Brockovich, Erin (1960–)

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Brockovich, Erin (1960–)

American environmental activist. Name variations: Erin Brockovich-Ellis. Born Erin L.E. Pattee, June 1960, in Lawrence, Kansas; dau. of Frank (industrial engineer) and Betty Jo Pattee (journalist); attended Kansas State University; earned Associate in Applied Arts degree at a business college in Dallas, Texas; m. Shawn Brown (restaurant manager), 1982 (div. 1987); m. Steen Brockovich (stockbroker), 1989 (div. 1990); m. Eric Ellis (actor), 1999; children: (1st m.) Matthew and Katie Brown; (2nd m.) Elizabeth Brockovich.

Hired to work as a clerk at the law firm of Masry & Vititoe (1991); on her own, set out to investigate the mysterious illnesses around Hinkley, CA; established that it was caused by exposure to Chromium 6, leaked into the groundwater by the nearby Pacific Gas & Electric Co.; sued Pacific Gas which had to pay $333 million in damages to more than 600 Hinkley residences, the laregest toxic tort injury settlement in US history (1996); has spearheaded many other cases; hosted her own Lifetime tv show, "Final Justice."

See also film, Erin Brockovich, starring Julia Roberts (2000).

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Brockovich, Erin (1960–)

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