Update: 16 Plaintiffs Allege Cancer and Ulcerative Colitis from PFAS Water Contamination
A group of 16 individuals filed a product liability lawsuit on May 14, 2025, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Pennsylvania, targeting over 20 chemical companies—including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Raytheon—over PFAS contamination from aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that allegedly tainted local drinking water and led to serious health issues [1].
The plaintiffs claim prolonged exposure to PFAS “forever chemicals” in their water supply caused or contributed to diagnoses of testicular cancer (by several plaintiffs), kidney cancer, and ulcerative colitis. After the complaint was transferred into the federal AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) on June 16, it became part of more than 10,300 similar claims, consolidating complex, overlapping cases.
The MDL, overseen by Judge Richard Gergel, is moving toward bellwether trials—starting with kidney and testicular cancer cases in October 2025—to assess causation and potential damages in early trials. Plaintiffs allege these companies knew of the “bioaccumulative” nature of PFAS and failed to warn or mitigate risks, prompting claims ranging from defective product and negligence to emotional distress and public nuisance.
PFAS Lawsuit Overview
PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are synthetic chemicals developed by 3M and DuPont in the 1930s that accumulate in the environment and human bodies.
These "forever chemicals" are linked to serious health issues including cancer and immune system disorders. Multiple lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours for knowingly producing and selling products containing these toxic chemicals without warning users of the health risks [2].
Latest PFAS Lawsuit Updates
- June 16, 2025 - A new Penn State-led citizen science initiative tested 167 private wells across Pennsylvania and found PFAS “forever chemicals” in 65% of samples, with 18% exceeding EPA drinking water limits [3].
- May 14, 2025 - The U.S. EPA has announced updates to its approach on regulating PFAS. The agency will keep the existing standards for perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), but is delaying the deadline for compliance from 2029 to 2031 [4].
- December 16, 2024 – Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton initiated a lawsuit against 3M and DuPont, accusing them of falsely advertising PFAS-containing products as safe, despite knowing the associated health risks for decades [5].
- November 13, 2024 – A federal study by the U.S. Geological Survey estimated that up to 27% of Americans (approximately 95 million people) might be consuming drinking water contaminated with PFAS [6].
- October 2024 – Carrier Global agreed to a $730 million settlement to resolve lawsuits over PFAS in its firefighting foam products [7].
- May 24, 2024 – BASF agreed to a $316.5 million settlement with U.S. public water systems to address PFAS contamination from its firefighting foam products. The funds are designated for remediation efforts to ensure safe drinking water for affected communities [8].
- June 5, 2023 – A significant settlement was reached, awarding $1.18 billion to victims affected by PFAS-contaminated drinking water. This settlement includes compensation for medical expenses and environmental clean-up efforts [9].
Evidence Required for a PFAS Lawsuit
- Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
- Evidence of PFAS exposure (residence in affected area, employment in high-risk occupation)
- Water testing results if available
- Documentation of when your exposure occurred
Related Article: How Much Will Filing a Class Action Lawsuit Cost?
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical expenses (past and ongoing)
- Lost wages and loss of future earnings
- Pain and suffering
- Permanent disability
- Loss of consortium
- Punitive damages against manufacturers
PFAS Recall Information
While there have not been traditional "recalls" of PFAS, there have been significant regulatory actions:
- The EPA has established health advisories for PFAS in drinking water
- Several states have implemented their own, stricter regulations
- The FAA no longer requires airports to use PFAS-containing firefighting foam (changed in 2018)
- The Department of Defense has limited the use of PFAS foam to emergency responses only
Related Article: DuPont AFFF Lawsuit
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Statute of Limitations for PFAS Lawsuits
Time limitations for filing PFAS lawsuits vary by state and circumstances, typically ranging from 1-6 years from the date of injury discovery. Due to the latent nature of PFAS-related illnesses, many courts apply the "discovery rule," meaning the statute begins when you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury and its connection to PFAS.
Contact a PFAS attorney promptly to ensure your claim is filed within the applicable timeframe.
