PFAS Lawyer in San Diego

What are PFAS?

The march of technology has allowed for consistent improvements in human life. Cars allow us to travel greater distances than our ancestors ever imagined possible, and smart technology allows us to keep in touch with friends and family on the go. Usually, when new technological advancements are introduced, they improve our lives at best or result in disappointing consumer products at worst. Sometimes, a new technology or discovery can have potentially deadly consequences for those who use it.

PFAS stands for per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are also known as “forever chemicals.” PFAS are oil, water, grease, and heat resistant. They were first discovered in the 1930s and implemented in the 1940s as a “non-stick” substance. For many years, PFAS were considered to have revolutionized post-War life. They allowed for everyday conveniences like non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothes, firefighting foam, and more. However, this convenience came with a potentially high cost.

In the decades since their first implementation, scientists have become acutely aware of the dangers of these “forever chemicals.” They received this name because, unlike many other substances used in consumer products, PFAS are challenging to break down naturally or organically. This means they can linger in drinking water and the atmosphere and even accumulate inside a person’s body. It is estimated that 99% of Americans have some level of PFAS in their bloodstream. This includes fetuses in utero.

Because PFAS is a foreign chemical substance, it can cause long-term health problems and complications. Some PFAS have even been labeled as carcinogenic by the National Cancer Institute. Carcinogens are substances that can cause cancer. Cancer is only one of the potential health risks of having been exposed to PFAS. This is why if you or a loved one think you may be experiencing adverse health effects as a result of exposure to PFAS, you must contact an experienced attorney. You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

What are the Health Effects of PFAS?

From 2005-2013, a panel of scientists undertook a comprehensive review of the potential adverse health effects of PFAS. They determined that exposure to PFAS can be linked to a variety of diseases and disorders. Subsequent studies following up on the original have further linked PFAS to even more health issues. Potential consequences of exposure to PFAS include but are not necessarily limited to:

• Kidney Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• High Blood Pressure
• Male Infertility
• Pre-eclampsia (Pregnancy Issues)
• Developmental Disabilities
• Liver Damage
• Ulcerative Colitis

These are only a few of the conditions linked to PFAS. New research is constantly being conducted into the potential dangers of PFAS, and more information is consistently coming to light. For example, more information just came to light about PFAS’ link to fertility issues and difficulty conceiving in 2023. While it was once believed PFAS only impacted male fertility, they have since been linked to a 40% lower female fertility rate. Just as alarmingly, in 2024, it was discovered that new Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations intended to reduce PFAS in drinking water only cover 8% of potentially hazardous compounds.

These are only a few examples of recent discoveries regarding the potential health effects of exposure to PFAS. New information is coming to light almost constantly.

As a result of this growing body of information, multiple lawsuits have been filed by people, organizations, and even entire U.S. states against PFAS manufacturers and companies that may have exposed individuals to PFAS.

How Could I Have Been Exposed to PFAS?

Because PFAS are so resilient, they are very easy to spread once they have been exposed to the atmosphere. PFAS have been used in food packaging, cooking utensils, clothing, and other everyday materials for so long that almost every American has been exposed at some point. In fact, PFAS has even been detected in drinking water and in the atmosphere as a result of industrial sites and firefighting activities. Because children tend to eat more food and require more water, the EPA has become concerned they are especially vulnerable to exposure. The same is true for industrial workers, firefighters, automotive industry employees, and armed forces members, who may have a higher-than-average exposure rate.

PFAS primarily leaves the body through urination. If someone has kidney issues or their kidneys are not functioning at 100%, it may take longer for PFAS to leave their bodies. Evidence has also demonstrated that some PFAS leave the bloodstream through menstrual blood. This means menstruating individuals may be able to eliminate PFAS more quickly than others. However, once a person has been exposed to PFAS, it is incredibly difficult for the human body to process them. As a result, pregnant women can even expose their children to PFAS through breast milk.

Can I Sue If I’m Exposed to PFAS?

Yes. In recent years, more people, groups, organizations, and even entire states have successfully filed suit against major chemical companies. Over $11 billion worth of settlements were reached in 2023 alone. That number does not include $393 million and $110 million received by the states of New Jersey and Ohio to help repair environmental damage to rivers and wildlife caused by PFAS.

Due to the success of these lawsuits and the growing body of information on the dangers of PFAS, the number of suits and payouts is expected to rise in the coming years. This is especially true as the EPA passes new regulations on enforceable limits for some PFAS in the water supply. The EPA is also set to designate some PFAS as hazardous under the U.S. Superfund Law. This law addresses the cleanup of hazardous waste sites and holds responsible parties financially liable.

While anyone can sue for exposure to PFAS, proving your case may be more difficult. This is because not everyone exposed to PFAS will necessarily get sick because of them. As statistics demonstrate, almost everyone in the U.S. has been exposed to PFAS already. If you or a loved one believe you may have been made sick by PFAS, it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney who can help you build your case.

How Do I Build a PFAS Case?

PFAS cases can be incredibly difficult to establish. This is why it’s vital to consult an experienced attorney. In order to build a successful PFAS case, a lawyer must establish causation. This means demonstrating that exposure to PFAS caused your sickness. Because of the frequency with which people are exposed to PFAS, it may prove complex to demonstrate that your particular sickness was the result of PFAS. While PFAS may have been linked to things such as kidney cancer and infertility, these issues can be caused by other things as well. Additionally, some proven side effects of exposure to PFAS, such as high blood pressure, can occur in individuals who have had no or minimal exposure to PFAS.

A doctor or team of doctors with a background in treating illnesses related to PFAS can prove essential in establishing your case. Experienced doctors can review your current health and health history and run diagnostic tests to demonstrate you were exposed to PFAS and that they have had an adverse impact on your health. An experienced attorney can also build a comprehensive history of your potential exposure to PFAS, from lifestyle habits to places of employment.

What Should I Do if I’ve Been Exposed to PFAS?

PFAS were meant to make the world a better place. The health impact they have had has been devastating. No one who has ever used a PFAS product such as non-stick cookware or waterproof clothing ever did so, believing they were dangerous. As a result, countless people have been exposed to hazardous chemicals simply by living their lives. The team at Benner Law Firm believes people should be able to go about their lives safely and happily and not be worried that everyday activities will expose them and their loved ones to deadly chemicals.

Craig Benner believes the parties responsible should be held accountable when people are endangered. The team at Benner Law Firm has zero tolerance for corporations or organizations that make people sick, pollute their drinking water, and threaten families. That’s why we believe in taking the fight to them. The team at Benner Law firm goes above and beyond when dealing with PAFS cases, and Craig Benner prides himself on getting higher than average settlements for his clients. He doesn’t rest until his clients have gotten the results they deserve.

Everyone deserves a safe and happy life. You may have been made sick by chemicals you didn’t even realize you were being exposed to. That isn’t your fault. If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS and believe you became sick as a result, don’t hesitate to contact Benner Law Firm today at 714-497-2544 for your free strategy session. We’ll help you and those closest to you fight for what’s yours and help secure your future.