"A Civil Action" is a non-fiction book written by Jonathan Harr, first published in 1995. It tells the true story of a legal case that took place in the 1980s in Woburn, Massachusetts, a small town located north of Boston. The case involved a group of families who filed a lawsuit against two local companies, alleging that the companies had contaminated the town's water supply with toxic chemicals, causing serious health problems for the families and the death of several children.
The book follows the legal proceedings of the case, which lasted for several years and involved complex scientific and technical evidence, as well as the personal stories of the families and their lawyers. At the center of the case is the protagonist, Jan Schlichtmann, a personal injury lawyer who takes on the case on behalf of the families. Schlichtmann is portrayed as a driven and ambitious lawyer who becomes increasingly obsessed with winning the case, even as he faces significant personal and financial challenges.
One of the main themes of "A Civil Action" is the power of the legal system and its ability to bring about justice. Throughout the book, the families and their lawyers struggle against the odds to hold the companies accountable for their actions and seek compensation for the damages they have suffered. Despite facing significant challenges, including the deep pockets of the defendant companies and the complex nature of the case, they ultimately succeed in achieving a settlement, albeit a small one compared to the damages they had sought.
Another theme of the book is the importance of personal responsibility and the consequences of ignoring environmental laws and regulations. The companies at the center of the case, W.R. Grace and Beatrice Foods, are portrayed as ignoring warnings about the safety of their practices and prioritizing profits over the health and well-being of the community. The book also touches on the broader issue of corporate accountability and the need for stricter regulation to protect the environment and public health.
Overall, "A Civil Action" is a compelling and thought-provoking book that offers a glimpse into the inner workings of the legal system and the personal struggles of those caught up in it. It is a powerful reminder of the importance of holding companies accountable for their actions and the potential impact of environmental pollution on public health.