For decades, corporations have been using chemicals in their products—including non-stick cookware, stain-resistant carpets, waterproof clothing, and food packaging—that are slowly poisoning workers, communities, and the environment. PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) aren't just another industrial chemical—they're a toxic substance that has put many lives in danger.
These "forever chemicals" have been linked to severe health issues, including cancer and liver damage. Despite alledgedly knowing the risks, many companies continued to manufacture and distribute PFAS-laden products, prioritizing profits over people. PFAS can also contaminate water supplies, further endangering public health by exposing entire communities to these toxic substances.
This has led to a wave of PFAS personal injury lawsuits, as affected individuals seek justice and compensation for the harm they've suffered. If you've been exposed to PFAS, whether through your workplace or your environment, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit.
PFAS and Their Impact on Your Health
PFAS are a group of man-made chemicals that have been used in various industries around the globe since the 1940s. They are found in a wide range of consumer products that people use daily, such as cookware, carpeting, pizza boxes, and stain repellents. The problem with PFAS is that they do not break down and can accumulate over time in the environment and in the human body, leading to potential adverse health effects.
Health Issues Associated with PFAS
Research has linked PFAS exposure to a variety of health problems, including:
Liver damage: PFAS can accumulate in the liver, causing damage over time.
Kidney cancer: PFAS can interfere with kidney function, potentially leading to cancer.
Thyroid disease: PFAS can disrupt thyroid hormone production, leading to thyroid disease.
Testicular cancer: Studies have shown a correlation between PFAS exposure and an increased risk of testicular cancer.
Ulcerative Colitis: This inflammatory bowel disease has been associated with PFAS exposure.
How PFAS Enters Your System
PFAS can enter the human body through various pathways, leading to significant health impacts. According to the EPA, these chemicals can accumulate through several means:
Contaminated drinking water: PFAS can seep into groundwater and surface water, becoming a part of the water supply for entire communities. This is particularly concerning for those working or living near manufacturing facilities and mining operations where PFAS are produced or used, as these areas are more prone to water contamination.
Air and dust: Inhalation of air and dust containing PFAS particles can contribute to exposure. Workers in manufacturing plants and mining sites where PFAS are used or produced are at a higher risk, as they may inhale these particles during the production process.
Consumer products: Direct contact with products containing PFAS, such as non-stick cookware and stain-resistant fabrics, can lead to absorption through the skin. This risk is heightened for employees involved in the manufacturing of these products, as they handle raw materials and finished goods regularly.
Consistent low-level exposure over time can lead to significant health risks, especially for those working in or living near manufacturing facilities where PFAS are prevalent.
Why Companies Should Be Held Accountable
The widespread use of PFAS has led to significant health and environmental impacts. Holding companies accountable is crucial for a couple of reasons:
Legal and ethical obligations: Companies have a legal and ethical obligation to ensure their operations do not harm the public or the environment. Accountability reinforces ethical standards and builds public trust through transparency.
Direct environmental and health impact: The production and use of PFAS by corporations have led to widespread environmental damage and serious health issues for countless individuals, including their own workers and the communities surrounding their manufacturing plants.
The Importance of Accountability
Holding these companies accountable through legal action can have an immediate and far-reaching positive impact:
Justice for affected individuals: Accountability ensures that individuals who have suffered health issues due to PFAS exposure receive the compensation they deserve. This financial relief can help cover things like medical expenses and lost wages.
Deterrence: Legal consequences serve as a powerful deterrent, discouraging other companies from working with PFAS without considering the impact. This can lead to safer manufacturing processes, protections for employees, and more responsible corporate behavior overall.
Policy change: Successful lawsuits can drive policy changes, leading to stricter regulations on chemical use and emissions. This can help prevent future contamination and protect public health.
Environmental remediation: Holding companies accountable can also lead to funding for environmental cleanup efforts, helping to restore contaminated areas and protect ecosystems.
PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuits: Get the Compensation You Deserve
Filing a PFAS personal injury lawsuit can provide compensation for the damages you've suffered due to exposure. This compensation can cover:
Medical expenses: Costs for treatments, medications, and ongoing healthcare related to PFAS-related health issues.
Lost wages: Compensation for income lost due to illness or inability to work.
Pain and suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by PFAS-related health issues.
PFAS lawsuit settlement amounts per person vary based on several factors, including the severity of health impacts, the extent of exposure, and the specific circumstances of each case.
Rolshouse Law Firm Can Help You Seek Justice
Whether you're a worker directly exposed to PFAS in your workplace or a resident living in an area affected by industrial contamination, pursuing a PFAS personal injury lawsuit allows you to:
Secure compensation: You'll have a chance to get financial relief for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering caused by PFAS exposure.
Hold corporations accountable: Advocate for corporate responsibility to ensure companies prioritize public safety and are held responsible for the impacts of their actions.
Promote change: Contribute to a broader movement that demands stricter regulations and safer practices, protecting future generations from similar harm.
However, navigating the complexities of PFAS-related legal actions requires expertise and support. James Rolshouse Law Firm PLLC specializes in handling such cases where individuals are rightfully seeking justice and compensation.
If you work in manufacturing or mining, or live near factories with PFAS contamination, and are experiencing health issues, find out if you qualify for compensation today. Our experienced lawyers at James Rolshouse Law Firm PLLC will assess your situation and determine if you should file a claim.