Across the United States, families are learning that the water they drink every day may not be safe. The culprit is a group of chemicals known as PFAS—sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down in the environment or in our bodies.
These toxic substances have been widely used in firefighting foams, industrial processes, and consumer products. Now, PFAS are showing up in groundwater, rivers, and even public drinking water systems.
If you or your loved ones have been exposed to contaminated water, you may face increased health risks, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about your future. The law provides options for people harmed by PFAS exposure. Lawsuits are being filed nationwide to hold chemical companies accountable and to help victims recover compensation.
This article explains, in plain terms, what PFAS are, the health risks linked to them, how contamination happens, and what legal action you can take for yourself and your family.
What Are PFAS?
PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are a family of more than 4,000 synthetic chemicals used for their ability to resist heat, water, and oil. Since the 1950s, PFAS have been used in products like:
Firefighting foams, especially at military bases and airports
Non-stick cookware
Stain-resistant carpets and upholstery
Water-resistant clothing
Food packaging such as microwave popcorn bags and fast-food wrappers
The problem is that PFAS don’t go away. They remain in soil, seep into groundwater, and accumulate in the human body over time. That’s why they are called “forever chemicals.”
How Does PFAS Get Into Drinking Water?
The most common source of PFAS in water supplies is the use of firefighting foams known as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam). These foams have been used for decades to put out jet fuel and chemical fires. Spills, training exercises, and improper disposal have allowed PFAS to soak into the ground and flow into wells, lakes, and public water systems.
Industrial facilities that manufacture or use PFAS-based products also discharge waste into nearby rivers and landfills, which can further contaminate local drinking water.
Once PFAS are in the water supply, they are nearly impossible to remove without expensive filtration systems. Communities, families, and individuals are left to bear the consequences.
Health Risks Linked to PFAS Exposure
Medical research has linked PFAS exposure to a variety of serious health conditions. Drinking contaminated water for years—even at very low levels—can increase the risk of:
Kidney cancer
Testicular cancer
Thyroid disease and thyroid cancer
Ulcerative colitis (a painful intestinal disease)
High cholesterol
Immune system problems
Reproductive issues, including pregnancy complications
Because PFAS build up in the body over time, the risks grow with long-term exposure. Many people do not realize the danger until years later, when they are diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness.
How Do You Know If You’ve Been Exposed?
You may have been exposed if:
You live near a military base, airport, or industrial site where firefighting foams were used
Your community has issued warnings about PFAS in public water supplies
You have relied on a private well in an area near known PFAS contamination
You or a loved one developed one of the health conditions linked to PFAS after years of drinking local tap water
Public records, water testing, and health department announcements can help determine whether PFAS are in your area’s water. Even if you are unsure, Lake Legal can help you investigate whether your family has been affected.
Your Legal Rights
When companies manufacture, sell, or use dangerous chemicals without warning the public, they can be held legally responsible. Lawsuits over PFAS water contamination typically seek compensation for:
Medical expenses (past and future treatment)
Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering caused by illness
Property damage and decreased home values due to contamination
Costs of clean water or filtration systems
Wrongful death damages if a loved one passed away due to PFAS-related disease
In addition, lawsuits can push companies to clean up contaminated sites, install safer systems, and prevent further harm.
Why People Are Filing Lawsuits Now
Recent government action has strengthened the case for victims:
In 2024, the EPA set enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water for the first time. Water suppliers across the country must test and reduce PFAS levels.
The EPA also declared two common PFAS chemicals—PFOA and PFOS—as hazardous substances under federal law. This means polluters can be forced to pay cleanup costs.
These changes give families more legal support when demanding accountability from chemical companies and other responsible parties.
What Taking Legal Action Involves
If you believe you or your family has been harmed by PFAS water contamination, here’s what typically happens in a lawsuit:
Investigation
The Lake Law Firm reviews your medical history, where you lived, and whether PFAS was present in your local water supply.
Filing a Claim
A legal claim is filed by us against the manufacturers or other parties responsible for the contamination.
Evidence Gathering
We collect scientific studies, government records, expert opinions, and testimony to connect your exposure to your illness.
Negotiation or Trial
Many cases resolve in settlements that provide compensation without going to trial.
Because PFAS contamination affects entire communities, many lawsuits are grouped together as mass torts or class actions to give individuals more power against large corporations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to be seriously ill to take legal action?
Not always. Some claims involve medical monitoring, which means compensation to cover the cost of regular testing for PFAS-related diseases, even before symptoms appear.
What if I moved away years ago?
PFAS can stay in the body for a long time. If you were exposed in the past and later developed a related health condition, you may still have a claim.
How much does it cost to bring a lawsuit?
Most law firms handle PFAS cases on a contingency fee basis. That means you do not pay legal fees up front—lawyers are only paid if they recover money for you.
Can one person make a difference?
Yes. By taking legal action, you not only seek justice for yourself but also help pressure polluters to clean up and prevent others from being harmed.
Why Acting Soon Matters
Every state has statutes of limitations, which are deadlines for filing lawsuits. If you wait too long, you could lose your right to seek compensation—even if your claim is strong. Acting quickly ensures your rights are protected and evidence is preserved.
How Our Lawyers Can Help You
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. 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) 274-0139 or submit an inquiry on this page.
PFAS contamination is one of the most serious environmental and health challenges of our time. Families who trusted their tap water are now facing cancers, thyroid disease, and other devastating conditions. The law provides a path to hold chemical companies accountable and to recover financial support for medical care, lost income, and the pain these “forever chemicals” have caused.
If you believe you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS-contaminated water, now is the time to take action. By speaking with Lake Legal, you can understand your rights and explore your options free of charge.
