Litigation involving the manufacture and use of PFAS, a man-made chemical found in many consumer goods, are steadily increasing in both state and federal courts across America.
PFAS have been in use in the United States since the 1940s and can be found in many consumer products. These man-made chemicals are resistant to breaking down, which is why they are called “forever chemicals.”
As PFAS-related lawsuits continue to rise, the number of those affected has grown, extending from the owners of places where PFAS are manufactured, to those who own places that simply use PFAS-containing materials, such as air bases.
In addition, the scope of claims for damages has broadened from initially targeting contaminated water supplies due to PFAS manufacturing to accusing corporations of not providing adequate warnings or mislabeling consumer goods alleged to contain PFAS.
As more information becomes available about its dangers, there is an expected uptick in PFAS litigation involving personal injury claims from consumers that have used products containing PFAS.
PFAS CHEMICALS FOUND IN MANY CONSUMER GOODS MAY CAUSE CANCER, LIVER DISEASE, THYROID PROBLEMS, AND INFERTILITY.
Are you at risk? YOU MAY BE ELIGIBLE FOR COMPENSATION
What is PFAS?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) identify PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) as man-made chemicals. These substances have been used for decades to make nonstick cookware, food packaging, water-repellent clothing, stain-resistant fabrics and carpets, some cosmetics, some firefighting foams, and products that are known to resist grease, water, and oil.
WHY ARE PFAS DANGEROUS?
In the process of manufacturing and use, PFAS may migrate into the soil, water, and air. Most PFAS do not break down, therefore they remain in the environment. Due to their widespread use and persistent presence, PFAS has been detected in the blood of animals and humans all over the world. Low levels of PFAS have also been found in a variety of food products. PFAS may build up in humans and animals with repeated exposure over time. These toxic chemicals are dangerous to humans as they may lead to adverse health conditions such as thyroid disease, liver damage, obesity, fertility issues, and an increased risk of asthma and cancer.
HOW CAN I BE EXPOSED TO PFAS?
There are a number of ways one may be exposed to these harmful chemicals. Some of the most common ways one may be exposed to PFAS are:
- Drinking contaminated water
- Eating fish caught from water contaminated with PFAS
- Accidentally swallowing contaminated dust or soil
- Eating food grown or raised near areas where PFAS are manufactured or used
- Eating food packaged in materials with PFAS
- Using consumer products such as stain-resistant carpeting and water-repellent clothing
Some products that may contain PFAS include:
- Personal care products and cosmetics (nail polish, eye makeup, shampoo, dental floss, etc.)
- Stain-resistant coating used on carpets, upholstery, and other fabrics
- Paints, sealants, and varnishes
- Some grease-resistant paper, fast food containers/wrappers, pizza boxes, candy wrappers, microwave popcorn bags
- Water-resistant clothing
- Cleaning products
UNSURE OF YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS?
WE CAN HELP YOU FIND OUT IF YOU CAN CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM PFAS EXPOSURE.
WHAT IS THE PFAS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?
With the pervasive use of PFAS by many companies, no single class-action lawsuit against it exists. However, over the past few years, numerous high-profile PFAS lawsuits have been filed against PFAS manufacturers. There is a current PFAS class action lawsuit targeting several PFAS manufacturers including, DuPont, Solvay, 3M company, and other companies. These PFAS lawsuits are open to any individuals who have a significant concentration of PFAS in their blood. Additionally, many states and municipal governments have begun filing PFAS lawsuits against manufacturers and other at-fault parties for contaminating water supplies and the environment. PFAS has even been dubbed the “new asbestos.”
WHO CAN FILE A PFAS CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT?
You or your loved one may be eligible to file a PFAS class action lawsuit if you have been found to have this harmful chemical in your blood. If you developed a certain illness due to PFAS exposure, a PFAS lawsuit will enable you to recover compensation for your injuries and damages. You may be eligible to file a lawsuit if:
- Received a diagnosis of testicular cancer, kidney cancer, or ulcerative colitis
- Drank contaminated water supply
PFAS chemicals have been found in the water in San Jose, East Los Angeles, or Fresno, California.
RECOVERABLE DAMAGES IN A PFAS LAWSUIT
If you decide to file a PFAS lawsuit, you may be entitled to the following damages:
- Past, present, and future medical bills
- Loss of wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
- Wrongful death
HOW TO FILE A PFAS LAWSUIT
If you believe you are eligible to file a PFAS contamination lawsuit, you must contact a PFAS contamination lawyer right away. Hiring a personal injury lawyer will greatly increase your chance of having a successful PFAS lawsuit. The following are some steps in civil litigation one must be aware of to know what to expect for your lawsuit.
- Gathering evidence – Evidence needed to file a PFAS lawsuit may include medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s diagnosis/notes, etc.), witness testimony, and documentation related to your residence that prove your proximity to PFAS contamination.
- Assessing damages – Your personal injury lawyer will be able to successfully assess the damages incurred due to your exposure to PFAS chemicals.
UNSURE OF YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS?
OUR TEAM CAN HELP YOU FIND OUT THE OPTIONS FOLLOWING EXPOSURE TO PFAS.
FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CASE EVALUATION.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Here are some FAQs about so-called “forever chemicals,” their dangers, and your legal options.
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FILE A PFAS LAWSUIT?
Our award-winning attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you won’t need to pay a single cent unless we win your case. We also offer a free, no-obligation consultation.
HOW LONG DO I HAVE TO FILE A PFAS LAWSUIT?
If exposure to PFAS chemicals has caused you harm, you must act fast! If you wish to file a personal injury lawsuit you have two years from the time of injury to file a PFAS lawsuit. If the injury was not discovered right away, then you have one year from the time of discovery to file a lawsuit.
WHO IS RESPONSIBLE FOR PFAS CONTAMINATION?
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is responsible for addressing PFAS contamination in public water systems all over the United States.
WHAT ARE “FOREVER CHEMICALS”?
“Forever chemicals” is the term used for a certain group of chemicals that cannot be destroyed and have the potential to stay in the environment forever. This class of chemicals may also linger in human bodies for a very long time. Despite some of these forever chemicals no longer being manufactured in America, their ability to stay in the environment for long periods of time means that humans will most likely be dealing with this chemical pollution for years to come.
HOW CAN A PERSONAL INJURY LAWYER HELP ME?
Having a personal injury lawyer by your side will ensure that your rights are protected from those who wish to lowball you. A personal injury attorney will also protect the validity of your case and take all the necessary steps needed to win you a favorable outcome.
UNSURE OF YOUR LEGAL OPTIONS?
FREE, NO-OBLIGATION CASE EVALUATION
CONTACT OUR AWARD-WINNING PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS TODAY!
If you or a loved one have experienced adverse health effects due to the consumption or exposure to PFAS, you may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit. By taking legal action, you may recover the financial compensation you need and deserve for the injuries and damages the chemical contamination has caused you.
Our award-winning team of personal injury attorneys have helped thousands of clients get the justice they deserve.
Do not hesitate. Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We are available 24/7. We speak English, Spanish, and Filipino.
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