PFAS have been silently contaminating California’s water supply, soil, and air for decades, creating a public health crisis. Millions of residents had no idea they were being exposed to chemicals linked to serious health conditions. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness after exposure in California, Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC will fight for the compensation you deserve.
Our experienced mass tort attorneys have helped thousands of clients hold corporations accountable for toxic exposure. With decades of experience taking on powerful industries, we have the resources and determination to pursue justice against the companies responsible for PFAS contamination. Contact us today for a free consultation and begin your legal journey.
What Are PFAS Chemicals and How Do They Cause Harm?
PFAS, which stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, are synthetic chemicals commonly known as “forever chemicals.” These substances earned their ominous nickname because they do not break down naturally in the environment or in your body. PFAS persist indefinitely, building up over time and creating long-term health risks.
First developed in the 1930s and widely implemented in the 1940s, PFAS and their resistance to oil, water, grease, and heat made them perfect for creating non-stick cookware, water-resistant clothing, firefighting foam, and countless other consumer products. These chemicals have leached into groundwater, contaminated soil, and polluted the air around manufacturing facilities and disposal sites. Today, millions of people have detectable levels of PFAS in their system due to industrial use; one scientific survey found PFAS in 98% of blood samples from over 2,000 participants.
Sources of PFAS Exposure in California
California has numerous documented sources of PFAS contamination, from airports to manufacturing plants. Certain military installations are hotspots for PFAS exposure due to the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that contains PFAS. AFFF has been used for decades in training exercises and emergency response to extinguish fuel fires.
Major contamination sites include:
- March Air Force Base (now known as March Air Reserve Base)
- Mather Air Force Base (now used as Sacramento Mather Airport)
- McClellan Air Force Base (now used as McClellan Park)
- Travis Air Force Base
- Fort Ord
- George Air Force Base
- Norton Air Force Base
- Castle Air Force Base
- NASA Crows Landing Flight Facility (formerly NALF Crows Landing)
- Joint Force Training Base – Los Alamitos
- Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow
- Parks Reserve Forces Training Area
- Sharpe Army Depot
The contamination is not limited to the areas immediately surrounding these facilities. PFAS can travel through groundwater systems and surface water, spreading contamination far from the original source.
Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Contamination
Extensive scientific research has established connections between PFAS exposure and many serious health conditions, including thyroid disease, fertility issues, and various forms of cancer. The strongest evidence links two specific cancers to PFAS exposure: kidney cancer and testicular cancer.
Kidney cancer often develops silently, with symptoms appearing as tumors grow larger. Some of the most common warning signs include:
- Blood in your urine
- A lump or mass in your kidney area
- Flank pain on your side or back
- Persistent tiredness and fatigue
- General feeling of illness or malaise
- Unexplained loss of appetite
- Unintentional weight loss
- A low-grade fever that won’t go away
- Bone pain without injury
- High blood pressure
- Anemia or low red blood cell count
- Elevated calcium levels in blood tests
Testicular cancer affects the testicles, the male reproductive organs that produce sperm and hormones. The most common sign is a painless lump in the area, but other symptoms include:
- Swelling or sudden fluid accumulation in the scrotum
- Any lump or swelling in either testicle
- Feeling of heaviness in the scrotum
- Dull, persistent ache in the groin or lower abdomen
- Pain or discomfort in the scrotum or testicle
- Noticeable shrinking of a testicle
Seeking Justice Through a California PFAS Injury Lawsuit
If you were diagnosed with testicular or kidney cancer after being exposed to PFAS, you may have grounds for legal action. PFAS lawsuits are mass tort cases filed by individuals and communities affected by contamination from these toxic chemicals. The purpose of these claims is to hold chemical manufacturers and other responsible parties accountable for decades of environmental damage and health impacts.
PFAS litigation began in the late 1990s and early 2000s when attorneys first challenged major chemical companies like DuPont for contaminating the areas surrounding their plants. Since then, thousands of cases have been filed across the United States. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can evaluate your case, determine which litigation you qualify for, and help you join the appropriate legal action to seek compensation for your PFAS-related injuries.
Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
PFAS contamination is widespread in California, and not everyone who was exposed is entitled to compensation. To qualify for a PFAS lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You lived in an area with documented PFAS contamination or received notification from your water supplier about contamination in your drinking water supply.
- You have consumed contaminated water for at least five years beginning in 1990 or later.
- You were diagnosed with either testicular cancer or kidney cancer between 2000 and the present.
If you are unsure whether you’re eligible for litigation, speak to a California PFAS injury lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can assess your case and help find your optimal path to justice.
Compensation Available in PFAS Injury Claims
Compensation in PFAS injury claims may include several types of damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for all cancer treatment costs, including surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, hospital stays, medications, and ongoing medical care related to your condition
- Lost Income: Compensation for wages lost during treatment, reduced earning capacity due to illness, and future income losses if your condition prevents you from returning to your previous employment
- Pain and Suffering: Damages that recognize the physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your PFAS-related illness and necessary medical treatments
Trust Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to Fight for You
PFAS have infiltrated California communities through negligence, affecting drinking water, soil, and human health. If you were affected, trust Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC to fight for you. Our California PFAS injury lawyers have the resources to take on major corporations and hold them accountable for environmental harm. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to explore your legal options and take action against PFAS contamination.