PFAS Lawsuit Updates
Judge Denies U.S. Government’s PFAS Dismissal Bid
A federal judge in South Carolina has rejected the U.S. government’s attempt to dismiss all PFAS-related lawsuits, ruling that site-specific facts must be evaluated before determining jurisdiction. Judge Richard M. Gergel found that jurisdictional disputes remain under the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) and CERCLA, allowing cases against the military for PFAS contamination—filed by communities, businesses, and state governments—to proceed. While some claims tied to Cannon Air Force Base were dismissed, claims alleging negligent handling of AFFF contamination at military sites remain active. This decision underscores the government’s potential accountability for operational failures involving toxic firefighting foam, paving the way for further site-specific claims and jurisdictional discovery.
New Study Strengthens Link Between PFAS and Cancer Risks
A study in the Journal of Exposure Science & Environmental Epidemiology links PFAS in drinking water to increased cancer rates in the U.S. from 2016 to 2021. Researchers found associations with cancers in the digestive, respiratory, endocrine, and oral cavity/pharynx systems, estimating that PFAS contributed to 4,626–6,864 cancer cases annually. The study highlights strong links between specific PFAS chemicals and certain cancers, such as PFBS and oral cancers. The findings support PFAS-related drinking water lawsuits by providing scientific evidence of the chemicals' harmful effects, strengthening negligence claims, and helping quantify potential damages in ongoing litigation.
Link Between PFAS and CancerNew Order Streamlines AFFF Site Selection
A newly proposed order outlines procedures for selecting sites linked to AFFF (firefighting foam) PFAS contamination, focusing on airports and fire training centers. Plaintiffs must file complaints by December 20, 2024, and submit a completed Plaintiff Fact Sheet by the end of December, with deficiencies corrected by January 17, 2025. A standardized Product ID Profile Form will help identify relevant sites by February 2025, leading to a list of 10 to 15 sites for detailed discovery. This process ensures focused, efficient proceedings and benefits both plaintiffs and defendants by streamlining evidence-gathering and litigation strategies.
States at High Risk for PFAS Contamination and Prioritized Testing Areas
PFAS contamination is a growing concern across the U.S., with each state facing unique environmental challenges. California, dealing with wildfires, faces PFAS risks from firefighting foams contaminating water supplies, particularly in fire-affected areas. Florida's vulnerability to coastal flooding and hurricanes, combined with extensive use of firefighting foam near military sites, makes it a priority for water quality testing. Texas and Louisiana, both impacted by industrial pollution and storm surges, also need urgent testing in affected regions. Michigan, especially cities like Parchment and Oscoda, remains a high-risk area due to its history of contamination. Arizona's drought exacerbates groundwater PFAS concerns, making it essential to focus on aquifers. New York, despite its reputation for environmental resilience, requires testing near old manufacturing sites and military bases where contamination persists.
About PFAS Lawsuits
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been widely used in a wide array of products since the 1950s. They are frequently found in non-stick cookware and even firefighting foams.
Government agencies have found PFAS in drinking water across the country from the chemical leeching into groundwater. Many people are being exposed without even knowing it.
Commonly known as “forever chemical”, the harmful effects of PFAS often take years to manifest but can lead to a variety of serious health conditions. In recent years, research has linked exposure to the chemist to certain cancers, thyroid disease, and immune system disorders.
Many people are unaware of the danger of exposure to PFAS and have failed to link their health issues to the toxic substances. However, legal avenues now exist for individuals who have been adversely impacted by PFAS exposure.
If you or a loved one is struggling to cope with health problems related to exposure to PFAS, there are legal options. You may be able to seek potential compensation for the harm caused by the hazardous chemicals.
Who Prequalifies for the PFAS Class Action Lawsuit?
To participate in a PFAS class action lawsuit, certain requirements must be met. You must meet criteria such as the following:
- Show proof of exposure to PFAS chemicals through tap water ingestion.
- Provide medical records documenting the diagnosis of a health condition linked to PFAS exposure, such as cancer, thyroid disease, or immune system disorders.
- Demonstrate that you have developed a health condition after significant exposure to PFAS.
You may also be eligible if you have been diagnosed with the following cancer(s):
- Testicular Cancer
- Kidney Cancer
- Ulcerative Cancer
- Liver Cancer
Please note: Exposure to Contaminated tap water: The claimant must have consumed contaminated tap water with PFAS chemicals from 1990 to the present.
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. Various factors impact eligibility and all cases are unique.
Which Companies Are Involved in the PFAS Lawsuit?
Several companies have been implicated in the PFAS lawsuits. These companies, often involved in the manufacturing or use of PFAS chemicals, face allegations that they failed to warn the public about the dangers of PFAS exposure. The lawsuits claim that these companies were aware of the risks but continued to produce and use PFAS without proper safety measures.
Alarmingly, PFAS chemicals have been detected in tap water supplies across many communities in the United States. Families and individuals are facing widespread exposure through daily water use - often completely unaware of the dangers until they develop health problems.
Contaminated tap water has become a significant source of PFAS exposure, which may have long-term health ramifications.
As more evidence emerges linking PFAS exposure—especially from contaminated tap water—to severe health conditions, the number of cases against these companies will likely grow.
If you or a loved one has experienced health problems due to PFAS exposure, you may pre-qualify to join the class action lawsuit.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect in Your PFAS Lawsuit?
Determining an exact settlement amount in a PFAS lawsuit is challenging because many factors directly impact each case. These factors include:
- The severity of the health condition,
- The extent of PFAS exposure
- Strength of the evidence presented.
The extent to which you've been exposed to PFAS through your tap water can greatly influence your case and potential settlement amount.
As of now, PFAS lawsuits are still in the early stages, and no global settlements or jury trials have taken place. However, based on a large pool of similar environmental contamination cases, potential settlement amounts can be anticipated based on the type and extent of harm suffered by each of the plaintiffs.
If you believe you’ve been affected by PFAS exposure through contaminated tap water, it’s important to act now. Contact us to learn more about your rights and whether you may pre-qualify for the PFAS class action lawsuit.
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