FEMA Trying To Quash Toxic Trailer Lawsuits

Florida Alabama FEMA is requesting immunity from lawsuits filed on behalf of Gulf Coast hurricane victims who claim they were exposed to dangerous fumes while living in government-issued trailers.

by The Associated Press

Published: Tue, July 22, 2008 - 5:22 pm CST

NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The Federal Emergency Management Agency is
requesting immunity from lawsuits filed on behalf of Gulf Coast
hurricane victims who claim they were exposed to dangerous fumes
while living in government-issued trailers.

U.S. District Judge Kurt Engelhardt is scheduled to hear
tomorrow (Wednesday) FEMA's request to be dismissed from a series
of consolidated cases filed against the federal government and the
companies that supplied FEMA with tens of thousands of trailers
after Katrina and then Rita in 2005.

Lawyers for Gulf Coast storm victims accuse FEMA of negligence
for sheltering them in trailers with elevated levels of
formaldehyde, a preservative used in construction materials that
can induce breathing problems and is believed to cause cancer.

In court papers, FEMA's lawyers told the judge the agency is
entitled to immunity from such claims challenging its response to
disasters such as Katrina.

(Copyright 2008 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

WKRG.com » News Stream » Hurricane

Photo

WKRG.com Related

» Tropical Systems Tracking and News

» Disaster Supply Kit

» Family Disaster Plan

News –› Mississippi

Discuss this in the forum

Email to a Friend

Printer Friendly

Razorsharp Says:

Sat, Aug 16, 2008 at 12:15 am

Here is what FEMA should do. Since these people are saying that these trailers are toxic and not safe to live in, FEMA should push all of these trailers into a massive dirt pit. Then, FEMA should burn EVERY SINGLE TRAILER (since they are toxic) and the residents who are complaining should have to watch so that they realize that SOMETHING is better than NOTHING. I would be willing to bet that most, if not all of them, would change their minds about complaining. There are people in other nations that would do anything to have one of these trailers to live in. Actually, there are people right here in this country that would gladly take one of these so called “toxic” trailers because it beats sleeping in a ditch or under a bridge.

sweetnsour Says:

Fri, Aug 15, 2008 at 11:59 pm

Well they found a freebee and it is suddenly going to end. How dare the federal government cut them off, they may have to go to work and be responsible. boo-hoo. They are grasping at straws. You gave me free living quarters free food free check to replace all my stuff, hello, FEMA if you cut me off I will sue you…..FEMA trailers were meant for temporary housing to begin with. Most people that got a FEMA trailer got a FEMA check. Where’s your check and why didn’t you take care of your wreck. FEMA can’t fix stupid.

Razorsharp Says:

Sun, Aug 03, 2008 at 10:22 am

Absolutely! They are essentially biting the hand that feeds. I have no problem helping the elderly and disabled, but the rest of these individuals seem to simply be lazy. They need to get out and find a job…and start putting their lives back together…and stop living off of the rest of us. I realize everyones situation is different, but three years have passed and that is PLENTY of time to have gotten your life back together.

carl Says:

Sun, Aug 03, 2008 at 9:09 am

We tax payers have been furnishing them a home and in some cases catered meals and linen services for three years at our expense and now they want to sue us for more free money ! I think they’ve rode this horse far enough !

minnowmaid Says:

Sun, Aug 03, 2008 at 8:54 am

Hooray for FEMA! If not for them, and the rest of us insurance-paying homeowners, these people would not have had a place at all to call home for the past few years. Instead of trying to sue FEMA, these folks should be spending their time, money, and energy looking for a home and preparing for the NEXT hurricane! These people should be permanently blocked from ever receiving federal aid again. If they don’t like the south, move!