Challenges in the Life of Erin Brockovich in a Detailed Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: February 22, 2025

Resilience and perseverance in the journey of Erin Brockovich. A timeline of obstacles and growth.

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.

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.

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.

2010: California Cancer Registry Study

In 2010, a study released by the California Cancer Registry suggested that cancer rates in Hinkley "remained unremarkable from 1988 to 2008".

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.

June 2013: Critique of Epidemiological Studies

In June 2013, Mother Jones magazine featured a critique from the Center for Public Integrity of epidemiological studies, pointing out that the affected area of Hinkley had been bulldozed by 1996.

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.

2019: Cr-6 Levels in Hinkley Wells

As of 2019, average Cr-6 levels for water from wells in Hinkley were still peaking at 100 times California's maximum contaminant level.

October 2022: Dispute over Cr-6 Carcinogenicity

In October 2022, even though the EPA announced Cr-6 was likely carcinogenic if consumed in drinking water, The American Chemistry Council disputed their finding.

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.