True Story! They Drank Water Contaminated With Toxic Chemicals, 70,000 Townspeople Were Affected

Summary

The script recounts the real-life legal battle against DuPont, led by lawyer Rob Bilott. It starts in 1998 when Bilott takes on a case from Wilbur Tennant, a farmer whose livestock is dying due to chemical pollution. Bilott's investigation uncovers the dangerous chemical PFOA, used in Teflon production, which contaminates water supplies and causes severe health issues. Despite facing corporate resistance and personal challenges, Bilott perseveres, leading to a groundbreaking lawsuit. The case results in significant jury awards and a $600 million settlement for affected individuals, highlighting the power of tenacity and justice.

Takeaways

• 🕵️‍♂️ The movie is based on a real-life story about the legal battle against DuPont for polluting the environment with a harmful chemical called PFOA.
• 📅 The narrative spans from 1975 in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to the early 2000s, showcasing the long-term effects of the chemical contamination.
• 🐄 The story begins with Wilbur Earl Tenant seeking help from lawyer Rob Bilott for the mysterious deaths of his cows, which leads to the discovery of PFOA contamination.
• 🏭 Rob Bilott's investigation into DuPont's Washington Works plant uncovers the company's use of PFOA, a chemical linked to various health issues.
• 📚 Despite initial denials and resistance, Rob's persistence leads to the discovery that PFOA, also known as C8, is present in 99% of humans and is extremely harmful.
• 🏥 The contamination affects not only animals but also humans, with many residents in the area developing severe health problems, including cancer.
• 🏛️ The legal battle is arduous, with DuPont using its influence and resources to challenge the claims, while Rob and his team fight for justice.
• 🏥 Health issues like 'Teflon flu' and birth defects are highlighted, showing the real-life impact of the chemical on the local community.
• 🏆 The case gains global attention, leading to a significant victory for the plaintiffs, with DuPont being held accountable for its actions.
• 💸 The outcome includes substantial financial compensation for the victims and a landmark ruling that raises awareness about corporate responsibility and environmental safety.

Q & A

What is the main issue that Wilbur Earl wants Rob Bilott's help with?

Wilbur Earl wants Rob Bilott's help with the contamination of his farm in Parkersburg, West Virginia, which he believes is caused by chemicals from the DuPont Plantation.

What is the significance of the year 1998 in the story?

The year 1998 marks the beginning of the story, when Rob Bilott, a lawyer, is first approached by Wilbur Earl regarding the contamination of his farm due to chemicals from DuPont.

What is the chemical compound that Rob Bilott discovers is causing health issues in the community?

Rob Bilott discovers that the chemical compound PFOA, also known as C8, is responsible for the health issues in the community, including cancer and birth defects.

How does the community react to Earl and his family after the contamination is made public?

The community reacts negatively towards Earl and his family, as indicated by the uncomfortable stares and hostility they receive at the local church and diner.

What is the role of the chemical Alliance event in the story?

The chemical Alliance event is where Rob Bilott first meets Phil Donnelly, the owner of the DuPont Plantation, and begins to gather information about the chemicals used by DuPont.

Why does Rob Bilott's investigation into the DuPont case take so long?

Rob Bilott's investigation takes a long time because he is meticulously going through a vast amount of data, including medical records, chemical reports, and legal documents, to build a solid case against DuPont.

What is the significance of the number 69,000 in the script?

The number 69,000 represents the number of people who got tested in a community blood test, which provided crucial data for Rob Bilott's case against DuPont.

How does the media coverage of the DuPont case affect the company's reputation?

The media coverage of the DuPont case goes global, leading to a significant decline in the company's reputation as the dark secrets about their chemicals and their effects on human health are exposed.

What is the outcome of the legal battle against DuPont as depicted in the script?

The script depicts a long and arduous legal battle against DuPont, with Rob Bilott winning jury awards and DuPont eventually paying $600 million to settle the cases of over 3,000 people affected by their chemicals.

What personal sacrifices does Rob Bilott make during his pursuit of justice for the affected community?

Rob Bilott's pursuit of justice leads to personal sacrifices, including financial strain due to a lack of other cases, stress-related health issues, and the emotional toll of dealing with the community's suffering.