MICHIGAN PFAS CONTAMINATION
PFAS CANCER LAWSUITS
HOW TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE DEVELOPED CANCER FROM EXPOSURE TO PFAS CHEMICALS.
A growing body of research shows a direct link between a group of toxic chemicals known as PFAS and certain kinds of cancer. While a cancer diagnosis can be physically, emotionally and financially devastating for patients and their families, learning the illness was caused by negligent manufacturers who prioritize profits over people compounds the suffering.
If you or a loved one developed cancer caused by exposure to PFAS, our experienced personal injury lawyers will help you win significant compensation from those responsible for harming you and your family.
We have the resources and expertise to achieve a successful financial outcome that can include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, future needs and intangible damages such as pain and suffering.
Contact our experienced PFAS cancer lawsuit attorneys today to receive the compensation you deserve.
WHAT ARE PFAS?
PFAS (Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances) are man-made chemicals that have been used in an extensive array of industrial and consumer products since the 1940s. The most common PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), used in non-stick cookware and waterproof coatings, and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), used to manufacture firefighting foam.
PFAS are known as “forever chemicals” because of their ability to resist degradation from heat, water, and oil. Instead of dissipating, these resilient toxins accumulate and remain in the places they permeate, including soil, drinking water, plants, animals and human beings. Over the past several decades, they have infiltrated the water supplies in communities across the country.
WHY ARE PFAS SO DANGEROUS?
Numerous research studies have revealed a high correlation between exposure to PFAS and a variety of serious health problems, including cancer. These virtually indestructible chemicals infiltrate our water systems and our bodies, where they build up and remain for decades due to their extreme durability.
In addition, because they are undetectable through taste or smell, most individuals are unaware they are drinking contaminated water or eating food grown in tainted soil.
Furthermore, manufacturers are not required to include PFAS in the ingredient lists of their products. Therefore, millions of consumers are unknowingly at risk of developing life-threatening illnesses from exposure to these dangerous chemicals.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON SOURCES OF PFAS EXPOSURE?
Individuals can be exposed to PFAS in a variety of ways that include breathing contaminated air, eating and drinking contaminated food and water, or making physical contact with products containing these chemicals.
Here are some of the most common sources of exposure, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC):
- Living near sites with contaminated air, soil or drinking water
- Eating food from crops or animals grown or raised near places where PFAS are used or manufactured
- Using cookware with nonstick coatings
- Eating fish or wild game contaminated by PFAS, especially PFOS
- Consuming food packaged in material containing PFAS, including fast food wrappers, takeout containers and other coated paper products
- Inhaling PFAS found in certain manufacturing plants
- Working with or near fire-fighting foam
- Having daily exposure to stain-resistant carpeting or furniture
- Wearing water-repellent clothing
- Using cosmetics containing PFAS such as liquid lipstick, waterproof mascara, shaving cream, lotions and cleansers
WHICH GEOGRAPHIC AREAS HAVE THE GREATEST RISK OF PFAS EXPOSURE?
While high levels of PFAS are found across the U.S., Michigan is one of the “hot spots” for PFAS-contaminated lakes, drinking water, soil and air.
A recent study published in the Science journal found as many as 3.2 million Michiganders get their drinking water from aquifers containing detectable amounts of PFAS. Researchers attribute this number, one of the highest rates of PFAS contamination in the country, to the prevalence of private wells and the many industries responsible for releasing high levels of polluting emissions into the environment.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE COMPENSATION IN A PFAS CANCER LAWSUIT?
Plaintiffs must meet specific conditions in order to file a PFAS cancer lawsuit. In general, individuals must be diagnosed with one of the qualifying diseases after living or working in areas with water supplies contaminated by PFAS chemicals. There are also stipulations regarding the time frame of the exposure in relation to the date of diagnosis.
However, if you are unsure whether you meet the criteria, it is best to call us for a free, no-obligation consultation if you or a family member developed cancer after being exposed to PFAS. Our experienced legal team will evaluate your individual situation and recommend the best course of action.
WHAT ARE THE QUALIFYING DISEASES FOR FILING A PFAS LAWSUIT?
The following cancers and conditions are considered qualifying diseases for a PFAS Lawsuit:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative Colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease that causes irritation, inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the large intestine, not to be confused with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) or Crohn’s disease)
WHAT IS THE REQUIRED TIME FRAME AND DURATION OF EXPOSURE TO QUALIFY FOR A PFAS LAWSUIT?
- Exposure to PFAS must have occurred on or after January 1, 1960
- Plaintiffs must have endured at least one year of continuous exposure
- Individuals must have lived or worked in a location where the water supply was known to be contaminated by PFAS.
Because firefighting foam (Aqueous Film Forming Foam, or AFFF) contains high levels of PFAS, typical plaintiffs may include people who lived or worked in or near firefighter training areas, military bases, airports and fire stations.
IS THERE A TIME LIMIT (STATUTE OF LIMITATIONS) FOR FILING A PFAS CANCER LAWSUIT?
The term “statute of limitations” refers to the legal deadline for filing a lawsuit. In Michigan, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is typically three years, with certain exceptions for minors and other situations. In addition, the time limit is usually shorter for claims against governmental agencies.
The time period usually begins on the date the harm occurred or, in some cases, the date the harm was discovered. In PFAS cancer lawsuits, the three-year period may start when the victim learns of the connection between their illness and their previous exposure to PFAS.
However, victims diagnosed with cancer several years ago may find it challenging to prove they were unaware of the link between cancer and PFAS exposure. This is why it is crucial to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer as soon as possible to ensure the most successful outcome.
WHAT SHOULD I DO IF I BELIEVE MY ILLNESS WAS CAUSED BY EXPOSURE TO PFAS?
Contact us immediately if you or a family member developed cancer after being exposed to PFAS. As Michigan's most experienced personal injury law firm, we know how to hold negligent companies accountable for the harm they cause innocent people.
Our skilled PFAS cancer lawsuit attorneys will do whatever it takes to win the compensation you and your family deserve.
Don’t let the legal clock run out! Failing to meet Michigan’s strict filing deadlines for personal injury claims could result in missing the chance to recover the damages you are entitled to.
Start your case today by filling out the brief form below or calling 1-800-CALL-SAM for a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our legal team.
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