PFAS Lawsuit Updates
Italian Executives Receive Prison Sentences for Criminal PFAS Water Contamination
Eleven executives overseeing chemical plants in Italy have received prison sentences ranging from two to seventeen years for criminally polluting water supplies with PFAS. The contamination originated from discharges at the Miteni plant near Trissino, impacting areas including Vicenza, Verona, and Padova. The executives managed operations for two companies: Japan's Mitsubishi Corporation and Luxembourg-based International Chemical Investors Group (ICIG). This landmark ruling is significant as the court found them guilty of intentionally discharging dangerous PFAS ("forever chemicals") into Italy's waterways. The criminal convictions in this major PFAS case may influence legal actions concerning similar pollution globally, including in the United States.
Judge Urges PFAS Defendants to Begin Settlement Talks Before 2025 Trials
At a recent status conference, U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel encouraged defendants in the PFAS litigation—including 3M, DuPont, BASF, and Johnson Controls—to initiate settlement discussions ahead of upcoming bellwether trials. Over 10,000 lawsuits allege that PFAS exposure caused various cancers, including kidney cancer. The first bellwether trials, focused on kidney cancer claims, are scheduled for October 2025. Judge Gergel emphasized the value of early resolution efforts before trials begin. With mounting evidence and growing litigation, pressure is building on the defendants to negotiate settlements that could shape outcomes for thousands of affected individuals and streamline the broader legal process.
EPA Delays TCE Safety Rule Enforcement Until August 2025 Amid Industry Pushback
The EPA has postponed enforcement of its 2024 trichloroethylene (TCE) exposure limit (0.2 ppm) for battery separator and document coating manufacturers until August 19, 2025. Industry petitioners, including Microporous LLC, argue the standard is economically and technically unfeasible, seeking a 6.0 ppm limit. PPG Industries warned the rule endangers a $1 billion market. Labor and environmental groups oppose the delay, citing unprotected worker risks from TCE—a known carcinogen linked to kidney cancer, liver damage, and neurological harm. The stay reflects ongoing conflict between regulatory safety goals and industry economic concerns.
AFFF MDL Surpasses 10,000 Cases as Plaintiffs Rush to Secure Settlement Eligibility
The Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) now encompasses 10,391 pending lawsuits, with 1,049 new cases filed in the past month. This surge reflects plaintiffs’ urgency to qualify for anticipated settlements ahead of bellwether trials. The first trial—focused on kidney cancer claims—remains scheduled for October 20, 2025, though plaintiffs’ counsel widely expects a global settlement this year to resolve claims pre-trial. Defendants face mounting pressure as litigation scales rapidly, with settlements likely to address claims linked to PFAS exposure in firefighting foam. Eligible plaintiffs are advised to file promptly to participate in resolution talks.
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 chemical 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 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 qualify for the PFAS class action lawsuit.
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