In recent years, you may have heard about PFAS lawsuits, or been in an industry where exposure to high levels of PFAS has caused concern and the involvement of PFAS lawsuit lawyers.
Every American is exposed to some level of PFAS – per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances – as a result of drinking water contaminated with PFAS or using consumer products that contain PFAS. They are known as “forever chemicals” and are found in clothing, cookware, cosmetics, electronics, firefighting foam, packaging, and many other products.
In fact, according to The Pew Charitable Trusts, these chemicals are so prevalent they’re found in the blood of 97 percent of Americans.
The problem with these chemicals lies in the fact that can’t naturally break down, so they end up accumulating in water, soil, and even in your blood. Unfortunately, studies have shown that high levels of PFAS can lead to an increased risk of cancer, among other alarming health issues.
As the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure are studied more and more, lawsuits from this exposure have increased. More than 1,200 PFAS lawsuits were filed in 2021, according to Bloomberg Law, and new lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers are being filed frequently.
If you or a loved one suspect that you were affected by PFAS exposure, alongside contacting a doctor for testing and evaluation, you should consider contacting a lawyer to determine your legal rights. You may be eligible to file a claim or join in a PFAS class action lawsuit, and the skilled attorneys at Phillips Law Group can review your case to determine your next steps.
There is no risk in contacting us to learn more and to see if you qualify to pursue legal action in a PFAS lawsuit. Our lawyers work on contingency, meaning you pay nothing unless we ultimately take on and win your case. Give us a call for a free consultation to learn more!
FAQs:
Why Are PFAS Dangerous?
There is increasing evidence that PFAS can cause health issues. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “studies of laboratory animals given large amounts of PFAS indicate that some PFAS may affect growth and development,” and those same studies “indicate PFAS may affect reproduction, thyroid function, the immune system, and injure the liver.”
According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, a federal public health agency within the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, research involving humans suggests that high levels of certain PFAS may lead to health issues including but not limited to:
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Decreased vaccine response in children
- Changes in liver enzymes
- Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
- Small decreases in infant birth weights
- Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
What Products Have PFAS?
Clothing, cookware, cosmetics, furniture, electronics, adhesives, food packaging, heat-resistant non-stick cooking surfaces, the insulation of electrical wire, textiles, carpets, cleaners, personal care products, and more can contain PFAS. Drinking water and AFFF firefighting foam can also contain these chemicals.
It is virtually impossible to avoid exposure to PFAS entirely, but it is possible to try to limit your exposure to potentially toxic chemicals by being aware of what’s in the products you use at home.
What Compensation Can You Get For PFAS Exposure?
If you have high blood levels of PFAS and have cancer, you should speak to a lawyer. Research about PFAS and its impact on health in humans is still developing, but there are ongoing class-action lawsuits against PFAS manufacturers, and you could potentially receive compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages
- Future lost income
- …and more
How do I know if I qualify for a PFAS lawsuit?
Virtually all Americans have been exposed to PFAS, but exposure alone is not enough to qualify you to join a PFAS lawsuit. You must be a resident of the U.S., have detectable amounts of PFAS in your blood, and suffer from a health condition that has been linked to PFAS exposure.
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, at the time of this writing, PFAS exposure is associated with the following conditions:
- Cancers of the kidney, testicles, and prostate
- Thyroid disease
- Hormonal irregularities
- Decreased fertility
- Low birth weight
- Developmental disorders
Liver damage, gestational hypertension, breast cancer, immunosuppression, and elevated cholesterol have also been linked to PFAS.
Anyone who has been diagnosed with any of these conditions, or whose child may have been affected by PFAS exposure, should contact our law firm immediately. We can review your specific situation and let you know whether you are eligible to join a PFAS lawsuit.
Can I sue if I have been exposed to PFAS but don’t have symptoms yet?
Possibly.
In general, anyone seeking compensation for an injury must show actual harm, not just a potentially increased risk of harm. That usually means you must have been diagnosed with a health condition associated with PFAS exposure to join a PFAS lawsuit.
However, some states allow plaintiffs to sue for medical monitoring costs when they can prove exposure to dangerous levels of toxins. If you live in one of these states, you may have a claim for medical monitoring costs even if you do not have a diagnosis or are not showing symptoms. The law on this point is evolving, and it is worth discussing your situation with a local attorney.
What types of industries are most commonly linked to PFAS contamination?
PFAS are used across many industrial sectors. Chemical manufacturing, aerospace, textile manufacturing, construction materials, automotive, and hazardous waste management are some of the major industrial sources. PFAS are also used in cosmetics, personal care products, cookware, food packaging, and many other consumer goods.
The water supplies around military bases often show very high levels of PFAS. Similarly, water supplies in industrial areas may have significant PFAS contamination.
What steps should I take if I suspect PFAS exposure?
If you know or suspect your water supply is contaminated, install a water filtration system. Reverse osmosis and granular activated carbon systems are considered the most effective options.
Discuss your concerns with your doctor. Your healthcare provider may order tests to assess the levels of PFAS in your blood and other diagnostic or screening tests if you have symptoms.
Contact our law firm. If you have a diagnosis or are experiencing symptoms, you may be eligible to join a PFAS lawsuit. Even if you are not yet suffering health impacts, we can keep you informed of developments and you can file a lawsuit if your health status deteriorates.
How can a lawyer assist me in a PFAS lawsuit?
A lawyer can help you compile and present the evidence necessary to prove your case. They can review your medical records to ensure there is proper documentation that you suffer from a PFAS associated illness. They can look at your employment history and the places where you have lived to determine whether there is an identifiable source of exposure.
PFAS lawsuits require a deep understanding of complex laws, medical information, manufacturing processes, and other technical data. A skilled attorney has knowledge, resources, and access to experts enabling them to prepare the most robust case possible.
Working with an attorney also provides you a source of up-to-date information and emotional support. These lawsuits can require years from inception to settlement, but working with a lawyer keeps you in the loop and helps you maintain reasonable expectations.
How Much Does Getting a PFAS Lawsuit Lawyer Cost?
If you or a loved one suspect that you were affected by PFAS exposure, please don’t hesitate to contact our firm to learn more about your legal options. There is no fee for the initial consultation – you only pay us if we successfully recover compensation on your behalf! Your information will remain confidential, and we would be happy to review your situation with you. Contact Phillips Law Group today.
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