We have helped to secure more than $80 billion in jury verdicts and settlements since 1955.
PFAS lawsuits claim that manufacturers have released these toxic chemicals into water supplies, causing individuals to develop cancer and other serious illnesses.
Manufacturers use Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to make a broad range of consumer products, including cookware, firefighting foam, carpet, and packaging, and the chemicals eventually find their way into water, soil, and air, exposing millions to their carcinogenic effects.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries resulting from PFAS/AFFF exposure, please contact our office today for a free case review: (800) 277-1193 or complete the Free Case Evaluation Form below.
Our law firm is representing individuals in PFAS lawsuits who have been exposed to PFAS and have developed cancer and other illnesses from this exposure.
Two of our firm’s attorneys serve in leadership roles in the PFAS and Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) multidistrict litigation (MDL). Attorney Wes Bowden was appointed to the Plaintiffs’ Executive Committee in the MDL. In this capacity, he helps direct the efficient representation of plaintiffs.
Attorney Ned McWilliams is a member of the MDL’s Science and Discovery Committees. In this role, he focuses on the scientific and technical aspects of the case, ensuring consistency and accuracy in handling scientific data across all the cases in the MDL, as well as coordinating and managing the process of gathering evidence before trial.
In June 2023, these two attorneys announced a $12.5 billion settlement with 3M over PFAS-contaminated water. Our lawyers will apply their knowledge and experience to getting you compensation for your PFAS exposure and injuries.
Our PFAS and Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) lawyers want to keep you informed about what’s happening with these personal injury lawsuits. Stay tuned to this page for monthly updates.
In its September 3, 2024, update, the JPML reported that 500 new cases were added last month to the AFFF PFAS multidistrict litigation.
As of July 2024, there are 9,198 active AFFF lawsuits in the MDL. These cases involve varied causes of action related to per- or polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
As of June 3, 2024, the Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) reports 8,270 cases are pending in MDL -2873 IN RE: Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Products Liability Litigation.
Case Management Order No. 30 in the AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL) outlines clear rules for dismissing personal injury claims that were not accepted in the AFFF class action lawsuit. For plaintiffs who want to continue their claims outside of the MDL, the Second Amended Case Management Order from early May gives a way to do that. If the dismissals are done correctly, there will be a tolling agreement.
In MDL cases, a “tolling agreement” is an agreement to pause the time limit for filing a lawsuit. This means that while the agreement is in place, the clock stops on the deadline for plaintiffs to bring their claims to court. This gives them more time to prepare their cases without worrying about missing the deadline.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) declared two chemicals, commonly found in cookware, carpets, and firefighting foams, as hazardous. This move is to speed up the cleanup of these toxic chemicals and make industries responsible for their removal. While this doesn’t ban the chemicals PFOA and PFOS, it requires that any significant release into soil or water be reported. The EPA can then enforce cleanups to protect public health.
The United Nations Human Rights Council stated that DuPont and Chemours have produced and profited from PFAS for decades, leading to global contamination.
A study in Nature Geoscience showed that the worldwide presence of PFAS (chemicals used in many products) is more harmful and widespread than previously thought. These chemicals are found in high levels in drinking water and wildlife, and the study calls for urgent regulation and monitoring.
Tyco Fire Products LP, a subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, agreed to a $750 million settlement to resolve allegations related to PFAS contamination in U.S. public water systems. The settlement addresses claims against Tyco, Chemguard, Inc., and affiliated entities as part of the AFFF MDL. Tyco will pay $250 million by May 2024, with the remaining $500 million due six months after preliminary court approval, which is anticipated around mid-May 2024.
The AFFF firefighting foam MDL continues to grow. In the past month alone, 176 new cases were added, making nearly 400 new cases since the beginning of the year.
A South Carolina federal judge approved a $1.18 billion settlement with DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva for PFAS pollution in drinking water.
