Chiquita & Sunshine Canyon Landfills Lawsuit: Experienced Mass Tort & Environmental Law Attorneys Fighting for LA County Victims
Let Us Help LA County victims affected by the Chiquita Canyon Landfill Seek Justice and Recover Compensation.
What happened at Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon Landfill?
For years, thousands of LA County residents, workers, and students living near Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon Landfill endured severe consequences because the landfill operated negligently.
Chiquita Canyon
The landfill's owners, Chiquita Canyon, LLC and Waste Connections (US) Inc., knowingly exposed nearby homes and communities to toxic and odorous fumes, causing widespread illness and suffering.
The landfill's uncontrolled chemical reaction has expanded significantly—over three times its original size—releasing hazardous fumes like cancer-causing benzene and high levels of hydrogen sulfide. South Coast Air Quality Management District (SCAQMD) inspections have confirmed these elevated levels.
Additionally, leachate erupts from the landfill, forming stench-filled ponds, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared the landfill an "imminent and substantial" danger.
Sunshine Canyon
The landfill's operator, Browning-Ferris Industries of California (also known as Republic Services), knowingly exposed nearby homes and communities in Sylmar, Granada Hills, and other areas to foul and harmful odors. These odors, persistent due to heavy rainfall in 2022 and 2023 combined with improper drainage, created a breeding ground for methane and hydrogen sulfide producing bacteria.
Residents lodged numerous complaints about the smell, which is linked to gases like methane and hydrogen sulfide. These gases can cause symptoms including headaches, nausea, dizziness, memory loss, respiratory issues, and other potential health impacts with prolonged exposure. In high concentrations, methane gas exposure can even lead to rapid heart rate and death.
Despite the landfill's General Manager claiming improvements, residents and regulators argue these efforts have been insufficient.
The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued notices of violation against the landfill operator due to the high number of odor complaints.
Are you or your loved ones experiencing illness or other damages from exposure to these contaminants?
Holding Responsible Parties Accountable
The Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon Landfill caused significant health risks across nearby homes and communities in LA County, severely impacting daily life for residents, workers, and students.
Frantz Law Group is here to help victims hold the responsible parties accountable and recover what they deserve.
Let Our Experienced Personal Injury Attorneys
Advocate for Your Recovery
Victims affected by the Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon Landfill in LA County may be entitled to justice and compensation.
The damages available to victims may include recovery for a wide range of losses and hardships, such as:
Medical expenses
Lost wages / Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Property damage and loss
Relocation expenses
Business losses and interruptions
Cleanup and repair costs
Loss of enjoyment of property or quality of life
Join Thousands of Families Who Have Turned to
Frantz Law Group for Justice.
We are a team of dedicated personal injury attorneys committed to providing top-tier representation for those facing the challenges of personal injury cases.
From gathering evidence to navigating the complexities of the law, our approach is focused on achieving the best possible outcomes, whether through settlement or trial, while prioritizing the well-being of our clients every step of the way.
A Leader in Environmental Law and Mass Torts
Frantz Law Group is a nationally recognized law firm with specialized expertise in environmental law and mass tort litigation, including representing victims of catastrophic events. With a deep commitment to justice, we have a proven track record of successfully advocating for individuals and communities impacted by widespread harm.
Our unparalleled experience in holding responsible parties accountable, particularly in complex environmental and mass tort actions, earned us a reputation as trusted advocates for families and communities impacted by widespread negligence.
Award-winning firm with over 120+ years of combined law experience.
Why Trust Frantz Law Group
Choosing Frantz Law Group means partnering with a nationally recognized firm known for its success in trial-tested representation.
We’ve earned prestigious accolades, including listings in Best Lawyers of America and Super Lawyers®, and our significant verdicts speak to our ability to deliver results. What sets us apart is our unwavering focus on the human side of every case. We understand the personal stakes and work tirelessly to guide you through these challenging times with compassion, knowledge, and decades of experience.
You can trust that with Frantz Law Group, you’re never alone.
Our team is available 24/7 to address your needs, relieve the stress and financial burden of legal battles, and ensure you have the support you deserve. Whether it’s securing expert testimony, providing transparent access to case files, or using our extensive resources to fight for your success, our commitment is always to excellence.
Latest Legal Victories & Settlements¹
$4 Billion Proposed Settlement for Maui Wildfire Victims**
$13.5 Billion vs. Public Utility - 2020 (FLG represents 4,500 clients of approximately 40,000 victims)**
$1.8 Billion vs. Public Utility - 2021 (FLG represents 8,202 clients of approximately 35,000 victims)**
$585 Million Collective recoveries for FLG clients from catastrophic injury, wrongful death in various types of personal injury claims/tractor trailer crashes
$223 Million Jury Verdict²
$55.4 Million Jury Verdict vs. Public Utility (FLG represents the families of 4 United States Marine Corps officers killed as a result of the gross negligence of the utility)²
$223 Million Jury Verdict: One of the largest jury verdicts in Southern California²
$18.5 Million Verdict vs. Dietary Supplement Company. James P. Frantz provided congressional testimony about the dangerous supplement at issue in the case and congress later permanently banned the supplement²
$17.5 Million Obtained after second week of trial: personal injury
$8 Million award: personal injury/ property damage
FAQs
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To determine if you are eligible to file a Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon Sewage Crisis claim, you must have suffered some type of personal injury as a result of the hazardous fumes from the landfill.
The fumes can cause cause various illnesses, including headaches, nausea, respiratory issues, skin rashes, and eye/throat irritations.
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Our services are contingency-based, which means that there are no upfront fees to hire us. Instead, any costs and fees related to your claim will be deducted from the settlement award that you receive. Therefore, you don't have to worry about paying us in advance, as our compensation will depend on the success of your case. If there is no recovery, you do not reimburse the firm for the expenses advanced on your behalf.
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Damages in Chiquita Canyon and Sunshine Canyon landfill includes medical expenses for related illnesses, lost wages due to health impacts or displacement, pain and suffering from chronic exposure, relocation expenses, and more.