PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer

Understanding PFAS Contamination

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products since the 1950s.

PFAS compounds are known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, which has led to their widespread use and persistence in the environment.

PFAS are infamously called “forever chemicals” because these toxic chemicals do not break down easily and can accumulate over time in the environment and human and animal bodies.

With enough exposure, these harmful chemicals can cause potentially fatal health conditions and irreparable environmental damage.

Recent studies have detected PFAS in the blood and tissue of more than 95% of Americans.

The Properties of PFAS Chemicals

PFAS are characterized by their unique chemical structure, which includes a chain of carbon atoms fully or partially bonded to fluorine atoms.

This structure gives PFAS its distinctive properties.

The properties of PFAS include:

• Chemical Stability: The strong carbon-fluorine bonds make PFAS highly resistant to degradation by natural processes, contributing to their persistence in the environment.
• Water and Oil Repellency: PFAS are hydrophobic and lipophobic, meaning they repel water and oils, making them ideal for use in non-stick coatings, waterproof fabrics, and aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF).
• Thermal Stability: PFAS can withstand high temperatures without breaking down, which is why they are used in various industrial applications requiring heat resistance, such as firefighting foam.

Human Health Risks Associated With PFAS (Forever Chemicals)

The widespread use of PFAS has led to widespread environmental contamination and human exposure, raising significant health concerns.

PFAS can accumulate in the human body over time and have been detected in the blood serum of military personnel and civilians living near PFAS makers or military bases.

A surprising portion of the general public is somewhat exposed to PFAS because of their widespread application.

Health issues known to stem from PFAS pollution can include:

• Cancer: Some studies have linked exposure to certain PFAS, such as PFOA and PFOS, with increased risks of kidney and testicular cancer.
• Hormonal Disruption: PFAS can interfere with hormone function, potentially affecting growth, metabolism, and reproduction.
• Immune System Impairment: Exposure to PFAS has been associated with decreased vaccine response and increased susceptibility to infections.
• Cholesterol Levels: PFAS exposure has been linked to elevated cholesterol levels, which can contribute to cardiovascular disease.
• Developmental Effects: Prenatal exposure to PFAS can affect fetal development, leading to low birth weight and developmental delays in children.

The Causes and Pathways of PFAS Contamination

PFAS contamination occurs through various pathways, often originating from industrial and consumer product use.

Causes and pathways of PFAS contamination can include:

• Industrial Discharges: PFAS manufacturing facilities release these chemicals into the air, water, and soil. Wastewater treatment plants receiving industrial discharge can also become sources of PFAS contamination.
• Firefighting Foams: The use of AFFF at military bases, airports, and firefighting training sites has led to significant PFAS contamination in surrounding water bodies and soil.
• Landfills: Disposal of PFAS-containing products in landfills can result in leachate, a liquid that percolates through the waste, carrying PFAS into groundwater and surface water.
• Agricultural Practices: Using biosolids (sewage sludge) as fertilizer can introduce PFAS into the soil, which can then leach into groundwater or be taken up by crops, entering the food chain.
• Household Products: Washing PFAS-treated fabrics, using non-stick cookware, and other household activities can release PFAS into domestic wastewater, eventually reaching water treatment facilities and the environment.
• Groundwater Contamination: PFAS can seep into groundwater from contaminated soil and industrial sites, posing risks to drinking water supplies, especially in areas reliant on well water.

With its vast application during the late 90s and promising, unique properties, the forever chemicals are everywhere, hiding in plain sight.

PFAS Lawsuits Against Chemical Companies

Individuals and various government and private entities have filed lawsuits against major PFAS manufacturers, such as 3M, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products, and other chemical companies for producing and distributing PFAS products.

While the influx of legal cases pertaining to PFAS water contamination only gained traction within the past few years, chemical and medical experts were already warning about the dangers of PFAS as early as the 1970s.

However, the lack of strict regulations allowed manufacturers to produce and distribute PFAS-containing products without proper oversight.

Fatal health problems and environmental effects of PFAS may take years to surface and pinpoint, leaving communities and individuals with little options recourse until recently.

A popular lawsuit related to PFAS contamination is a multidistrict litigation (MDL) against aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) manufacturers.

This foam has been commonly used in firefighting and in the military, and has been identified as a significant source of PFAS contamination in groundwater and surface water.

The AFFF MDL is currently active and is consolidated in the United States District Court of South Carolina.

Individuals who have filed claims the AFFF Lawsuit include military personnel, airport workers, municipal firefighters, and others who have been exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam and suffered health problems.

Because of the similar nature of these lawsuits, the outcome of AFFF MDL could influence how PFAS contamination cases are handled in the future.

Taking Legal Action for PFAS-Related Illnesses

Victims who have suffered illness due to PFAS pollution exposure have the right to seek legal action against responsible parties.

The process can be complex, involving numerous legal, scientific, and procedural steps.