U.S. District Judge Richard Gergel rejected objections, saying the settlement was fair even though some thought it wasn’t enough compared to what might be won at trial. This follows a separate $12.5 billion deal with 3M over similar claims, showing ongoing efforts to address PFAS pollution. The focus will ikely now shift to AFFF personal injury and wrongful death cases.
In January, 279 new cases were added to the AFFF firefighting foam class action MDL, bringing the total to 6,994. Since the water contamination claims were settled almost six months ago, most of these new cases are likely about personal injury or cancer claims.
The AFFF class action MDL added another 227 cases last month, bringing the total to over 6,600 cases. Since the water contamination cases were settled earlier this year, most or all of the 227 new cases are likely personal injury claims.
An attorney criticized 3M’s announcement to stop making PFAS chemicals as “too little, too late.” Despite 3M’s decision to end production due to environmental concerns, critics argue it doesn’t make up for the decades of damage. The attorney emphasized ongoing lawsuits against 3M for PFAS pollution and the need for stricter regulations.
In a major lawsuit settlement, PFAS manufacturers agreed to pay over $100 million to Ohio for PFAS contamination. This settlement is a big win for affected communities, holding manufacturers accountable for environmental and health damage.
July 5, 2023: A report by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) revealed that nearly half of the nation’s tap water is contaminated with PFAS chemicals.
June 27, 2023: LPR announced a successful $12.5 billion settlement with 3M over lawsuits related to drinking water contamination with PFAS. The settlement will help water providers improve testing and infrastructure to ensure safe drinking water.
June 2, 2023: LPR and other attorneys secured a $1.185 billion settlement for communities affected by PFAS, holding manufacturers DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva accountable. This will provide financial support to water suppliers across the country.
June 2, 2023: LPR Attorneys Wes Bowden and Ned McWilliams are leading a major trial in the City of Stuart, Florida, against 3M and others for PFAS contamination.
May 12, 2023: The U.S. District Court for South Carolina denied 3M’s motion to dismiss expert testimony in an upcoming trial where the city accuses 3M of water contamination with PFAS.
March 14, 2023: The EPA proposed the first national drinking water standard for PFAS, setting a maximum contaminant level of 4 parts per trillion for PFOA and PFOS.
October 31, 2022: U.S. District Judge Evelyn Padin rejected 3M Co.’s attempt to avert a lawsuit filed by Middlesex Water. The water company claims that the multinational conglomerate released toxic forever chemicals into the drinking water supply. 3M asserted that the utility company could not prove the contamination resulted from the corporation’s manufacturing or distribution operations. The judge sided with Middlesex Water, and the case is proceeding. (Casetext)
September 16, 2022: Plaintiffs prevailed in 3M’s Motion for Summary Judgment in the Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF) multidistrict litigation (In Re Aqueous Film-Forming Foams Prod. Liab. Litig., D.S.C., No. 2:18-mn-02873). Defendant argued that it was immune from liability for alleged damages because the company had developed the foam for the U.S. Navy, which limits its liability under a government contractor defense. Judge Richard M. Gergel rejected 3M’s bid for immunity, stating there were issues of fact as to the government’s knowledge of the risks associated with AFFF. The judge pointed to records revealing that the government was unaware of PFAS’ presence in AFFF until the year 2000. Furthermore, 3M failed to disclose the more than 1,000 internal studies on PFAS toxicity and its presence in AFFF. (Bloomberg Law)
If you were injured or developed certain illnesses because of your PFAS exposure, you are eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit and seek compensation for your losses.
Currently, our lawyers are representing clients who:
More than 100 million Americans have been exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water supplies. If you have been diagnosed with one of the above illnesses, please contact us for a free case evaluation.
The amount you could recover in a PFAS claim depends on the type and severity of your PFAS-caused cancer or illness. Some of the recoverable damages our lawyers could seek on your behalf include:
If you lost a loved one due to a disease or illness they developed from PFAS exposure, you could be eligible to pursue a wrongful death action. Our wrongful death lawyers would work compassionately to help you through this process.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to PFAS/AFFF exposure, contact our office today for a free case review at (800) 277-1193 or fill out the Case Evaluation Form below.
