In the UK, awareness around environmental wrongdoing is growing.
In this guide, we’ll discover how group litigation holds big organisations accountable for environmental harm. We’ll walk through how group litigation works, examples of group action cases, and the benefits of this collective approach for victims.
What is environmental harm?
Environmental harm refers to damage caused to the natural environment, which often has severe consequences for the health, property, and wellbeing of individuals and communities. It can take many forms, including:
- Air pollution
- Water pollution
- Toxic spills
- Deforestation
- Industrial waste mismanagement.
Beyond the immediate physical and ecological impacts, environmental harm can also lead to financial losses. For example, in cases like dieselgate (more on this later), where the value of certain cars dropped significantly due to emissions violations.
How group litigation works for environmental harm cases
Group litigation lets victims of the same environmental misconduct unite and file a collective legal claim. It is used when many people are affected by a single incident or ongoing problem. Rather than taking on the legal battle individually, group litigation allows victims to pool their resources, share evidence, and pursue justice together.
In the UK, environmental group claims can be brought through different legal routes. The exact procedure will depend on the nature of the claim and the legal framework being used.
The group litigation process
Affected individuals are often asked to join a group action when an environmental harm case is identified. The case is typically organised by a law firm, which will represent the entire group in negotiations and court. The main steps include:
Identifying the issue
The first step is identifying evidence of environmental harm, such as pollution, toxic leaks, or long-term contamination. Information may come from local authorities, environmental regulators, public records, health reports, or community investigations.
Forming the group
Once the issue is identified, one or more law firms may explore whether legal action is viable. They will often seek to bring together people who have been affected, such as those who have suffered health problems, property damage, or financial loss.
However, affected individuals may not always realise they are connected to the same issue. As a result, awareness-raising plays an important role. Consumer platforms like Join the Claim help highlight potential claims and encourage affected people to come forward.
Filing the claim
If there is sufficient evidence and legal merit, the law firm may formally bring a group claim against the organisation responsible. The claim will set out the alleged wrongdoing and the losses suffered by the group.
Not all investigations progress to this stage.
Negotiation or court action
Some cases settle before reaching court, particularly where companies wish to avoid lengthy litigation or reputational damage. If a settlement is agreed, compensation is distributed among eligible group members. If settlement is not possible, the case may proceed through the courts.
Advantages of group litigation
Group litigation offers several advantages when tackling environmental harm cases, including:
- Strength in numbers: Joining together as a group increases the pressure on companies to address the environmental damage they’ve caused. Large corporations are often more willing to settle or take corrective actions when faced with a well-organised group of claimants rather than numerous individual cases.
- Shared costs: Legal expenses can be high, especially when taking on large, well-resourced companies. Group litigation reduces this burden by allowing claimants to share expenses, making it more accessible for those who might otherwise be unable to afford legal representation.
- No-win, no-fee: Many group litigation cases are run on a no-win, no-fee basis. These arrangements make it easier for people to come forward and join group actions, knowing they won’t face financial hardship if the case is unsuccessful. Terms vary, and you should always check what deductions may apply if a claim succeeds, and whether any costs could be payable in specific circumstances.
- Access to expertise: By pooling resources, group members can access high-quality legal support and environmental experts. This collective power is often necessary to challenge well-funded corporations effectively.
Group litigation not only seeks compensation for immediate harm (such as health impacts and property damage) but can also enforce long-term changes. By holding companies accountable, group actions can lead to stricter regulations and improved practices, helping to prevent future environmental damage and protect communities in the long term.
Common types of environmental harm leading to group claims
Environmental harm can take many forms, often affecting large numbers of people and leading to serious health, property, and ecological consequences. Here are some examples of environmental harm that may result in group litigation.
Industrial pollution
Air and water pollution from industrial sites is a major cause of environmental harm. Factories and plants that emit harmful chemicals and pollutants into the atmosphere or discharge waste into nearby water sources can devastate local communities.
Air pollution can lead to respiratory issues, while water pollution may contaminate drinking supplies, leading to illness.