Ways that victims can pursue justice and compensation can include:

1. Seek Medical Diagnosis: The first step in pursuing legal action is to get a medical diagnosis linking your illness to PFAS exposure. This step is essential to keep your condition from worsening and obtain the necessary medical treatment.
2. Consult With a PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer: The next step is to consult an experienced lawyer specializing in PFAS water contamination cases. They can evaluate your case, determine the responsible parties, and advise you on the legal options available to you.
3. File a Lawsuit: If there is sufficient evidence linking your illness to PFAS exposure, your lawyer will help you file a lawsuit against the responsible party or parties. This process involves gathering evidence, drafting legal documents, and presenting your case in court.
4. Settlement Negotiation: In some cases, the responsible party may offer a settlement before the case goes to trial. Your lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
5. Trial: The case will go to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Your lawyer will represent you in court, presenting evidence and arguments to support your case.
6. Compensation: If the court rules in your favor, you may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by PFAS exposure.

This structure follows the standard timeline of most personal injury cases.

How a PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer Can Help

PFAS water contamination lawyers are essential advocates for individuals and communities affected by PFAS pollution.

An experienced PFAS Lawyer can help victims understand their rights and potential for seeking compensation.

Our PFAS Lawyers work to hold corporations accountable for PFAS pollution and resultant exposure, pursuing compensation that adequately reflects how people and their communities have been effected.

Our lawyers will collect crucial evidence for your case, negotiate on your behalf, and seek the maximum compensation possible for medical costs, property damage, and other losses related to PFAS pollution.

If you or a loved one have been exposed to PFAS pollution in contaminated water and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health problems, you may be eligible to file a PFAS Lawsuit.

Contact an experienced PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer from TorHoerman Law today for a free consultation.

You can also use the chatbot on this page to find out if you qualify to file a PFAS Lawsuit.

Legal Expertise and Guidance

Our PFAS water contamination lawyers specialize in personal injury law and toxic torts, providing the necessary expertise to handle the complex legal issues related to PFAS contamination.

Our team of lawyers can help victims assess the extent of PFAS contamination and its impact.

They can also help determine the applicable laws and devise a suitable legal strategy for an adequate outcome.

Filing Lawsuits

PFAS contamination lawyers are instrumental in initiating legal actions against responsible parties.

Lawyers specializing in PFAS cases can help plaintiffs file legal cases against manufacturers, industrial facilities, and other entities responsible for PFAS pollution.

PFAS attorneys can prepare detailed legal complaints that outline the nature of the contamination, its impacts, and the legal basis for the claims.

If applicable, PFAS attorneys can also help individual plaintiffs join an MDL or coordinate with other attorneys to form a consolidated lawsuit.

Negotiating Settlements

PFAS water contamination lawyers often play a key role in negotiating settlements with PFAS manufacturers and other responsible parties.

Experienced lawyers are compelling negotiators, and they will do their best to ensure you end up with a favorable outcome.

PFAS attorneys will assess the adequacy of settlement offers in light of the damages suffered by clients.

They will consider factors such as medical expenses, property damage, loss of income, and long-term health impacts.

Achieving Justice and Compensation

The ultimate goal of PFAS water contamination lawyers is to secure justice and compensation for their clients.

Lawyers work tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions and seek fair compensation on behalf of victims.

This includes seeking financial compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and other damages resulting from PFAS contamination.

Attorneys may also pursue punitive damages in cases where defendants acted with gross negligence or intent to harm.

Make the Burden More Bearable

Dealing with the aftermath of PFAS contamination can be overwhelming and emotionally taxing.

A PFAS water contamination lawyer can help ease some of that burden by handling all legal matters on your behalf.

An experienced PFAS lawyer will handle all the groundwork, allowing you to focus on your health and well-being.

They will also keep you updated throughout the legal process and answer any questions or concerns you may have.

Actions and Regulations To Mitigate PFAS Contamination

Various government agencies and environmental organizations are taking action to halt PFAS pollution and protect public health.

Since the early 2020s and late 2010s, various states and countries have placed an effective ban on PFAS-derivative products or PFAS manufacturing as a whole to protect public health.

In the U.S., the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Department of Defense (DOD) are leading the PFAS testing efforts to identify contaminated sites and assess the risks of PFAS exposure.

In April 2024, the EPA published the first-ever national standard for PFAS in drinking water.

The final approval of the rule regulates the maximum allowable limit of the six most common types of PFAS in drinking water.

As the PFAS water contamination lawsuit progresses, we can expect more regulatory changes to come and, hopefully, stricter guidelines to prevent further contamination and protect public health.

TorHoerman Law: Get a Free Legal Consultation Now

If you’ve developed a critical health condition due to PFAS water contamination or have a loved one seriously impacted by PFAS pollution, we can help you seek legal recourse.

At TorHoerman Law, we understand how challenging it can be to deal with the aftermath of PFAS contamination.

Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and learn more about your legal options.

Our chatbot is also available for a free, instant case evaluation.