How Long Does It Take to Settle a PFAS Lawsuit?
The time it takes to settle a PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) lawsuit varies widely depending on the complexity of the case, the number of plaintiffs, and whether the case is resolved through settlement or trial. It can take 1 to 5 years to resolve on average, but some cases may take longer. However, given the known and accepted health risks of negligent exposure to PFAS, lawsuits alleging contamination often settle before they go to trial.
The toxic exposure attorneys at Douglas & London have represented many plaintiffs in PFAS lawsuits. We can determine if you or a loved one qualify and provide the representation you need to hold liable parties accountable for their negligence. While a settlement or jury award cannot erase the harm suffered, a monetary recovery can alleviate your financial hardships. Call today to schedule a free consultation.
Factors That Affect the Settlement Timeline
Investigation and evidence gathering can take several months to over a year. Attorneys must gather evidence to prove PFAS contamination, establish its source, and demonstrate harm. This may include environmental testing, medical records, and expert reports.
Lawsuits involving widespread contamination, multiple plaintiffs, or large corporations can take longer to resolve due to the volume of evidence and legal disputes.
As noted, many PFAS cases are resolved through negotiations before reaching trial. Settlements can take 1-3 years, depending on the willingness of both parties to negotiate. If the case goes to trial, it can take an additional 1-2 years or more, especially if appeals are involved.
Companies accused of PFAS contamination may delay proceedings through motions, appeals, or disputes over liability and damages, lengthening the timeline. Finally, the availability of court resources can also affect how quickly a case progresses, particularly in jurisdictions with heavy caseloads.
Do Individual PFAS Exposure Lawsuits Settle More Quickly Than Class Actions?
Class action lawsuits form when multiple individuals with common toxic exposure claims join to file a single lawsuit. This might place more settlement pressure on a negligent party because the aggregate value of multiple claims is often much larger than any single claim.
However, this does not mean a class action lawsuit will settle more quickly. Defendants’ challenges to the certification of the class and the administration of the class claims typically add months or years to the process.
The decision to pursue your PFAS exposure claim, either individually or through a class lawsuit, is entirely yours. Our team can give you the pros and cons of each approach and the necessary guidance to make an informed decision.
What Services Does a PFAS Exposure Lawyer Provide?
Our PFAS exposure attorneys have established processes in place to:
- Gather and organize documents, materials, and information to show your negligent exposure to PFAS, your resulting illness, and the causal connection between the exposure and illness.
- Communicate with medical professionals and other experts whose testimony will verify your claims.
- Complete and file all necessary forms with insurers and claims administrators.
- Compile evidence that provides details of the monetary value of your claim.
- File lawsuits against all potentially liable parties in the appropriate federal or state courts with jurisdiction over the parties and the underlying subject matter.
- Negotiate an equitable settlement or pursue a trial if the negligent parties refuse to settle.
We have significant experience representing clients who have suffered from toxic chemical exposure. Gary Douglas, a founding partner of Douglas & London, served as co-lead counsel in litigation representing victims of PFAS exposure and secured a $671 million settlement. This was after our attorneys were able to secure verdicts of $1.6 million, $5.1 million, and $12.5 million. We accept cases nationwide.
Contact Douglas & London for a Free Consultation
The toxic exposure attorneys at Douglas & London appreciate that individuals sickened by negligent PFAS exposure may be concerned about protracted litigation over their claims. We approach every PFAS lawsuit with the goal of recovering the largest available settlement as expeditiously as possible and with minimal adverse impacts on the lives of clients who are already suffering due to another party’s negligence.
Call today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Since we work on a contingency basis, there are no legal fees unless we win compensation for your losses and damages.
