TCM’s Legal Blog

Legacy Litigation

Old abandoned oil pump in the middle of the forest

Understanding Landowner Rights for Oil & Gas Claims

Historic oil and gas operations in Louisiana didn’t just pump minerals; they often left behind serious damage and pollution. Abandoned wells can leak oil into your soil. Old pipelines can corrode and taint groundwater. Waste pits can release toxins that harm crops, livestock, and your family’s health. For Louisiana landowners, dealing with this damage can […]

abandoned oil barrel in field leaking onto land

Why Is Soil Contamination a Problem?

When harmful substances seep into the ground, soil contamination can put our health, homes, and environment at risk. As a landowner, testing your soil for contaminants can help guide the necessary cleanup, from excavation and soil washing to chemical treatments and bioremediation.  When polluters leave behind contaminated land, a knowledgeable Legacy litigation attorney can help […]

Drone aerial photograph of a polluted small overflow reservoir after severe flooding

How Does Land Pollution Affect the Environment?

Over many years, land pollution has quietly spread across our state, threatening farms, neighborhoods, and wildlife reserves. But what is land pollution? Simply put, it occurs when harmful substances, including chemicals, plastics, and industrial waste, contaminate soil and degrade the land we rely on. When historic oil and gas operations pollute our lands and water […]

contaminated water being dumped into open water

What Are the Causes of Arsenic Contamination of Groundwater?

Arsenic contamination of groundwater happens when the naturally occurring element arsenic seeps into underground water supplies. In many regions, arsenic sits in soil and rock layers. Over time, it dissolves into the water that people draw from wells and springs. When levels rise above safe limits, water becomes unsafe to drink or use for cooking. […]

chemical plant with rusty pipes

Benzene Land Pollution & Legacy Litigation in Louisiana

Benzene is a common chemical in oil and gas work. Over decades, old drilling sites and storage tanks can leak benzene into the ground. This leak can cause land pollution, soil contamination, and groundwater contamination. If you live near a former oil field or gas facility, you have a right to know your risks. Let’s […]

spilled oil polluting the soil and water in a nature area

What Are the Effects of Land Pollution?

Land pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental challenges facing communities across Louisiana and the United States. When factories and oil and gas operations release chemicals into soil and groundwater, those toxins can stick around for decades. That puts our health at risk, harms property values and often leads land owners to pursue […]

Oil field and oil derricks at dusk.

Next Steps for Legacy Litigation Claims After Oil and Gas Operations

You might be wondering what’s next after exploring legal protections for landowners in our previous blog. Now it’s time to turn that knowledge into action. This follow-up guide walks you through practical steps to build strong Legacy litigation claims against historic oil and gas operations in Louisiana. From digging into site evidence to choosing the […]

Close up lawyer working on a document

What is Legacy Litigation?

Historic oil and gas activities in Louisiana have left a hidden legacy of pollution and property damage. Decades-old wells, unlined pits, and abandoned pipelines can still contaminate soil and groundwater. When landowners discover new harm, they may face high cleanup costs and health risks. In these cases, Louisiana courts allow Legacy litigation to hold operators […]

Oil pump in the field on a background cloudy sky

Legal Protections for Landowners: A Guide to Landowner Environmental Claims

Oil and gas operations often leave behind abandoned equipment and contaminated land, the impacts of which may surface years later in the form of barren land, polluted ponds, and tainted water wells. When they’re faced with steep cleanup bills and diminished land value, landowners may feel they have no recourse.  Louisiana law equips landowners with […]

withered sunflower field

What to Do About Chemical Contamination on Your Land

Chemical contamination is a critical issue that poses significant health and environmental risks. Gaining a comprehensive understanding of this matter will enable landowners to identify, manage, and mitigate possible hazards associated with this problem effectively. Understanding Chemical Contamination Chemical contamination refers to the presence of chemicals, naturally or unnaturally, in the environment, which can harm […]

colorful oily film on the surface water in the river

Benzene Contamination in Groundwater: Impacts for Landowners

With Louisiana’s long history of oil and gas production and refining, there have been countless instances of harmful chemicals contaminating the state’s groundwater. One of the more common substances found is benzene. A colorless or light yellow liquid at room temperature, benzene can often be detected by its sweet smell or as a film that […]

Former dump toxic waste, oil lagoon contamination.

Understanding the Causes of Soil Contamination

Soil contamination refers to the presence of harmful chemicals in the soil. These hazardous substances can come from various sources, affecting the natural soil environment negatively. Healthy soil is vital for plant growth, wildlife habitats, and even our food. When soil quality becomes degraded through contamination, it can have a ripple effect on our lives […]