PFOS

Water is among our most precious natural resources. Unfortunately, drinking water in New York and other parts of the country has become contaminated with PFOS, or perfluorooctanesulfonic acid, a synthetic chemical widely used in various industrial and consumer products, such as firefighting foams, that can cause serious illness, including multiple types of cancer.  

If you or a loved one developed cancer or illness after exposure to PFOAs, you may be eligible to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. Douglas & London is highly experienced in complex toxic exposure cases. Contact a New York toxic exposure attorney. We can hold the parties responsible for your illness accountable and help you receive the financial compensation you deserve. 

What are PFOS? 

Even if you have never heard of PFOS, you have almost certainly been exposed to them. Perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS) is used to make grease, stain, soil, and water-resistant products. They are part of a class of synthetic chemicals called per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). From the late 1940s until the early years of this century, manufacturers used PFAS in a wide variety of products.  

PFOS was frequently found in water-repellant materials and cleaning supplies. They were an integral part of the production of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), used widely as a fire suppressant for flammable liquid fires. Firefighting foam was often used to combat fires at oil refineries, military bases, and airports. Over the years, AFFF seeped into the soil at these locations and spread into the groundwater.    

Known as “forever chemicals,” PFOS are not biodegradable. They are carcinogenic and, once in the body, remain for a long time.  

Most PFOS victims were exposed by drinking contaminated water or eating food grown in contaminated soil. It is not possible to determine whether water is contaminated with PFOS merely by taste or smell. A recent study found that PFAS may also be absorbed through the skin.  

Health Risks Associated with PFOS Exposure 

Types of cancer associated with PFOS include: 

  • Bladder 
  • Breast 
  • Kidney 
  • Lymphatic system 
  • Prostate  
  • Testicles  
  • Thyroid  

Besides cancer, PFOS toxic exposure has been linked to birth defects, as well as potentially fatal high blood pressure and pre-eclampsia in pregnant women. PFOS exposure may also affect the immune system and cause liver damage. As per the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), scientific studies have linked PFOS exposure to increased cholesterol levels and obesity risk. Ulcerative colitis is another PFOS-linked condition.  

New York PFOS Contamination Sites 

Here is a sampling of sites in New York identified as PFOS-contaminated: 

These cases reflect a broader issue in New York, where approximately 250 water systems have reported PFAS contamination, prompting ongoing regulatory and cleanup initiatives across the state to meet both federal and state standards for safe drinking water. 

Legal Process for Filing a PFOS Contamination Claim 

The first step in the legal process for filing a PFOS contamination claim involves hiring a New York toxic exposure attorney to represent you. At Douglas & London, we will investigate your claim thoroughly and guide you through the following: 

Gathering Evidence 

To succeed in your PFOS contamination claim, you must prove that you lived or worked in New York for a minimum of six months during the PFOS contamination period. Evidence may include mortgage or rent payments, utility bills, pay stubs, employment or school records, and other proof of residing or working in the contaminated area for at least six months during that time.  

Medical Documentation 

You must provide medical documentation of a PFOS-related cancer or other disease. Medical records, including diagnosis, test results, and treatment plans, are essential. Include all bills and receipts relating to your illness.  

Life Impacts 

Describe how the diagnosis of PFO-related cancer or other condition has impacted your life in terms of health, ability to work, quality of life, and more.   

Environmental Documentation 

We will provide environmental documentation of PFOS contamination in the New York area where you resided or worked. That includes PFOS contamination levels in your local water supply.  

Types of Compensation Available 

Potential compensation in a toxic exposure lawsuit may include: 

  • Medical expenses 
  • Lost wages 
  • Lost earning potential  
  • Pain and suffering 

Settlement amounts will vary according to illness severity and the length of time the person lived or worked in the contaminated area.  

How Long Do You Have to File a Water Contamination Claim? 

In New York, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury lawsuit involving PFOS water contamination is generally three years from the date of diagnosis. It is wise to contact an attorney as soon as possible.  

Holding Responsible Parties Accountable 

At Douglas & London, we have a strong track record of holding responsible parties accountable for environmental contamination. We are proud to announce that 3M has agreed to pay up to twelve billion five hundred million dollars ($12,500,000,000) to public water systems across the United States that have detected or are at risk for PFAS chemicals in their drinking water, in what is the largest drinking water settlement in American history. 

Schedule a Free Consultation with Douglas & London 

If you were exposed to PFOS, an integral part of the production of AFFF, and developed cancer, our experienced team can file an AFFF lawsuit. Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation today. Because we work on a contingency basis, you pay no fee unless you receive compensation.