For example, a case involving a chemical factory emitting toxic fumes may lead to a group action where local residents have suffered health issues such as asthma or skin conditions due to prolonged exposure.
Toxic spills and waste disposal
Toxic spills or improper waste disposal by companies can cause severe environmental damage, contaminating land, water, and air. These incidents often affect entire communities, especially when toxic substances seep into water supplies or agricultural land.
For example, a group action might be launched against a company responsible for leaking harmful chemicals into a river, affecting local wildlife and the health of nearby residents.
Oil spills
Oil spills, whether on land or in water, can have catastrophic effects on ecosystems and nearby communities.
These incidents can destroy marine life, contaminate coastlines, and harm industries reliant on clean water, such as fishing and tourism.
An oil spill off the coast of the UK may lead to group litigation by local fishermen and coastal communities seeking compensation for the loss of income and damage to the environment.
Deforestation and land degradation
Deforestation and land degradation caused by industrial or illegal activities can destroy local ecosystems, displace communities, and cause long-term ecological damage. Group claims in these cases often aim to halt harmful practices and seek compensation for the environmental impact.
Examples of high-profile environmental harm cases*
By working together, victims of environmental harm can seek justice and push for change that protects both people and the environment. Here are some actions you might have heard about:
Dieselgate emissions lawsuits
Dieselgate is one of the most well-known environmental harm cases, with claims against Peugeot, Citroen, BMW, Ford, Volvo, Nissan, Renault and Volkswagen (amongst others).
The claim alleges these companies installed “defeat devices” in vehicles to trick emissions tests, causing the cars to emit pollutants far exceeding legal limits.
Ongoing legal actions have already led to billions in settlements globally, as well as stricter emissions standards and testing procedures for future vehicle models. In the UK, group litigation claims aim to hold these companies accountable, not only for the environmental and financial damage caused but also for deceptive marketing and consumer fraud.
The Erin Brockovich water pollution case
The Erin Brockovich case is one of the most famous examples of environmental harm and the power of group litigation. In the early 1990s, legal clerk Erin Brockovich uncovered evidence of widespread water contamination in the small town of Hinkley, California, caused by Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Residents of Hinkley had suffered various health issues, including cancer, respiratory problems, and reproductive difficulties, allegedly linked to the polluted water.
Brockovich helped organise a group action on behalf of the affected community members. Her efforts uncovered thousands of documents proving that PG&E was aware of the contamination but failed to take action to prevent it or inform the residents. In 1996, the case resulted in a $333 million settlement—the largest of its kind in US history at the time.
BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill claim
The BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill was one of the largest environmental disasters in history. In 2010, the explosion of the offshore oil rig led to millions of barrels of oil spilling into the Gulf of Mexico, causing widespread ecological damage. Affected communities, including local fishermen and coastal businesses, joined group actions to seek compensation for their economic losses and the environmental damage caused by BP.
PFAS claims
Another example involves claims against companies responsible for PFAS (Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination. These “forever chemicals”, which have been found in drinking water supplies across the US, have been linked to severe health problems.
Group litigation is seeking compensation for affected communities. While these cases are primarily US-based, in September 2024, residents living near a chemicals plant in Lancashire were advised to wash any homegrown produce after AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd was accused of releasing significant amounts of PFAS – including the banned chemical PFOA – into the River Wyre. Lawyers are currently investigating this incident.
Make a claim for environmental harm
Group litigation is a powerful and effective way for victims of environmental harm to seek justice and compensation.
By pooling resources and expertise, it can increase the chances of success and make legal action accessible for those who might otherwise struggle to take on large corporations alone.
If you have been affected by environmental harm and wrongdoing, exploring your legal options is essential.
*These examples are for illustrative purposes only and may not represent the exact legal grounds of the ongoing claims.
Join the Claim connects consumers with SRA-regulated lawyers. Visit the claim page to check your eligibility if a claim is open with one of our trusted legal partners. If a group action has not yet been launched, you can register your interest and we’ll keep you informed if a partner firm decides to take a claim forward.
- Last Updated: March 2026
- Next Update Scheduled: March 2027