Related Article: Burn Pit Exposure Lawsuit (Cancer Risks)
FAQs
1. How much compensation can I get from a PFAS lawsuit?
Compensation varies based on exposure severity, health impacts, and other factors. Average settlements typically range from $175,000 to $350,000 per claimant, with more severe cases potentially receiving between $200,000 and $500,000.
2. Who can file a PFAS lawsuit?
Individuals exposed to PFAS who developed health issues and public water suppliers with contaminated water systems can file lawsuits. This includes residents exposed through drinking water and workers in high-risk occupations.
3. Where is PFAS commonly found?
PFAS is found in nonstick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, food packaging, firefighting foam, contaminated water systems, and certain manufacturing facilities. Military bases like Camp Lejeune have confirmed high levels of PFAS contamination.
4. How can I check if my water supply is contaminated with PFAS?
You can review local water quality reports, contact your water utility provider, or have your water tested by a certified laboratory for PFAS chemicals.
5. Can PFAS be removed from the body?
Currently, there are no medical procedures that can remove PFAS from the body. The best approach is to eliminate the source of exposure and avoid PFAS-containing products.
6. What does it cost to hire a PFAS attorney?
Most PFAS attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs. Attorney fees are typically paid from any settlement recovered, and you pay nothing if your case is unsuccessful.
7. Which occupations have the highest risk of PFAS exposure?
Firefighters (especially at airports and military bases), workers in chemical plants that manufacture PFAS, and employees at facilities that use PFAS in their products face the highest exposure risks.
8. Are PFAS lawsuits individual claims or class actions?
Both types exist. Individual lawsuits are common for personal injury claims, while class actions have been filed for widespread contamination affecting communities. There is also multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidating similar cases.
9. Have there been any significant PFAS settlements?
Yes, notable settlements include $921 million in West Virginia, $850 million in Minnesota, and $730 million from Carrier Global for firefighting foam products.
10. How long does a PFAS lawsuit typically take?
PFAS lawsuits can take anywhere from 1-3 years or longer, depending on case complexity, evidence available, and whether the case settles or goes to trial.
Related Articles:
Get A Free PFAS Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers
Time is limited to pursue legal action for PFAS exposure. Many states have strict statutes of limitations, giving you only a few years from the date of injury discovery to file your claim.
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we offer:
- Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
Don't wait until it's too late to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by PFAS exposure.
References:
- https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/afff/pfas-drinking-water-lawsuit-16-plaintiffs-testicular-cancer-kidney-cancer-ulcerative-colitis/
- https://www.epa.gov/pfas/pfas-explained
- https://www.psu.edu/news/research/story/forever-chemicals-detected-65-sampled-private-wells-pennsylvania
- https://www.bsigroup.com/en-US/insights-and-media/insights/blogs/the-epa-holds-steady-on-pfas-standards/
- https://www.esgdive.com/news/3m-dupont-sued-by-texas-ag-ken-paxton-over-pfas-products-teflon-scotchgard-stainmaster/735659/
- https://www.waterworld.com/drinking-water-treatment/pfas/press-release/55242211/usgs-estimates-20-of-us-population-relies-on-pfas-contaminated-drinking-water
- https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/carrier-reaches-730-mln-settlement-over-fire-protection-unit-pfas-claims-2024-10-21/
- https://www.thomasnet.com/insights/basf-announces-316-million-settlement-over-pfas-claims/
- https://cen.acs.org/policy/litigation/Companies-agree-PFAS-settlement-US-public-water-systems/101/web/2023/06
- https://www.reuters.com/legal/litigation/carrier-reaches-730-mln-settlement-over-fire-protection-unit-pfas-claims-2024-10-21/
- https://phys.org/news/2025-06-chemicals-sampled-private-wells-pennsylvania.html
- https://www.aboutlawsuits.com/afff/pfas-drinking-water-lawsuit-16-plaintiffs-testicular-cancer-kidney-cancer-ulcerative-colitis/