Who Can Join the PFAS Class Action Lawsuit?

PFAS Lawsuit Overview

PFAS lawsuits allege that manufacturers released the toxic “forever chemicals” into water supplies, causing individuals to develop cancer and other serious illnesses.

To date, over 3,000 cases have been filed alleging injuries caused by PFAS exposure from groundwater contamination by aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), commonly known as “firefighting foam.”

AFFF is the biggest contributor to environmental PFAS contamination.

Latest PFAS Lawsuit Updates

• Litigation surrounding the production and use of PFAS is growing rapidly in state and federal courts across the U.S. In the recent uptick of PFAS litigation, the breadth of plaintiffs has grown, moving from owners of places where PFAS are manufactured, to owners of facilities that use products containing PFAS materials [1].
• Additionally, injuries for which damages are sought have evolved from an initial focus on the contamination of water supplies caused by the manufacture of PFAS to more recent cases that allege violations of consumer protection laws for failure to warn or mislabel certain consumer goods that contain PFAS chemicals [2].
• Finally, there is another anticipated wave in PFAS litigation that includes personal injury lawsuits from consumers using PFAS-containing products, prompted by new studies that highlight PFAS exposure, as well as an ever-increasing number of lawsuits from local municipal entities [3].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) warns that PFAS exposure occurs when people consume food or water that has been contaminated with the chemicals.

PFAS chemicals are persistent in the environment and in the human body – meaning they don’t break down and can accumulate over time.

This has led to widespread detection of PFAS in water supplies across the country, with significant health implications for affected communities.

PFAS Exposure & Side Effects

PFAS exposure can occur through multiple pathways and may lead to serious health complications.

Common sources of PFAS exposure include:

• Firefighting foam
• Drinking water
• Water and soil at hazardous waste sites, landfills, and disposal sites
• Facilities where PFAS is produced
• Food (i.e. fish from PFAS-contaminated water and dairy from PFAS-exposed livestock)
• Food packaging (i.e. fast food wrappers and containers, pizza boxes, and microwaveable popcorn bags)
• Household products (i.e. carpet stain and water-repellant products used on carpets, clothing, and upholstery, as well as non-stick cookware)
• Personal care products (i.e. cosmetics, shampoo, and dental floss)

Related Article: PFAS Exposure Lawsuit Update

Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PFAS lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, soil, or products
• You developed serious health issues following PFAS exposure
• Your property value decreased due to PFAS contamination
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries or damages to PFAS exposure

Evidence Required for a PFAS Lawsuit

Strong evidence is crucial for successfully pursuing a PFAS lawsuit. This may include:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Evidence of PFAS contamination in your area (water testing reports, soil analysis)
• Documentation showing your exposure to PFAS-containing products
• Expert testimony linking your health issues to PFAS exposure

Damages You Can Recover

PFAS lawsuit compensation may include:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage and devaluation
• Punitive damages against manufacturers

Statute of Limitations for PFAS Lawsuits

Statutes of limitations are defined as the time you have from the date you recognized or were diagnosed with illness or injury to file a lawsuit.

Each state imposes its own specific statute of limitations on PFAS lawsuits.

If you miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit, you could be ineligible to recover damages for your PFAS injuries. This is why it is important to act now to ensure your legal rights.

Related Articles:

• PFAS Cancer Lawsuit
• Cancers Linked to PFAS
• What is a Safe Level of PFAS?

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the eligibility criteria to join a PFAS class action lawsuit?

To join a PFAS class action lawsuit, individuals must have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, soil, or products, and suffered health issues or property damage as a result. Legal consultation can help determine specific eligibility.

2. Can businesses join a PFAS class action lawsuit?

Yes, businesses affected by PFAS contamination, such as those experiencing property damage or financial loss due to contaminated water supplies or soil, may join a PFAS class action lawsuit. Legal advice can clarify eligibility and potential claims.

3. Do you need to have a medical diagnosis to join a PFAS class action?

Having a medical diagnosis linked to PFAS exposure strengthens your case but is not always required. Individuals who can demonstrate significant exposure and potential health risks may still join the lawsuit. Consult a lawyer for personalized guidance.

4. How do I join a PFAS class action lawsuit?

To join a PFAS class action lawsuit, contact a law firm handling PFAS cases. They will evaluate your situation, gather necessary documentation, and include you in the collective legal action if you meet the eligibility criteria.

5. What types of cancers are linked to PFAS exposure?

Research has linked PFAS exposure to several types of cancer, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Studies continue to investigate additional potential links between PFAS and other cancer types.

6. How long does it typically take to resolve a PFAS lawsuit?

PFAS lawsuits can take anywhere from 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, evidence strength, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Multi-district litigation and class actions may have different timelines.

7. What is considered a dangerous level of PFAS exposure?

The EPA has established health advisory levels for certain PFAS compounds at extremely low concentrations (measured in parts per trillion), indicating that even minimal exposure may pose health risks. These standards continue to evolve as new research emerges.

8. Are there any notable PFAS lawsuit settlements to date?

Yes, there have been several significant PFAS settlements, including multi-million dollar agreements with chemical manufacturers and companies using PFAS in their products. These settlements have included both compensation for affected individuals and funding for environmental remediation.

Get A Free PFAS Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for PFAS contamination injuries. State-specific statutes of limitations may restrict your ability to file a claim, often allowing only 1-3 years from discovery of your injury.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case

References:

1. https://www.drugwatch.com/pfas-lawsuits/
2. https://www.blankrome.com/publications/pfas-and-consumer-class-actions-new-wave-pfas-litigation
3. https://www.drugwatch.com/pfas-lawsuits/water-contamination/settlements/