Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) exposure has the potential to cause a number of health problems for humans. Some people are wondering what they should do if they or a loved one were affected by PFAS. You or your loved one will want to see a doctor to determine the level of exposure and what potential health problems you could develop related to the exposure.
If a doctor finds that you or your loved one have suffered exposure to PFAS, you may have the opportunity to bring a lawsuit against one of the companies that manufactured or used PFAS for several decades. You could bring a lawsuit yourself, or you could join a class-action lawsuit that is available to any American resident who can show a detectible PFAS exposure and an illness related to PFAS.
Receiving Health Care for PFAS Exposure
If you believe you suffered an exposure to PFAS, you should visit a doctor. Health care professionals will assess your situation. They may choose to run a blood test, which can show the level of PFAS exposure you have suffered, if any.
Because compounds related to PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are man-made and do not break down easily for several years or even a few decades. In several tests, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) detected these compounds in the human blood well after the initial exposure may have occurred.
Should the doctor find detectable levels of PFAS in you or your loved one’s blood, there is no way to remove this contaminant from the blood. All the doctor can do is try to treat any symptoms or illnesses that show up because of the PFAS compounds.
Types of Illnesses Related to PFAS
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (or CDC) has found a multitude of potential negative health effects for humans who have an exposure to PFAS chemicals. Additionally, the CDC says the illnesses associated with PFAS are likely much more serious for long term human health than initially thought.
Some of the problems related to PFAS exposure may include:
- Increased risk of some types of cancer
- Damage to internal organs, including the liver and pancreas
- Increased risk of thyroid disease
- Fertility problems
- Potential for having low birth weight babies
- Increased risk of asthma
- Improper hormone balance in the body
Because researchers continue to investigate the effects of PFAS on the human body, it is possible that they may find other common illnesses in future years. Should you or a loved one have a proven exposure to PFAS, you and your doctor should monitor any symptoms you may have.
Determining Whether You Can Receive Compensation
Compensation related to PFAS exposure is possible for the victims, should they choose to file a lawsuit or to join a class-action lawsuit. The filing of these lawsuits occurs against those companies that have manufactured or used PFAS over the past several decades.
As part of a lawsuit around PFAS, victims may have the ability to seek compensation for pain, suffering, and medical bills. As part of a class-action lawsuit against the manufacturers of PFAS, you would receive the same amount of compensation as all of the other plaintiffs, should the plaintiffs win a judgment.
Ending Use of PFAS
Several of the companies involved in PFAS manufacturing and use agreed to put an end to manufacturing these substances.
Still, though, those exposed to the compounds at any time have the right to seek compensation in a lawsuit. Determining exactly which company was at fault for you or your loved one’s exposure to PFAS can be a difficult process, as many of the companies that originally worked with PFAS no longer exist, as other companies may have purchased them or merged with them.
An attorney who handles the legal issues surrounding PFAS can help you or your loved one seek recovery through a lawsuit.
Defending Your Right To Receive Compensation
If you discover PFSA in your blood, you can start by taking care of your health. Then discuss with your family whether you would like to bring a lawsuit against PFAS manufacturers.
We can discuss your situation and help you determine the right steps to take. Consider contacting Pintas & Mullins Law Firm. We handle cases involving PFSA, and we aim to advocate for victims of exposure who seek to take legal action.
For a free consultation, call us at (800) 788-4155 as soon as possible. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means we do not accept payment for our services until the case reaches a satisfactory settlement.