PFAS exposure has been linked to long-term health risks like cancer, immune system damage, and serious environmental contamination. If you were exposed through contaminated water or industrial sites, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. A PFAS lawyer from Foster James is backed by millions recovered and has a reputation for combining compassionate support with aggressive legal action. Contact us to learn whether your case may qualify.
What a PFAS Lawyer Focuses On in Environmental Contamination Lawsuits
PFAS lawsuits often center on long-term exposure to chemicals that stay in the environment far longer than they should. Many of these cases involve contamination that happened years ago but are only now being traced back to corporate activity and industrial waste. Our PFAS attorneys work with clients who are sorting through the science, the timing, and the regulatory reports to understand what went wrong and who may be responsible.
Firefighting Foam and PFAS Contamination in AFFF Cases
One of the most common sources of PFAS exposure comes from firefighting foam. AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, has been used for decades at airports, military bases, and industrial sites. The chemicals in this foam are designed to resist heat and spread across flammable liquids, but they do not break down easily once they enter the soil or groundwater.
Communities near these sites are often exposed through well water or local supply systems. In some cases, the contamination reaches schools, neighborhoods, or small businesses located nearby. These claims often involve both workers who used the foam and residents who had no idea it was in their water until much later.
Industrial and Residential PFAS Contamination Sources
Outside of firefighting foam, PFAS chemicals enter the environment through a number of everyday products. Factories that make nonstick cookware, stain-resistant coatings, or water-repellent clothing often release PFAS into nearby water systems. The same happens when waste containing PFAS seeps out of landfills or is flushed through wastewater treatment facilities.
Many families live with exposure for years before they even hear the term PFAS. Sometimes, the first warning comes through a local news report or a test ordered by the city. By the time it is discovered, the chemicals have already built up in the body and the surrounding environment, which makes legal claims more complex but also more important to pursue.
Our PFAS Attorneys Review Government Findings and EPA Risk Notices
Our PFAS attorneys rely on environmental reports, government findings, and site-specific testing to help support contamination claims. Agencies like the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) often publish health advisories or monitoring reports when risks are identified in a certain area. These notices can help confirm that a specific location was affected, even if the exposure happened years ago.
Under 42 U.S. Code § 6972, individuals have the right to bring citizen suits when environmental harm causes injury or public health concerns. This part of the law allows for private claims alongside government enforcement. In many cases, it is a combination of EPA data and personal records that helps build a strong legal case.
Health Effects and Toxic Exposure Risks Linked to PFAS Chemicals
PFAS exposure has been linked to a wide range of health problems, many of which do not show up right away. These chemicals can build up in the body over time, and the effects often surface years after someone’s first contact. That is one reason your PFAS attorney with Foster James will take a close look at both the symptoms and the history behind them. Here are some of the conditions and complications that have been tied to PFAS exposure:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- High blood pressure during pregnancy
- Liver damage
- Hormone disruption
- Immune system suppression
- High cholesterol
- Reduced vaccine response in children
- Long-term reproductive or fertility issues
Your PFAS attorney with Foster James looks at where the exposure likely happened, how long it lasted, and when the symptoms began. Under federal law, you can hold polluters accountable even when health effects develop slowly. That kind of timeline matters, and our firm builds every case with those details front and center.
How Our PFAS Lawyers Approach Large-Scale Toxic Tort Litigation
Toxic exposure lawsuits involving PFAS are rarely simple. These cases often include large groups of people, multiple court systems, and years of technical and medical records. There is usually a mix of health issues, scientific questions, and uncertainty about how long exposure went unnoticed. Our PFAS lawyers take the time to sort through all of it so families are not left guessing about their next step.
PFAS Multi-District Litigation and Federal Coordination
If someone is part of a larger group affected by PFAS, their case may be included in what is called multi-district litigation, or MDL. This process helps courts handle similar cases together by combining evidence, expert research, and early trial work. For the individual, that means less duplication and a smoother path through the legal process, even if their experience is unique.
Class Action Lawsuits vs. Individual Claims
Some families join class actions, while others file their own claims. Class actions can move faster, but they may not account for the details of a specific diagnosis or hardship. Individual claims give people more control and the chance to explain exactly how PFAS exposure affected their health, finances, or future. The best approach depends on the situation and what kind of outcome is most important.
How Our PFAS Lawyers Prove Economic and Medical Damages
Our PFAS lawyers gather the records that tell your story: medical bills, job history, long-term care needs, and expert opinions. This documentation helps show what the exposure has cost so far and what it may cost in the years ahead. These laws support both personal injury and environmental claims and play a big part in these cases.
Speak to a PFAS Attorney in a Toxic Exposure Case Involving Contaminated Water
A PFAS lawyer with Foster James will examine your exposure history, medical symptoms, and possible connection to known contamination zones. Our firm builds each case using government records, health data, and scientific research. If you suffered an injury due to PFAS exposure, contact us today to begin your free case review.