Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) Contamination
Communities near the former Rocketdyne/Santa Susana Field Laboratory have been exposed to radioactive and chemical contamination.
Simi Valley, CaliforniaClaims may be time-sensitive — deadlines may apply
If you were affected by the Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) Contamination, contact our legal team immediately to protect your rights.
Act NowCase Overview
What Happened
The Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) Contamination case involves serious harm caused by negligence or corporate wrongdoing. Our legal team is investigating claims on behalf of affected individuals.
Who Is Affected
Individuals, families, and businesses who suffered damages may be eligible to pursue compensation through this coordinated legal action.
Why It Matters Legally
Holding responsible parties accountable requires aggressive legal representation. Our attorneys are building cases to secure maximum compensation for victims.
Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory Contamination Lawsuit
The Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL), formerly operated by Rocketdyne, Atomics International, North American Aviation, and later Boeing, NASA, and the Department of Energy, sits on 2,850 acres in the hills between the San Fernando and Simi Valleys. For decades, the facility conducted rocket engine testing, nuclear reactor research, and chemical weapons development. The site is the location of one of the worst nuclear accidents in U.S. history — the 1959 partial meltdown of the Sodium Reactor Experiment — and decades of operations have left the soil, groundwater, and surrounding watershed contaminated with radionuclides, perchlorate, trichloroethylene (TCE), heavy metals, and other hazardous materials.
The 1959 Partial Meltdown and Decades of Releases
In July 1959, the Sodium Reactor Experiment at SSFL suffered a partial meltdown that released radioactive iodine, cesium, and strontium into the surrounding environment. The accident was concealed from the public for two decades. In addition to the meltdown, routine operations at SSFL generated radioactive waste, used millions of pounds of TCE and other solvents in rocket engine cleaning, conducted open-air burns of contaminated materials, and discharged perchlorate and metals into surface water and groundwater.
Health Effects on Surrounding Communities
Multiple epidemiological studies have documented elevated cancer rates in the communities surrounding SSFL — including Simi Valley, West Hills, Bell Canyon, Chatsworth, and the western San Fernando Valley. Linked conditions include thyroid cancer, leukemia, lymphoma, bladder cancer, lung cancer, multiple myeloma, sarcomas, and rare cancers. Children exposed during development are particularly vulnerable. The 2018 Woolsey Fire — which started at SSFL and burned across contaminated areas — raised additional concerns about resuspension of radionuclides and toxic chemicals.
Cleanup Failures
Despite signed agreements requiring full cleanup of SSFL by 2017, the responsible parties — Boeing, NASA, and the Department of Energy — have failed to complete the cleanup. Ongoing political and regulatory disputes have delayed remediation while contamination continues to migrate.
Who May Qualify
Current and former residents of the impacted communities who developed qualifying cancers or other linked conditions may bring claims. Workers at SSFL and their families may also have causes of action. Families of deceased loved ones may pursue wrongful death and survival claims.
Damages Available
Recovery may include medical expenses and medical monitoring, lost income and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, wrongful death and loss of consortium damages, property damage and diminished value, and punitive damages where contamination occurred with conscious disregard for community safety.
Why Keosian Law
Our firm pursues Rocketdyne / SSFL contamination claims with the resources of a complex environmental tort practice, working with health physicists, oncologists, epidemiologists, and hydrogeologists to establish causation. Consultations are free and cases are handled on a contingency basis.
Do You Qualify?
You may be eligible for the Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) Contamination litigation if you meet any of the following criteria:
Live or work near the Santa Susana Field Laboratory site Developed cancer or other health conditions Have documentation of exposure or medical treatment Can demonstrate proximity to the contaminated site Call (866) 222-2020Damages You May Recover
Victims of the Rocketdyne / Santa Susana Field Laboratory (SSFL) Contamination may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses, including:
Property Damage
Structural damage, personal belongings, and rebuilding costs
Financial Loss
Out-of-pocket expenses, underpaid claims, and denied benefits
Emotional Distress
Anxiety, trauma, and diminished quality of life
Medical Costs
Treatment, rehabilitation, and ongoing care expenses
Loss of Income
Wages lost during recovery and business interruption
Displacement
Temporary housing, relocation, and living expense increases
Building a Strong Claim
What Strengthens Your Claim
- Photos and videos of the damage
- Insurance policy and correspondence
- Medical records and bills
- Repair estimates and contractor invoices
- Financial records showing losses
- Government reports or investigation findings
Common Insurer Tactics
- Delaying claims processing to pressure settlements
- Undervaluing property damage assessments
- Denying coverage based on policy technicalities
- Requiring excessive or redundant documentation
- Offering lowball settlements before full damages are assessed
- Misrepresenting policy terms or coverage limits
Case Timeline
Case Filed Invalid Date Investigation Litigation Trial / Claims Resolved Case Filed CURRENT Invalid Date Investigation Litigation Trial / Claims ResolvedWhy Keosian Law
We take on the cases others won't — and we prepare every one for trial.
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No Fees or Costs Unless We Recover
No attorney fees or costs unless we recover for you.
Your Legal Team
Harout G. KeosianFounding Partner
Melkon R. MelkonianManaging Attorney and Partner
Zareh Jack KeosianPartner
Meet Our Full Legal TeamFrequently Asked Questions
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