2025 Session Last amended: 2003 session

§ 115B.33 — Claim Standards

Plain-Language Summary

To receive compensation from the harmful substance fund, a claimant must prove by a preponderance of the evidence (more likely than not) that they have a medically verified eligible injury or property damage, that they were exposed to a harmful substance, that the release from a nearby facility could have reasonably caused their exposure, and that exposure to that substance can cause the type of injury suffered. Property damage claims require showing it is more likely than not that the harmful substance in the property came from a facility release.

Practical Notes
The ‘more likely than not’ standard is lower than proof beyond a reasonable doubt but still requires real medical and scientific evidence linking the injury to the contamination. Claimants typically need expert medical opinion and environmental exposure data. The agency reviews the evidence on its own, so claimants should present as much supporting documentation as possible upfront.