Erin Brockovich

This movie showed a few aspects covered in chapters 3 & 4. Service of process was carried out as PG&E was given a summons and presented the initial complaint regarding the real estate civil suit. It was then upgraded by the medical findings. Pretrial existed in the process of the discovery and conferences that were held. This was a civil trial and the number of complainants, was increased to 411. Chapter 4 brought up the explanation of the Alternative dispute resolution. Erin Brockovich(the movie), showed this case started out as pro-bono. Eventually as the case progressed, the expenses increased, economically and efficient methods were needed. To accomplish the least of costs, would be to have a mediator settle this claim.
The movie covered the laws of illegal disposal of toxic wastes. PG&E was aware of this. The company had not followed the requirements of lining the holding tanks which resulted in the waste seeping into the water supply of Hinkley. PG&E tried to stall this cover-up beyond the statue of limitations of one year’s time. They had held a meeting addressing the facts, and misstating the actual toxic waste chemical.
The outcome of the case was that PG&E settled prior to decision, paying the plaintiffs in degree of medical circumstances. Though PG&E took no guilt, they paid the plaintiffs over 333 million dollars. In the settlement, the firm took 40% and Erin was paid 2 million dollars for her work in the discovery results, and her rapport with the plaintiffs.