A still image from a video taken of the demolition of the Crawford Coal Plant smokestack, April 11, 2020. (Alejandro Reyes / YouTube)

In April 2020, a smokestack implosion in Little Village blanketed the community in dust, endangering the health of residents during the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Now, eligible Little Village residents have until March 26 to file claims for compensation against Hilco Redevelopment after the company agreed on a $12.25 million settlement in a class action lawsuit.

The settlement will allow class members who were present at the time of the implosion, live in the area, own property or experienced personal issues to submit a claim to receive some money for damages.

“This was never about money. It is about justice for the Little Village community,” plaintiff Juan Rangel said in a statement. “If it weren’t for this class action suit, however, the tragic event almost four years ago would have been long forgotten, especially by the elected leaders who did next to nothing to address the concerns of our neighbors. Now, the crucial work of informing Little Village residents about filing their claims begins.”

For more information and to file a claim, visit littlevillagesmokestack.com.

Below is a map of the geographic area included in the settlement.