PFAS Mass Tort Lawyers

PFAS is an acronym for Perfluoroalkyl Substances and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances. These synthetic chemical compounds are widely used in consumer products because they have stain, oil, grease, heat, and water resistant properties. In the past years, they have become more and more common. Unfortunately, exposure to PFAS has been linked to a number of health risks, including cancer. Several lawsuits have been filed against companies that utilize PFAS in their products.

If you’ve been exposed and made ill by PFAS, you could be entitled to compensation. Call Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 for a free consultation about how we can help.

What Are PFAS?

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) have been in use for more than 80 years. They are currently used in hundreds of products, including:

Cleaning products
Carpeting
Water-resistant fabrics
Firefighting chemicals
Paints
Food packaging
Cookware
Food processing equipment

PFAS vary significantly chemically, but they all feature carbon-fluorine bonds. These bonds are the strongest in nature and take a considerable time to break down. For this reason, they’re called “forever chemicals.”

Since PFAS are used on a widespread scale, they are often found in the environment. Air, soil, and water frequently show PFAS contamination. Tests on humans and animals have found PFAS accumulation in the bloodstream. The health effects of PFAS are being studied and some types of PFAS have been associated with negative health effects.

The full health impact of PFAS is not currently known. The technology used to test for PFAS at low levels in food was only developed over the last five years. Since then, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has started to research PFAS thoroughly.

PFAS Lawsuits

In recent years, PFAS have received significant attention because of the extent of their appearance in humans and our environment, and due to their potential health risks. For this reason, many lawsuits have been filed against government entities and private industries. These groups are largely responsible for producing PFAS products and regulating their use,

PFAS lawsuits vary widely. Some of these lawsuits include personal injury, property damage, and environmental destruction claims. Individuals and groups filing claims have experienced adverse health effects due to PFAS. Other groups seek compensation to help clean up their communities impacted by the widespread use of PFAS.

Health Risks of PFAS Exposure

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has identified several studies regarding people who have been exposed to PFAS chemicals. Chemical exposure results in different outcomes for different people. The CDC has identified these possible PFAS health risks in people and animals:

High cholesterol levels
Impaired vaccine effectiveness in children
Liver damage and liver enzyme changes
Ulcerative colitis
Increased risk of kidney or testicular cancer
Infant deaths
Birth defects
Decreased infant birth weights
Higher incidence of hypertension or pre-eclampsia in gestating women
Thyroid disease

Those filing the lawsuits aim to hold the appropriate entities responsible for the presence of hazardous chemicals. Recently, DuPont and its subsidiaries reached a $1.185 billion settlement with multiple local water systems. These systems chose to sue shortly after realizing aquifers and wells in the area contained PFAS. Another company, 3M, later reached a $10.5 billion settlement with other providers of water.

Were Companies Aware of PFAS Health Risks?

PFAS chemicals have been used by manufacturing companies since the 1940s. However, due to their unique properties, their use has expanded on a significant scale. Several states, counties, and individual citizens have filed lawsuits against companies such as 3M and DuPont. These companies manufacture numerous products with PFAS.

The lawsuits have alleged that both manufacturers were aware of the dangers of PFAS, but continued to use them. DuPont has even come under fire for supplying PFAS products to other companies.

PFAS has not only been found in consumer products, but drinking water as well. PFAS can enter the water supply through landfill runoff, industrial processes, and firefighting residue. The EPA has proposed measures to limit the amount of PFAS in water.

Are You Entitled to Compensation?

PFAS exposure can be dangerous, and if you were exposed, you may be at risk for a variety of medical conditions. Entities or companies responsible for exposing you to PFAS can be held liable for:

Negligence
Misrepresentation
Failure to properly handle or manage PFAS chemicals

You might be eligible to take legal action against a PFAS manufacturer. You may be able to file a personal injury or environmental claim, or you may be able to participate in a class action lawsuit. To find out if you are eligible to file a claim, you should speak with a mass tort attorney who specializes in PFAS cases.

If you believe your medical condition may be linked to PFAS, you could have legal options. You could be entitled to compensation for your ordeal. With the help of an attorney, you may be able to file a claim against the responsible party.

Depending on the nature of your injury or medical condition, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Economic losses include things like medical bills, loss of income, loss of earning potential, and property damage.

You can also pursue compensation for your non-economic losses, such as pain and suffering, loss of quality of life, and loss of consortium. Your attorney will be skilled at assessing the value of these non-economic losses.

Factors that affect any settlement or award you receive may include:

Severity of Harm: The extent and duration of the harm you endured as a result of your PFAS exposure can influence the amount of your compensation.
Evidence: A strong claim backed by clear medical and other evidence will usually result in a higher settlement amount.
Settlement vs. Litigation: Many companies will prefer to settle out of court to avoid negative press. This may be used as a point of negotiation for those who were injured by PFAS exposure.
Whether You Have an Attorney: To be successful in a PFAS claim or lawsuit, it is essential that you have experienced legal help. A skilled mass tort attorney will understand how to present the most successful claim on your behalf. They’ll know the current status of the laws and of the PFAS lawsuits throughout the country and how they could affect your claim.

Were You Exposed to PFAS?

If you believe your medical condition or injury is linked to PFAS exposure, you must act. You have a limited time to file a claim. Chris Hudson Law Group has a history of fighting for victims, and we will fight aggressively for you. Call Chris Hudson Law Group at (706) 863-6600 to find out if you are eligible for compensation.