According to some sources, PVC pipe may contain PFAS chemicals that are harmful to your health. Exposure to PFAS can result in cancer and other diseases. If you have recently been diagnosed with a serious disease that is possibly due to PFAS exposure from PVC pipe, you might be able to recover compensation.
Understanding PVC Pipe and PFAS
Piping is the largest single use of PVC material. PVC stands for polyvinyl chloride. It is a vinyl material that is resistant to corrosion. PVC piping is commonly used in construction and used to transport water underground.
PVC pipe could contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) chemicals. PFAS are man-made chemicals that, when used in PVC pipes, can affect your drinking water, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Examples of diseases associated with PFAS exposure include:
- Cancer (bladder, blood, kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, testicular, thyroid)
- Low birth weights
- Preeclampsia
- Thyroid (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, Goiter, thyroid nodules)
- Ulcerative colitis
These are just a few examples of the various effects exposure to PFAS can have on your body. The fact that PFAS was specifically designed to last forever signifies the never-ending risks of environmental and health problems for you and your loved ones.
PVC and Children
Commonly referred to as the “poison plastic,” PVC also contains mercury and asbestos, and according to the EPA, vinyl chloride is classified as a human carcinogen.
Children are at special risk for complications related to PVC exposure, as PVC is commonly used in their toys, lunch boxes, backpacks, and more, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
PFAS and the Death of Your Loved One
If your loved one died as a result of exposure to PVC piping, you might qualify for a wrongful death claim. Construction job sites, plumbing jobs, and water treatment facilities are a few examples of careers that work with PVC pipes. A loved one who worked in one of these fields could have been exposed to PFAS.
A wrongful death case generally requires a representative (typically a close family member) to pursue litigation. While each case is different, you may qualify to recover compensation for funeral costs, loss of income, and other damages.
Losing a loved one due to a disease caused by a man-made chemical is devastating. While holding the at-fault parties accountable and seeking financial recovery will never make up for your loved one’s death, it can help ease the stress of covering unexpected costs that you had no fault in causing.
How Pintas & Mullins Law Firm Can Help You
If a medical professional diagnosed you with a health condition or disease that you suspect is tied to PVC pipe exposure, you may have legal options. Diseases such as cancer and immune deficiencies can result in extensive medical bills.
Do not accept a low-dollar settlement from an insurance company. If you do accept their initial offer, you may lose your right to pursue compensation later, should your medical condition worsen.
Your illness requires your full attention, and you do not have to try to handle insurance company negotiations alone. Insurance companies are quite skilled at how they handle claims.
A personal injury lawyer from our team can handle insurance company negotiations on your behalf. If they are unable to secure a fair settlement out-of-court, they are ready to go to trial.
A member of our team can investigate your case and identify all parties liable for your exposure to PVC. We can then decide upon the best course of action for you.
The statute of limitations is a strict deadline for filing civil lawsuits, and it varies from state to state. Pintas & Mullins Law Firm handles cases nationwide, and we can help ensure you meet all the applicable deadlines in your case. If you miss the state deadline for your case, you may lose your opportunity for possible compensation forever.
A recent diagnosis of any disease associated with PVC pipe exposure is a life-changing event. If this recently happened to you—or you lost a loved one—we might be able to help you.
PVC pipe might contain PFAS, making your exposure to it harmful to your health. Take action by contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today for your free case evaluation. You owe nothing unless we win your case. Call Pintas & Mullins Law Firm now at (800) 788-4155.