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PFAS Lawsuits

PFAS (perfluoroalkyl substances) lawsuits are being filed by people who were regularly exposed to PFAS in contaminated drinking water and now have developed certain cancers or ulcerative colitis. PFAS are recognized human carcinogens and are known to have proven serious impacts on human health.

Trustwell is accepting cases from individuals exposed to PFAS who have developed:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Ulcerative colitis

If you or a loved one are considering filing a PFAS lawsuit, call us at  800-796-1636 or submit your case details online and someone will contact you shortly. You pay nothing unless your lawsuit is successful and you receive compensation.

PFAS water contamination.

We are also accepting cases from firefighters and others with kidney or testicular cancer, ulcerative colitis, or hypothyroidism/thyroid disease whose PFAS exposure is due to firefighting foam—AFFF.

At Trustwell Law, our experienced attorneys take a personalized, compassionate approach. We cut through the legalese and partner with our clients. We have access to the expertise, resources, and manpower to fully investigate each case and fight for and with our clients to get the justice they deserve.

What Are PFAS?

PFAS are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, which are man-made chemicals first used in industry in the 1950s. Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are the most studied PFAS and, historically, the most common types used in the United States. PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down naturally for many thousands of years. PFAS are now found throughout the environment—most notably in water supplies.

PFAS use has been phased out in the U.S. because they have been linked to cancer and other health issues, but PFAS are regulated at the state level and are still used and present in many products. Recently, for example, PFAS were found in food packaging (where they are used to prevent grease and water from soaking through) from restaurants and supermarkets such as Nathan’s Famous, Cava, Arby’s, Burger King, Chick-fil-A, Stop & Shop, and Sweetgreen.

How Are PFAS Used?

As noted, the use of PFOA and PFOS has been largely phased out in the U.S. But these chemicals are just two of the more than 3,000 poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), many of which are still used in many consumer goods.

PFAS are and were used in many products. Companies such as DuPont and 3M used PFAS as a critical component in water- and stain-repellent products for carpets, fabrics, and upholstery and in 3M’s Scotchgard stain repellent. PFAS are also used in emulsifiers for lubricants, paints, and polishes.

Another notable use of PFAS has been in AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam)—a specialized foam used to fight fires involving gasoline and other flammable liquids.

PFAS have also been used in the manufacturing of:

  • Components of printers and color copiers
  • Coatings on nonstick cookware
  • Flame retardants
  • Food packaging
  • Hydraulic fluids for the aerospace and auto industries
  • Ink
  • Medical devices
  • Metal plating

PFAS in the Environment

Because PFAS have been used so widely for so long, and because they take so long to biodegrade, PFAS are almost everywhere in our environment. PFAS have been found in the blood of virtually all humans and animals, both domestic and wild. PFAS have also been found in cosmetics (make-up).

The Environmental Working Group published a report in 2017 that found PFAS contamination in water supplies in 27 states affecting about 15 million people. The number of states with PFAS in their water, and the number of people affected, is even more widespread today.

Once released into the environment, PFAS remain virtually forever, which is why they are nicknamed “forever chemicals.” Studies show the half-life (the time needed for half of a substance to degrade) of PFAS in the environment is 10,000 years. And in water, PFAS half-life is estimated to be closer to 1 million years.

How Do PFAS Get into Water Supplies?

PFAS get into the water supply through industrial waste discharge. Also, when waste products on the ground disintegrate, the PFAS in them can make their way into the ground water.

PFAS are also used in firefighting foams (such as AFFF), both civilian and military, so areas around sites where they have been used for firefighting or training (military bases, airports, etc.) often have water contaminated with PFAS. But that water also travels underground and via evaporation into the environment, so the PFAS contamination spreads far and wide.

PFAS Lawyers

If you have kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, or testicular cancer or ulcerative colitis and were regularly exposed to PFAS in drinking water, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, loss of consortium, and more. Contact us for a free consultation.

 

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