PFAS contamination is a growing crisis, and the health impacts can be life-altering. From immune deficiencies to certain types of cancer, these “forever chemicals” leave a trail of devastating consequences.
The good news? You don’t have to suffer in silence. If you or a loved one are facing health issues that could be caused by PFAS, you might be wondering: can I sue for PFAS exposure? Who is the legal system holding responsible for the crisis?
Keep reading to learn more about your legal next steps.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These chemicals earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the environment — or in our bodies.
You might be surprised to learn just how common PFAS are. They’re found in:
- Nonstick cookware
- Stain-resistant fabrics and carpets
- Food packaging
- Firefighting foam
- Cosmetics
- Drinking water (especially near industrial sites or military bases)
The list goes on. This widespread use, combined with their persistence, makes PFAS exposure a significant public health concern.
The Health Impacts of PFAS Exposure
Sadly, exposure to PFAS has been linked to a wide range of health problems. According to the EPA, some of the most common conditions associated with PFAS include:
- Kidney and testicular cancer
- Liver damage
- Immune deficiency
- Thyroid abnormalities
- High cholesterol
- Ulcerative colitis
- Pregnancy-induced hypertension
Learn more about the risks of PFAS contamination and exposure.
Who Can Be Held Liable for PFAS Exposure?
When it comes to PFAS contamination and related illnesses, determining liability can be tricky. That’s because these chemicals have been used in so many products and industries for decades, and the contamination can be widespread.
That said, potential defendants in a PFAS lawsuit might include:
- Manufacturers of PFAS chemicals: Companies that produce PFAS or use them in their products may be held responsible for failing to warn consumers about the risks.
- Companies that use PFAS in their products: This could include manufacturers of nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, textiles, and other consumer goods.
- Companies responsible for PFAS contamination: If your exposure is due to contaminated water or soil, the companies responsible for the pollution could be held liable. This might include industrial facilities, military bases, or wastewater treatment plants.
In some cases, multiple parties may share responsibility for PFAS contamination and related harm. A skilled attorney can help identify all potentially liable parties and build a strong case against them.
Can I Sue for PFAS Exposure?
If you believe you have a case for PFAS exposure, there are a few different legal options your attorney might pursue:
- Product liability: This focuses on holding manufacturers accountable for producing and selling dangerous products. Claims may involve defective product design, manufacturing defects, or a failure to adequately warn consumers about the risks associated with PFAS.
- Negligence: This involves proving that a company acted carelessly or irresponsibly in a way that led to PFAS contamination and your subsequent exposure. For example, a company might be negligent in disposing of PFAS waste, leading to groundwater contamination.
- Toxic tort: This is a specific type of personal injury law that deals with harm caused by exposure to toxic substances like PFAS. These cases often involve complex scientific evidence and require demonstrating a link between the exposure and your specific health issues.
In some cases, individuals harmed by PFAS exposure may join together in a class action lawsuit. This often happens when a community’s drinking water has been contaminated by a specific manufacturer or industrial facility, or when a particular product has caused widespread harm. For example, there have been class actions involving PFAS-contaminated firefighting foam that impacted communities near military bases and airports.
Class actions can be a powerful tool for holding large corporations accountable, and can help ensure that everyone affected receives compensation, even if their individual claims are relatively small.
What Kind of Compensation Can I Recover?
If your PFAS lawsuit is successful, you may be entitled to different types of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: This covers past and future medical costs related to your PFAS-related illness, including doctor’s visits, hospital stays, medications, and therapies.
- Lost wages: If your illness has prevented you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income, both past and future.
- Pain and suffering: This accounts for the physical and emotional distress caused by your illness and its impact on your quality of life.
- Punitive damages: While not awarded in every case, punitive damages go beyond simply compensating you for your losses; they’re meant to punish companies that acted recklessly, knowingly exposed people to PFAS, or tried to cover up the dangers.
What Should I Do If I Suspect PFAS Exposure?
If you suspect your health issues are linked to PFAS exposure, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention: See your doctor for a thorough examination and discuss your concerns about PFAS exposure. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for managing PFAS-related illnesses.
- Document everything: Keep detailed records of your medical appointments, diagnoses, treatments, and any out-of-pocket expenses. If your exposure might be related to your work or a specific location, document that information as well.
- Consult with an experienced attorney: A personal injury lawyer can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the complex process of filing a claim.
We know this is a lot to take in. Not only are you dealing with health problems, but now you’re also learning that something you thought was safe might be the cause of your suffering. It’s overwhelming, and it’s not fair.
That said, proving that your illness is directly linked to PFAS exposure can be a complex process. It requires specialized knowledge, scientific evidence, and a deep understanding of the legal system. Here’s where we come in.
At Slater & Zurz, we’ve dedicated our careers to fighting for the rights of individuals harmed by negligence. By holding the responsible parties accountable, we can prevent this from happening to others. And, more importantly, we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve to rebuild your life.
Don’t wait. Reach out to us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at 330-762-0700.