The two most common types of per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances are perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFOS”) and perfluorooctanoic acid (“PFOA”). These cancer-causing forever chemicals build up and persist in the environment prompting a growing number of lawsuits over the last several years. Consider the following examples:
Eligibility to file a PFAS lawsuit depends on your ability to establish exposure. If you have received notice that PFAS has been detected in your drinking water, call us today at (800) 277-1193. Our legal team will guide you through the next steps.
Unfortunately, the long history of using PFAS in the manufacturing of so many products, combined with the chemical’s nature to persist and accumulate, means most of us have suffered exposure. In fact, the chemicals exist in the blood of 97% of Americans, according to Pew Research.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that a minimum of 12 PFAS have been detected in blood serum since 1999. Four PFAS were found in the blood serum of almost all the people tested through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.
EPA cautions that PFAS exposure in people occurs when they consume PFAS-contaminated food or water or when they use PFAS-containing products, including:
Certain occupations, including firefighting and manufacturing or processing of chemicals, also lend themselves to heightened PFAS exposure.
The Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR) has issued a statement recognizing the effects that exposure to high levels of PFAS may have on the human immune system. According to the agency, a National Toxicology Program review revealed that PFAS suppressed antibody response in both animals and humans.
A large body of studies has explored the potential outcomes of exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. The strongest of these studies have linked PFAS exposure to the following illnesses:
Our PFAS lawyers bring a unique set of experience and knowledge to these cases, as our law firm has already been representing states, municipal governments, and private entities in recovering costs associated with removal and remediation of PFAS.
We also have extensive experience and a strong track record of results with environmental cases:
Our PFAS legal team will put this knowledge and experience to work for you.
Our law firm operates on a contingency fee basis. This means we charge legal fees and costs only when and if we recover damages on your behalf. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
We also offer you an initial case evaluation at no charge to you. This is a private, no-obligation consultation.
To say there is evidence that PFAS harms humans is an understatement. Here’s a small sample.
Environmental Health Perspectives: This September 2022 study added to the body of evidence between PFAS exposure and elevated cholesterol levels.
Exposure and Health: In July 2022, researchers identified $5.52 billion in an “annual disease burden and associated social costs” associated with the current annual exposure to long-chain PFAS.
Environmental Protection Agency: In June 2022, EPA issued drinking water advisories for PFAS. The agency cautioned that humans could suffer negative health effects from PFAS concentrations in water that are so minute they cannot be detected. This means that these chemicals are dangerous at any concentration.
National Toxicology Program of the United States Department of Health and Human Services and the International Agency for Research on Cancer: In 2016, these agencies released their analyses of the adverse effects of PFAS. According to the NTP, both PFOA and PFOS are “presumed to be an immune hazard to humans.” The IARC concluded that there is “evidence” of “the carcinogenicity of . . . PFOA” in humans and in experimental animals.
Statutes of limitations define the time you have from the date you sustain an illness or injury to file a lawsuit. Each state imposes its own strict statute of limitations. If you miss the deadline for filing a lawsuit in your case, you could be forever barred from recovering damages for your PFAS-caused cancer or other illness. Act now to preserve your rights.
We are a national law firm, and our PFAS attorneys will understand the statute of limitations in your state.
Levin Papantonio does not back down from large corporations. We have the knowledge, experience, and passion to hold accountable the companies that polluted our earth, water, and air with harmful PFAS chemicals–prioritizing profit over Americans’ safety, health, and well-being
If you or a loved one developed cancer or another illness after being exposed to PFAS, we will fight for your right to compensation. Reach out to our office today for a free case review. Call us at (800) 277-1193 or complete and submit our Free Case Evaluation Form below.
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