Pervasive per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals,” present a significant threat to water sources, livestock, and communities nationwide. Despite these environmental and human health concerns, companies have used PFAS in firefighting foam and consumer products for decades. PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuits allege that manufacturers negligently discharge PFAS into water sources, thereby polluting the environment. This catastrophic pollution causes economic loss and creates a risk of serious illness for individuals. Reach out today to learn more about how a PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuit can help you.
The Lake Law Firm is currently handling claims on behalf of individuals, cities, and states for PFAS contamination of groundwater. Our team has extensive experience in complex PFAS and environmental contamination claims. Join us in our mission to secure justice for those affected by this widespread environmental pollution if you have been harmed by PFAS groundwater contamination.
PFAS are durable, long-lasting chemicals that take a very long time to break down in the environment. Companies have relied on these human-made chemicals since the 1940s to coat products resistant to heat, oil, stains, and grease. Several types of clothing, furniture, cookware, cosmetics, fabrics, carpets, and food packaging contain PFAS. Also, manufacturers incorporate these chemicals in firefighting foam because their heat resistance makes them very effective in extinguishing fires.
Unfortunately, PFAS slowly degrade in the environment, which gives them plenty of time to accumulate in soil, animals, and water. When humans consume fish and wildlife or drink water contaminated with forever chemicals the toxins can amass in their bodies too. Since 1999, the CDC has tested human blood serum for PFAS to estimate the level of exposure in humans. The agency identified four types of PFAS in nearly all of the blood serum of those tested, which means widespread exposure in the U.S. population.
Agencies have detected PFAS in public and private water sources across the country. PFAS contaminate drinking water when the water source is near facilities that manufacture goods with the chemicals. Also, the chemicals can seep into water sources near sites where workers use PFAS products and where they are spilled or disposed of. Runoff can carry PFAS from application and manufacturing grounds into ponds, lakes, and reservoirs.
The Environmental Working Group created a comprehensive map that detailed which U.S. communities suffered from PFAS water contamination. According to the map, as of August 2023, 3,186 locations in 50 states and two territories have PFAS contamination.
Presently, an estimated 200 million Americans consume drinking water contaminated with PFAS. Subsequently, exposure to PFAS through drinking water and environmental contact may cause several adverse health consequences. Multiple agencies and scientific studies have also designated PFAS as possible human carcinogens. Prolonged exposure to PFAS-contaminated drinking water may result in:
Cities and states have sought compensation to recover the costs of cleanup and sanitization of the affected water sources. Also, individuals have filed personal injury groundwater contamination lawsuits for injuries and economic losses related to PFAS pollution.
At this time, there are more than 15,000 claims filed against PFAS manufacturers. Attorney generals, public water systems, cities, states, and individuals have filed PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuits against various manufacturers:
DuPont, Chemours, Corteva, and 3M have paid a total of nearly $11.5 billion for their alleged role in PFAS groundwater contamination of communities. However, there are many PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuits still pending.
The first PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuit was brought by Minnesota against 3M for negligently dumping PFAS into drinking water sources. Eventually, the lawsuit settled for $850 million in 2018, which the state used to remediate its water supply.
Wolverine Worldwide and 3M agreed to a $54 million settlement in March 2023 for PFAS water contamination in Michigan. Overall, the settlement will be split among 1,700 residents of Kent County, where Wolverine dumped PFAS-contaminated sludge.
Furthermore, in June 2023, DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva managed to resolve a portion of the civil litigation they were facing by reaching a $1.185 billion settlement with 300 local water systems. These water systems had filed lawsuits against the companies to cover the expenses incurred in purifying and treating their wells and aquifers. On the heels of the DuPont PFAS contamination settlement, 3M also announced it reached a $10.3 billion settlement to resolve lawsuits concerning PFAS contamination of U.S. public water systems.
To file a claim against a company for PFAS groundwater contamination, a plaintiff should show that:
In PFAS groundwater contamination lawsuits, you may be able to recover compensation for:
The Lake Law Firm was founded by Edward J. Lake, Esq., a personal injury lawyer for over 25 years. Our dedicated team of attorneys is committed to seeking justice on behalf of those who have suffered injury or death due to the negligence of others. Our experienced attorneys handle many different types of pharmaceutical drugs, medical devices, and other defective products. The lawyers in our firm have helped collect millions of dollars for their clients. The Lake Law Firm will advocate for you and your rights. Please contact us for a free confidential case evaluation at (888) 525-3529 or submit an inquiry on this page.
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