firm, which is wary of the powerful corporation's influence. Despite this pressure, Robert remains steadfast in his pursuit of accountability, rallying community support.

As the case garners national attention, Robert’s efforts inspire a burgeoning community movement. Local residents, including Darlene Kiger, begin sharing their harrowing experiences related to the DuPont plant, fortifying the class-action lawsuit against the corporation.

The prolonged court battle brings emotional distress and financial burdens to Robert and his family. He faces the psychological weight of his decisions, all while knowing he is fighting for justice that resonates deeply within his community.

After years of arduous legal work, a scientific panel concludes that PFOA is indeed responsible for numerous serious health issues. This pivotal finding paves the way for Robert to negotiate settlements with DuPont, solidifying his commitment to justice.

Robert successfully secures significant financial settlements from DuPont as a result of the discovered evidence and ongoing pressure from the community. This victory underscores the long fight against corporate negligence and the dangers of unregulated chemicals.

Beyond holding DuPont accountable, Robert's actions illuminate a more extensive issue regarding the regulation of chemicals in the industry. His journey exposes the systemic failures of corporate responsibility and the impact on public health.

In the end, Robert Bilott emerges not just as a lawyer but as a symbol of resilience against powerful entities. He showcases how one individual’s fight can bring about substantial change and provoke necessary conversations about environmental and corporate accountability.