PFAS Lawyer in San Diego

Trusted Injury Law Firm Helping Victims Impacted by Forever Chemicals

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.

The category of forever chemicals consists of human-made compounds known as PFAS. They have been staples in various sectors worldwide for decades, thanks to their durability and resistance. However, this same resilience results in their lingering presence in the environment and in our bodies, raising significant health concerns. For those grappling with the consequences of forever chemicals, Benner Law Firm offers a free consultation at 619-941-0456 to discuss your options and rights.

What are PFAS?

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.

PFAS and Long-Term Health Issues

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 thinks you may be experiencing adverse health effects as a result of toxic 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 to 2013, a panel of scientists undertook a comprehensive review of the potential adverse health effects of PFAS. They determined that toxic 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 toxic 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 that 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 toxic 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.

What Precautionary Measures Can Communities Take Against Forever Chemicals?

Communities can proactively shield themselves from PFAS exposure through several strategies. Identifying potential contamination sources such as industrial areas, airports, and military bases using firefighting foams is a start. Testing local water supplies for PFAS presence is crucial, and many communities are conducting their own assessments to confirm water safety.

How Can Communities Identify Forever Chemical Sources?

Communities should actively seek to pinpoint potential PFAS contamination sources. This involves recognizing industrial zones, airports, and military sites where firefighting foams are employed. Conducting local water testing is vital for ensuring safety, with many communities taking the initiative to perform independent assessments.

How Can Communities Promote Clean-Up Initiatives?

After identifying contamination sources, communities should advocate for remediation efforts. This may include urging local governments to prioritize PFAS clean-up or collaborating with environmental groups to raise awareness. Public advocacy can compel action from both governmental entities and corporations. In California, community efforts have led to stricter regulations and clean-up projects, highlighting the power of collective advocacy.

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 toxic exposure. The same is true for industrial workers, firefighters, automotive industry employees, and armed forces members, who may have a higher-than-average toxic 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 toxic 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 believes you may have been made sick by PFAS, it’s essential to consult an experienced attorney who can help you build your case.

Why PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuits Are Expanding Nationwide

Across the country, PFAS water contamination lawsuits are being filed as more communities uncover just how significant PFAS contamination is in their local water supplies. These claims often focus on the use of aqueous film forming foam (AFFF or film forming foam AFFF), a firefighting product heavily relied on by airports, industrial facilities, and military bases. Military personnel and nearby residents have been especially vulnerable to exposure, since runoff from these foams frequently leads to contaminated drinking water.

For many toxic exposure victims, the harm suffered includes more than just physical illness. The costs of ongoing medical treatment, emotional distress, and the burden of overwhelming medical expenses can deeply impact human health and everyday life. PFAS exposure has been linked not only to cancers and fertility issues but also to neurological disorders that can alter the course of a person’s future. Because these harmful chemicals linger in the environment, the effects are widespread and ongoing.

A PFAS class action lawsuit or individual claim can hold toxic chemical manufacturers accountable for knowingly introducing PFAS chemicals into consumer products and the water supply. Under environmental law, affected individuals may pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and the broader impact of exposure.

Benner Law Firm represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you owe nothing unless we recover damages on your behalf. If you live in a California city or elsewhere and suspect your medical records and health complications show conditions tied to toxic substances or PFAS exposure, we can guide you through the legal process and protect your legal rights while seeking compensation for the harm caused by these chemicals.

How Do I Build a PFAS Case?

PFAS lawsuits 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 that 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.

Where Can Affected Individuals Find Support and Resources?

Various support systems exist for those affected by PFAS. Local environmental advocacy groups offer resources and guidance, drawing from their experiences with chemical exposure issues to advise on effective actions. They also connect individuals facing similar challenges, fostering a network of mutual support.

How Can Local Environmental Groups Assist?

Local environmental groups are crucial allies for those impacted by PFAS. They provide essential resources and advice, often based on extensive chemical exposure experience. These organizations can also link affected individuals, creating a supportive network.

What Role Do Public Health Agencies and Legal Aid Play?

Public health agencies are key resources, offering information on PFAS health risks and conducting testing. Legal aid organizations assist with legal actions, providing representation or guidance at minimal or no cost. In San Diego, various organizations are committed to helping communities address PFAS challenges. If you’re struggling with the effects of forever chemicals, call a San Diego PFAS lawyer today at 619-941-0456 for a free consultation to understand your legal options and rights.

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. Our San Diego PFAS lawyer 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. Our San Diego PFAS attorney 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.

Contact Our PFAS Attorney in San Diego Today

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 619-941-0456 for your free strategy session. We’ll help you and those closest to you fight for what’s yours and help secure your future.