
Every law firm is different, but the cost to hire a Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) attorney will typically deal with a percentage of the compensation awarded to the victim going to the law firm after the case is settled. Many of these cases involve class action lawsuits where there may be multiple parties filing after exposure to the same product or affected area. Some firms will work for their clients free of charge, with the ultimate goal of helping them receive compensation for the hardships they suffered as a result of exposure to PFAS.
When asking yourself what it costs to hire a PFAS attorney, in most cases, you do not need to worry about paying to consult with a team member about your case. Free consultations for these cases allow victims to feel comfortable moving forward with their cases without the fear of being charged needlessly high sums of money. The easier the process is and the less it costs, the more the PFAS victim will be able to focus on their recovery without any other factors clouding their future.
Common Products That May Contain PFAS
According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are used in a multitude of products and substances, including certain types of food and packaging. The reason for this, at the detriment of many victims around the world, is that PFAS were used for decades due to their versatility in making products across the board. They may even be found in drinking water. Because they are manmade from a time when the companies using them may not have realized their potential dangers, these substances take a long time to break down in the environment.
The same goes for their ability to break down in the people’s bodies who have come into contact with them. In fact, some types of PFAS may stay at dangerous levels for years to come. Studies show that the longer a person is exposed to these toxins, the more dangerous they may be, which is why many victims come from companies where PFAS were commonly used in their workplaces over the years.
Common products that may contain PFAS can include, but may not be limited to:
- Stain removers or other household cleaning products
- Clothing used during the making of PFAS or in areas where its use was common
- Types of paint
- Products meant to aid in firefighting, such as flame-retardant foams used to coat the affected area (these uses of PFAS may lead to widespread contamination)
- Types of animals that have had PFA exposure and then come into contact with humans, such as animals that are eaten
- Virtually any type of food that was previously subjected to PFA exposure, which can include the area where it was grown or the type of packaging it was held in, even for short periods of time
- Storage containers, ranging from plastic bags to containers to boxes and more
- Water that received exposure to PFAS, either through runoff or being close to a factory that commonly used these toxins. In some cases, entire reservoirs or water tables may be exposed
- And more
Known Side Effects of PFAS
Studies show that many types of PFAS have varying negative effects on humans and animals, which can include problems with the liver, growth, reproduction, and more, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The true extent of PFAS, including PFOAs and PFOs, has yet to be seen for sure. We are still learning just how much harm these toxins can cause. Even so, there are links to certain types of immune disorders and cancers. Only time will tell just how much harm these chemicals caused over the years, despite countless victims already coming forward over the decades.
Other potential side effects can include, but may not be limited to:
- Trouble during pregnancies and after-birth effects, such as underweight children
- Thyroid problems (hyperthyroidism, hypothyroidism, thyroiditis, Hashimoto’s, Grave’s, Goiter, thyroid nodules)
- Ulcerative colitis
- And more
Our PFAS Attorneys Are Ready to Take on Tough Cases
Here at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm, we understand the kinds of pain and suffering that can be caused by PFAS and their various chemical combinations. If you are asking what it costs to hire a PFAS attorney in your area, one of our representatives will be happy to look at your case and figure out how we may be able to help with your unique set of needs. Ultimately, our attorneys want to help make your road to recovery easier by fighting back against the companies responsible for your PFAS exposure while you continue with your daily life.
To learn more, contact a Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 788-4155 for your free consultation.