How are PFAS Compensation Settlements Calculated? 

Compensation settlements for PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) exposure are calculated based on several key factors, which include the extent of exposure, the severity of health issues linked to PFAS exposure, including cancer or thyroid disease, and economic damages such as costs for medical treatments, loss of income and other financial burdens. In addition, previous settlement amounts in similar PFAS cases help guide the amount of compensation.  

If you have experienced serious side effects linked to environmental toxins, contact a toxic exposure attorney at Douglas & London or submit an online contact form. We will provide a full complimentary case evaluation to determine which parties may be liable for your injuries and their related costs. If you decide to proceed with a chemical exposure lawsuit, you owe us no fees unless we achieve restitution on your behalf. 

What Are PFAS? 

Since the 1950s, PFAS have been used in hundreds of everyday items, ranging from Teflon cookware to cleaning products to stain-resistant clothing and carpeting. Over time, PFAS leach into the air, soil, and water. The latter can cause drinking water contamination, and when PFAS leaks into the soil, food grown in this toxic environment can result in harm after regular consumption.   

One common type of PFAS, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), was used by firefighters to combat oil, gas, and other flammable liquid fires. Found most often at military bases, fire training facilities, airports, and chemical factories, AFFF may leach into the groundwater, contaminating local drinking water sources.  

 Factors Affecting PFAS Compensation Settlements.  

The factors that influence compensation are as follows: 

  • The impact of health issues: Plaintiffs with the most severe health and quality of life impacts from PFAS contamination can expect larger settlements. For instance, while the symptoms of thyroid disease can make life difficult, the condition is treatable. If PFAS contamination leads to cancer, the health impacts are more serious, and the compensation is generally more significant.  
  • Medical documentation: A timeline of a patient’s medical records, starting from the diagnosis of a PFAS-related condition, is often included in evaluating compensation. This documentation helps establish the severity and progression of the condition, which is a critical factor in determining the settlement amount.  
  • Future cost estimates: A medical professional can testify about the type of care needed for the plaintiff and the cost of future treatments. When it comes to cancer, much may depend on the stage of the disease, whether it has metastasized, and the long-term care implications.  
  • Length of exposure: The longer a person is exposed to PFAS, the higher their settlement will likely be. PFAS builds up in the body, so the length of exposure usually corresponds to more serious health problems.  
  • Environmental testing: Almost everyone in the U.S. has been exposed to some level of PFAS contamination. The plaintiff must prove that there was a relatively high level of PFAS in their water supply through environmental testing.  
  • Economic damages: Cancer or another serious illness related to PFAS contamination can create considerable financial instability. For example, the plaintiff may no longer be able to work. Long-term illness also jeopardizes future employment or opportunities.  
  • Corporate Liability and Negligence. The level of negligence or misconduct by the company responsible for PFAS contamination plays a role. Evidence of intentional wrongdoing or failure to address contamination may increase settlement amounts. 
  • Legal Precedents. Previous settlements in similar PFAS cases provide a baseline for determining fair compensation amounts. Trends in verdicts and agreements help shape expectations for payouts. 
  • Property damage: Besides your health, PFAS contamination may affect the value of your property.  
  • Geographic Location. Variations in state laws, environmental regulations, and jury tendencies influence the settlement values. Some jurisdictions may be more favorable to claimants than others. 

The Quality of Legal Representation 

One of the most significant factors in determining a PFAS compensation settlement amount is the quality of the plaintiff’s legal representation. At Douglas & London, our team played a pivotal role in the historic $12.5 billion settlement with the 3M company over PFAS contamination. 

Douglas & London partner Gary Douglas served as lead trial counsel in the DuPont C-8 lawsuit. He secured a $12.5 million verdict, including $10.5 million in punitive damages against Du Pont for dumping C-8 into the drinking water supply and causing our client’s testicular cancer. 

A successful PFAS lawsuit requires in-depth knowledge of the complicated issues surrounding PFAS contamination, evolving regulatory matters, and the ability to develop the best legal strategies based on the individual case. Trust that we will leverage this knowledge and experience for your case.  

Contact Us for a Free Consultation 

If you were diagnosed with cancer, ulcerative colitis, or thyroid disease after exposure to manmade “forever chemicals,” you need the services of an AFFF exposure attorney at Douglas & London. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation