Early Life and Education of Erin Brockovich: A Complete Timeline

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

How education and upbringing influenced the life of Erin Brockovich. A timeline of key moments.

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

1952: Construction of Hinkley Compressor Station

In 1952, the Hinkley compressor station was built as part of a natural gas pipeline, later becoming central to the PG&E contamination case.

June 22, 1960: Erin Brockovich's Birth

On June 22, 1960, Erin Brockovich, née Pattee, was born. She later became a paralegal, consumer advocate, and environmental activist.

Others born on this day/year

1966: End of Chromium 6 Use

Between 1952 and 1966, PG&E used hexavalent chromium in a cooling tower system to fight corrosion. The waste water was discharged to unlined ponds at the site.

1968: RWQCB Regulations for PG&E Site

In 1968, the Regional Water Quality Control Board (RWQCB) put the PG&E site under its regulations.

1970: Lehigh Valley Railroad Derailment

In 1970, the Lehigh Valley Railroad derailment occurred, which Brockovich initially suspected as a cause for the LeRoy students' symptoms.

1988: Start of Cancer Rate Monitoring

In 1988, cancer rates in Hinkley began being monitored until 2008.

1996: Purchase of Agoura Hills House

In 1996, Brockovich purchased her house in Agoura Hills, California, with her bonus from the Hinkley settlement.

1996: Investigation of Brain Tumors

Prior to the lawsuit filed in 2009, the EPA began investigating what residents believed were a high number of brain tumors in the area since 1996.

1996: Bulldozing of Affected Area

The affected area of Hinkley had been bulldozed by 1996.

2003: Settlement for Mold Contamination

In 2003, Erin Brockovich received settlements totaling $430,000 and an undisclosed amount from parties to settle her lawsuit alleging toxic mold in her Agoura Hills home.