Attorneys with the firm’s New Orleans office have filed a proposed class action lawsuit against AT&T and Lumen Technologies on behalf of two cities and a southern Louisiana parish alleging that the companies failed to remove lead-wrapped telecommunications cables that have contaminated soil and groundwater in the region.  

The litigation filed in state district court on behalf of St. Mary Parish, the cities of New Iberia and Franklin, and affected individuals claims that the companies have known for years about potential health risks from the deteriorating cables. The lawsuit seeks damages for trespass and negligence against the defendants, claiming that the known health risks “will continue until the cables are removed, the contamination is stopped, and the properties are restored to their original, uncontaminated condition.” 

Korey Nelson and Amanda Klevorn of Burns Charest represent the plaintiffs, along with attorneys Barry Sallinger of Lafayette and Robert C. Vines of New Iberia.