PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

GET LEGAL HELP

Home » PFAS Contamination Lawsuit

Legally Reviewed by:

Sameer Chopra

READ BIO

Sameer Chopra is a founding partner at our firm and a successful trial lawyer with 17 years of experience standing up to large corporations, government entities, and wealthy landlords on behalf of injured individuals. He is a true New Yorker and recognized as one of the Nation’s Top One Percent of attorneys by the National Association of Distinguished Counsel.

He was recognized as a Super Lawyer Rising Star from 2017-2019 and then became a Super Lawyer from 2020 to present. He was also recognized as the 2021 Attorney of the Year by Top 100 Lawyers and was selected by Top Attorneys in North America as a distinguished Exclusive Presidents Circle Attorney for his continued excellence within the legal community. Sameer has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts, including significant verdicts against the City of New York and/or their affiliated agencies, and independent insurance carriers.

Content Last Updated: July 21, 2025

ON THIS PAGE

PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), known as “forever chemicals,” are toxic, man-made chemicals that have been used in countless industrial processes and consumer products. These chemicals are built to last, resisting breakdown in the environment and in the body. Because they never truly disappear, PFAS contamination is a serious threat to both your health and the environment.

If you or someone you care about has been exposed to PFAS and is now dealing with serious health problems, don’t wait. The injury attorneys at Chopra & Nocerino are ready to fight for you. Call us now for a free consultation and take the first step toward getting the justice you deserve.

What Are Some Common Sources of PFAS Exposure?

PFAS can be found in many places, some of them where you might least expect it. These chemicals spread easily and persist in the environment, putting you at risk in ways you might not even realize. Below are some common sources of PFAS exposure:

Military Bases and Airports

PFAS are commonly found at military bases and airports due to the extensive use of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which is used for firefighting training and emergency responses. These chemicals leak into the soil and water, often contaminating nearby communities.

Industrial Sites and Manufacturing Facilities

Many industrial processes use PFAS; when these substances are disposed of improperly, they can pollute surrounding areas. Manufacturing plants, landfills, and wastewater treatment facilities can all contribute to PFAS contamination, particularly through runoff into local water sources.

Household Products and Consumer Goods

Every day products you use at home can also be a source of PFAS exposure:

Non-stick cookware (such as Teflon)
Stain-resistant textiles (including carpets and upholstery)
Food packaging (microwave popcorn bags, fast food wrappers, pizza boxes)

These consumer goods are often treated with PFAS to make them more durable or resistant to stains, water, and grease. However, these chemicals can leach into the environment or your body over time.

What Are the Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure?

Prolonged exposure to PFAS can lead to devastating health issues, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system damage. These chemicals build up in the body over time, and because they don’t break down, they can lead to serious illness and long-term injury. If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS, it’s important to understand the significant risks involved:

Cancer: Studies have shown a clear connection between PFAS exposure and various cancers, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and liver cancer. People with high levels of PFAS in their blood are at a significantly higher risk of developing these cancers.
Thyroid Disease: PFAS can disrupt the thyroid hormone system, leading to conditions like hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism. Disruptions in thyroid function can affect metabolism, energy levels, and overall hormone balance.
Immune System Issues: PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system, making it less effective in fighting infections and reducing the body’s ability to respond to vaccines. This immune suppression can make individuals more vulnerable to a variety of illnesses.
Ulcerative Colitis: There is growing evidence linking PFAS to ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease that causes long-term digestive issues, pain, and discomfort.
Developmental and Reproductive Harm: PFAS exposure has also been associated with developmental delays in children, reduced fertility, and complications during pregnancy. These effects can have lasting impacts on both mother and child.

If you or someone you care about is suffering from one of these serious health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, Chopra & Nocerino is here to fight for your rights. Call our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation, and let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why Are PFAS Especially Dangerous?

PFAS are particularly hazardous because they do not break down in the environment or in the human body. These chemicals are known for their bioaccumulative and persistent nature, meaning they accumulate over time in both the environment and in living organisms, including humans. Here’s why PFAS exposure is so dangerous:

Bioaccumulation in the human body: PFAS are absorbed into the bloodstream and accumulate in tissues, particularly in the liver and kidneys, over a long period. Once these chemicals enter the body, they stay there. The body is unable to metabolize or eliminate them naturally, which means they can persist for decades, slowly increasing health risks over time.
Persistence in the environment: Just like in the human body, PFAS also persist in the environment. These chemicals are highly resistant to degradation, meaning they remain in water, soil, and air for years or even decades. This persistence means that even if PFAS use is limited or phased out, the chemicals already present in the environment continue to pose a risk to people and ecosystems for a very long time.
Widespread contamination:PFAS are found in drinking water, food, wildlife, and even household products. Exposure is widespread and often unavoidable because they are used in a wide range of industries, from firefighting foam to food packaging. The pervasive nature of these chemicals means that virtually no one is free from the risk of exposure.

The combination of bioaccumulation in both the human body and the environment and widespread contamination makes PFAS incredibly dangerous. If you’ve been exposed to PFAS, the risks can continue to affect your health for many years to come.

How PFAS Lawsuits Can Hold Corporations Accountable

PFAS lawsuits play a crucial role in holding companies responsible for the harm caused by their products. Through legal action, individuals and communities can demand compensation for the damage caused by PFAS contamination and push for accountability in the industry.

