Chiquita Canyon Landfill Lawsuits

Who Is Responsible for the Contamination?

Legal claims center on the companies that own and operate the site: Chiquita Canyon, LLC, Chiquita Canyon, Inc., and their parent company, Waste Connections US, Inc. Lawsuits allege these companies were aware of rising subsurface temperatures and dangerous conditions as early as 2019, yet failed to control the landfill's gas collection, control, and leachate systems before the reaction took hold in 2022. The claims further allege the operators mismanaged their response, allowing the emissions to continue harming surrounding communities.

Holding a large waste company accountable requires a thorough investigation, coordination with environmental and medical experts, and the willingness to litigate against well-funded opponents. We handle that work for our clients.

Compensation Available to Affected Residents

Residents harmed by the landfill may be able to recover for several categories of losses. These commonly include medical expenses and the cost of ongoing health monitoring, particularly important given documented benzene exposure. Property owners may pursue compensation for diminished property value and the costs of relocating or securing temporary housing. Many claims also seek recovery for loss of the use and enjoyment of one's home, along with the physical pain, emotional distress, and disruption the contamination has caused.

The value of any claim depends on the specific exposure, the harm suffered, and the evidence connecting it to the landfill. We evaluate each family's situation individually rather than treating everyone the same.

Do I Have a Chiquita Canyon Landfill Claim?

You do not need to be certain you qualify before reaching out. Your situation may be worth a free evaluation if:

• You live, work, or own property in Castaic, Val Verde, Hasley Canyon, or another community near the landfill
• You or someone in your household has experienced symptoms during periods of strong odor, such as headaches, nausea, breathing trouble, or irritation
• The odors have kept you indoors, disrupted your sleep, or made it difficult to use your yard
• You have paid out of pocket for medical care, air filtration, or temporary relocation
• The contamination has affected your property value or your ability to sell or rent your home
• You are simply unsure whether what you have experienced is connected to the landfill

You may have a claim even if only one of these applies to you, and even if you have not yet seen a doctor or kept detailed records. If you are uncertain whether your situation qualifies, contact us and we will give you an honest assessment at no cost.

How Long You Have to File a Claim

Different deadlines may apply depending on the type of claim. California generally gives injured people two years to file personal injury claims, while certain property damage, nuisance, or trespass claims may involve a different deadline. Environmental exposure cases can also raise complicated questions about when harm was discovered, when the cause became known, and whether the nuisance is ongoing. 

Residents should not assume they have unlimited time. A missed deadline can prevent recovery, so it is worth having your situation reviewed as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions