Career Timeline of Erin Brockovich: Major Achievements and Milestones

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Erin Brockovich made an impact.

Erin Brockovich is a paralegal and environmental activist known for her pivotal role in a lawsuit against Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E) in 1993. She worked alongside attorney Ed Masry to investigate and expose groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, caused by PG&E. Their efforts led to a successful settlement for the affected residents. The case and Brockovich's involvement gained widespread attention, inspiring the film 'Erin Brockovich' (2000), which further popularized her story and advocacy work.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1993: Brockovich becomes a Whistleblower

In 1993, Erin Brockovich became a whistleblower, speaking out against PG&E after discovering widespread illness in Hinkley, California, and becoming instrumental in suing the company.

1993: Involvement in PG&E Case

In 1993, Erin Brockovich was instrumental in building a case against Pacific Gas & Electric Company (PG&E) involving groundwater contamination in Hinkley, California, working for attorney Ed Masry.

1996: Settlement of PG&E Case

In 1996, the Anderson, et al. v. Pacific Gas & Electric case was settled for $333 million, which was the largest settlement ever paid in a direct-action lawsuit in United States history to that date.

2003: Lawsuit Against Beverly Hills Unified School District

In 2003, Brockovich and Masry filed a lawsuit against the Beverly Hills Unified School District, alleging harm to students' health and safety due to oil wells on campus.

2006: Settlement of Kettleman Suit

In 2006, the Kettleman suit, alleging contamination near PG&E's Kettleman Hills compressor station, was settled for $335 million.

May 2007: Summary Judgment Against Plaintiffs

In May 2007, the Los Angeles County Superior Court granted summary judgment against the plaintiffs in the Beverly Hills Unified School District case, and the school district was to be paid $450,000 for legal expenses.

April 2009: Lawsuit Against Prime Tanning Corp

In April 2009, Brockovich assisted in filing a lawsuit against Prime Tanning Corp. of St. Joseph, Missouri, alleging contamination from waste sludge used as fertilizer.

June 2009: Investigation in Midland, Texas

In June 2009, Erin Brockovich began investigating a case of contaminated water in Midland, Texas, where significant amounts of hexavalent chromium were found in the water.

2012: Involvement in LeRoy, New York Case

In 2012, Erin Brockovich became involved in the case of 14 students from LeRoy, New York, reporting perplexing medical symptoms. The cause was later determined to be mass psychogenic illness.

2012: Appearance in "Last Call at the Oasis"

In 2012, Erin Brockovich had a more extensive role in the documentary "Last Call at the Oasis," which focused on water pollution and water scarcity in the United States.

2016: Involvement in Aliso Canyon Gas Leak Litigation

In early 2016, Erin Brockovich became involved in potential litigation against Southern California Gas for the Aliso Canyon gas leak.

2021: Writing on Hormone-Disrupting Chemicals

In 2021, Erin Brockovich wrote about hormone-disrupting chemicals (such as PFAS) eroding human fertility at an alarming rate.

February 8, 2022: Article on Steven Donziger Case

On February 8, 2022, Erin Brockovich wrote an article discussing the case of Steven Donziger, a lawyer involved in a legal battle with Chevron.

2023: Involvement in East Palestine Train Derailment

In early 2023, following the Feb. 3 Norfolk Southern train derailment in East Palestine, Ohio, Erin Brockovich began assisting the community and raising awareness about the toxic chemical fires and potential groundwater contamination.