The PFAS Litigation Process

The multidistrict litigation (MDL) process allows many PFAS-related cases to be grouped together for more efficient handling under a single judge. This process streamlines litigation by consolidating similar cases, saving time and resources. Within this structure, bellwether trials are used to test the strength of different cases. These selected trials act as representative cases, helping both parties assess the merits of their claims and set the tone for potential settlements in the broader litigation.

Types of Claims You Can File for PFAS Exposure

If you or your community has been impacted by PFAS exposure, you can pursue various types of legal claims, including:

Personal injury lawsuits for individuals who have developed health conditions due to PFAS exposure.
Municipal claims to hold companies accountable for PFAS contamination in local water supplies.
Environmental damage suits to seek compensation for the long-term damage to ecosystems caused by PFAS.

These legal actions hold large organizations accountable, helping victims secure compensation and pushing for necessary environmental and regulatory changes. Chopra & Nocerino can help you determine your legal options and seek justice. Contact us today for a free consultation.

How to Know If You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been exposed to PFAS and developed health issues, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Several groups of individuals have been significantly impacted by PFAS contamination and can seek legal action. Here’s who typically qualifies:

Residents near contaminated areas: If you live in or around military bases, industrial sites, or areas known for PFAS contamination, you may have been exposed through drinking water or environmental contamination. Local residents are often among the most affected by PFAS pollution.
Firefighters: Firefighters, especially those working with AFFF (firefighting foam), have been exposed to high levels of PFAS. Years of regular exposure during training exercises and emergency responses put them at increased risk for health conditions linked to PFAS, such as cancer and thyroid disease.
Military personnel: Many military bases have been contaminated with PFAS due to the use of AFFF for firefighting purposes. Personnel working on these bases, as well as their families, have suffered from the effects of PFAS exposure in drinking water and household products.
Individuals with health conditions linked to PFAS: If you have been diagnosed with kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, or other conditions associated with PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit. The key factor is proving a connection between your health issues and PFAS exposure.

If you meet any of these criteria, it’s crucial to take action now. The legal team at Chopra & Nocerino is standing by to help you understand your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call us today for a free consultation to see if you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit.

Why Choose Chopra & Nocerino for Your PFAS Case?

At Chopra & Nocerino, we specialize in personal injury law and have a proven track record of fighting for clients who have been harmed by corporate negligence, including PFAS exposure.

Our aggressive litigation approach ensures that we hold the responsible parties accountable for the damage caused, no matter how large or complex the case may be. With hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements, we’ve consistently delivered positive outcomes for our clients in even the most challenging cases.

Our team is committed to transparency every step of the way. We’ll keep you informed about the progress of your case and provide you with honest, straightforward advice about your options. At Chopra & Nocerino, we treat every client like family and approach each case with the dedication it deserves. You can count on us for genuine communication and a team that always has your best interests at heart.

If you’ve been exposed to PFAS, you need a law firm with the expertise, experience, and commitment to fight for your rights. Chopra & Nocerino is here to get you the justice and compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and let us help you take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable.

Frequently Asked Questions About PFAS:

How long do I have to file a PFAS lawsuit?

The time limit to file a PFAS lawsuit is governed by the statute of limitations, which can vary depending on the state and the specifics of your case. In New York City, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit is typically three years from the date you discovered your injury or became aware of the PFAS exposure. However, if you’re filing a lawsuit against a municipality or government entity, such as the City of New York, the time limit could be as short as one year and ninety days.

Because these time limits are strict and can differ based on various factors, it’s important to act quickly. Delaying action could mean losing your chance to pursue justice and compensation.

What can I expect from the PFAS lawsuit process?

The PFAS lawsuit process typically involves several stages, starting with consultation and investigation, where we assess your eligibility and gather evidence. If you move forward, the next step is filing your complaint, followed by discovery, where both parties exchange information. During this time, your attorney will work closely with experts to build a strong case.

If your case is part of a multidistrict litigation (MDL), it may be grouped with similar cases for efficiency. Bellwether trials may be used to gauge how the court views the case and can influence settlement negotiations. Chopra & Nocerino will keep you informed every step of the way, ensuring you understand the process and feel confident in the direction of your case.

How much compensation can I receive in a PFAS lawsuit?

The amount of compensation in a PFAS lawsuit depends on several factors, including the severity of your health condition, the extent of your exposure, and the financial losses you’ve suffered. For example, individuals who develop serious cancers or require long-term medical care may be entitled to higher amounts due to the long-term impact on their lives. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future medical costs.

Take Action Today – Get the Legal Help You Deserve with Chopra & Nocerino

If you or a loved one has been affected by PFAS exposure, Chopra & Nocerino is here to stand by you every step of the way. We are deeply committed to helping individuals who have suffered from the harmful effects of these dangerous chemicals. With our personalized service and aggressive representation, we will fight tirelessly to ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

You don’t have to face this battle alone—Chopra & Nocerino is here to fight for your rights. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation, and let us help you take the first step toward holding the responsible parties accountable and securing your future.

WE ARE THE EXCLUSIVE PERSONAL INJURY LAW FIRM OF