PFAS and PFOA Lawsuit

Individuals who suffered from health problems from PFAS exposure including autoimmune disease, mental impairments, infertility, developmental disabilities, blood disorders, thyroid dysfunction, and cancer may be eligible to pursue a claim and seek financial compensation.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) and Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) are a group of manmade chemical compounds that are known for their molecular stability and resistance to water and oil. These chemicals are used in thousands of regularly used products such as food packaging and cookware, and can also be present in contaminated water. Recent studies show that exposure to these chemicals poses numerous health risks.

If you or a loved one was exposed to PFAS and developed health problems, contact Maxwell Law Group LLP today. We can answer your questions and review your case for free.

PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) are a large group of more than 1,000 man-made chemicals introduced by DuPont in 1946 for nonstick Teflon coated cookware. The molecules on these compounds are composed of linked carbon and fluorine atom chains which makes a strong bond that does not degrade easily in the environment.

These chemicals have been used in a variety of products, from everyday items to construction and military equipment since their discovery due to their molecular bond strength, stability, and resistance to oil and water.

PFAS are used to manufacture the following products:

• Food packaging
• Stain and water repellant fabrics
• Nonstick cookware
• Plastic products
• Waxes and polishes
• Paints
• Cleaning products
• Firefighting foams
• Aerospace materials
• Automotive materials
• Construction equipment
• Electronics
• Military equipment

Because of PFAS’ strong chemical bonds, it takes a significant amount of time before it degrades in the environment. As a result, these chemicals seep into the soil, air, and water, increasing the risk of exposure of residents in nearby areas. Exposure to PFAS poses numerous health issues ranging from short-term ailments to life-changing diseases.

On April 27, 2021, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) created the EPA Council of PFAS which will be primarily in charge of better understanding and managing the potential risk from these chemicals. The agency is also responsible for moving forward and taking action based on the February 2019 EPA PFAS Action Plan, which contains current research on the complex problems experienced by the communities affected by PFAS contamination.

The CDC Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) created a map to help individuals identify if their area has possible PFAS contamination.

The time you have to pursue a claim is limited. Do not wait to reach out to our firm or call (844) 525-7155 to see if you have a case.

According to the EPA, PFAS can accumulate and stay in the human body for extremely long periods of time. Multiple exposures to PFAS leads to higher levels in the body, increasing the risk of developing health problems.

Some of the potential health issues linked to PFAS exposure are the following:

• Increased cholesterol levels
• Changes in liver function
• Increased risk of high blood pressure in pregnant women
• Infertility
• Smaller infant birth weight
• Developmental disabilities
• Blood disorders
• Autoimmune diseases
• Mental impairments
• Cancer

In February 2018, the state of Minnesota reached a $850 million settlement with 3M regarding a PFAS lawsuit involving water contamination of the Twin Cities Metropolitan area. The lawsuit alleged that the company’s production contaminated the city’ drinking water and natural resources.

In May 2019, another city in Minnesota, Lake Elmo, reached a settlement with 3M for another PFAS drinking water contamination lawsuit. Aside from a $2.7 million payment to the city’s water account, 3M also transferred 180 acres of farmland worth $1.8 million.

Multiple states have filed PFAS lawsuits against companies that use these chemicals, including Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Alaska.

Key milestones

• 2018: Federal firefighting foam (AFFF) cases were consolidated into MDL 2873 in the District of South Carolina.
• 2023: 3M agreed to pay up to $10.3 billion, and DuPont-related companies about $1.185 billion, to settle claims by public water systems.
• November 2026: 3M announced a $7.35 billion resolution, paid over nine years, of PFAS personal injury claims inside and outside the AFFF MDL, covering roughly 115,000–120,000 eligible plaintiffs. Claims against other foam manufacturers are not part of that agreement.

If you or your loved one developed health problems after being exposed to PFAS, Maxwell Law Group can help get you the compensation you deserve. Call (844) 525-7155 or fill out the form below take the first step in protecting your rights.