1. Unsafe Products
  2. PFAS Lawsuit

PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) and PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid) Lawsuit

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.

 

For help understanding your options if you’ve been exposed to PFAS, reach out to our firm or call (844) 525-7155.

PFAS and PFOA Lawsuit Update

This section contains news about PFAS and PFOA lawsuits and what plaintiffs can expect going forward. This section was last updated on: February 15, 2022.

February 4, 2022: Three water companies in Hoosick Falls, New York agreed to a $65 million settlement which will benefit the residents affected by PFOA water contamination.

Over 2,300 lawsuits were filed against Honeywell, Saint-Gobain, and 3M claiming these manufacturers used PFOA knowing it would cause contamination and injury.  The settlement includes a substantial medical monitoring program which tests for PFOA exposure and individual assessment for potential health issues.

January 20, 2022: A New York district judge dismisses the claims against Du Pont and others in a claim filed to seek payment for water treatment upgrades needed to filter toxic substances, including PFAS. The lawsuit claimed that these companes contributed to the state’s water pollution. 

May 16, 2022: The first bellwether trials for PFAS lawsuits are pushed back to March 2023.

 

What is PFAS?

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

PFAS Quick Facts

Z

USES

Production of a wide variety of products

s

SIDE EFFECTS

Multiple health problems including high blood pressure, infertility, blood disorders, autoimmune disorders, and cancer

MANUFACTURERS

3M, DuPont, and many more

Risks and Warnings

Because of PFAS’ strong chemical bonds, it takes a significant amount of time before it degrades in the environment. Scientists are still currently unable to determine the amount of time it takes for PFAS to degrade 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.

Injuries from PFAS

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

PFAS Lawsuits

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.

In October 2019, the state of New Hampshire filed a lawsuit against companies using PFAS in their products, including DuPont and 3M. The lawsuit continues the claim that these chemicals resulted in water contamination in several areas of the state.

The first PFAS lawsuit bellwether trials have been pushed back to March 2023 to allow for additional time for fact discovery and adjustments in deadlines. They were originally set in January 2023. 

To date, multiple states have filed PFAS lawsuits against various companies that use these chemicals in production. These include: Michigan, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Vermont, and Alaska. More lawsuits are expected to arise as damages from PFAS are discovered.

How Maxwell Law Group Can Help

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.

PFAS Lawsuit Infographics

PFAS [UPDATED]

You Deserve to be Compensated

5 + 10 =

We're On Your Side

Our attorneys are always ready to speak with you about your personal situation. Every day we help people in situations similar to yours. Our team can guide you each step of the way and make sure you get the financial compensation you deserve.

While our physical offices are in Utah and Washington DC, we offer our services nationwide. We'd be honored to discuss your case with you free of charge.

Please note that the law limits the time you have to pursue a claim or file a lawsuit for an injury. If you think you have a case, don't wait to take action. Contact us today.

To speak with us directly, call (844) 525-7155. We want to hear about your situation and help you through this difficult time.

Maxwell Law Group LLP

Maxwell Law Group LLP
© 2023 All Rights Reserved

Washington DC Office

By appointment only
1101 Connecticut Avenue NW
Suite 450
Washington, D.C. 20036

ATTORNEY ADVERTISING. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This website is not intended to create, and receipt of viewing does not constitute, an attorney-client relationship. Sensitive information should not be submitted through this website as it may be considered confidential or privileged. References to prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. The firm has attorneys licensed to practice law in Utah and Washington D.C., but the attorneys may also be admitted on an individual basis in additional state and federal courts across the United States. The location of the firm's offices are listed on this website. The firm associates with co-counsel law firms to jointly represent clients in some matters. Gregory Maxwell is the attorney responsible for the contents of this website.

Share via