Across the state of Florida, PFAS contamination exposes communities to toxic forever chemicals linked to serious health complications. Many Floridians may have been exposed without their knowledge, only to face the consequences years or decades later when these chemicals finally take their toll. When PFAS exposure causes harm, victims shouldn’t have to bear the financial burden alone.
Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC brings decades of mass tort experience and a proven track record of helping thousands of clients secure meaningful compensation from negligent corporations. If you or a loved one was exposed to PFAS, our attorneys will fight for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Florida PFAS injury lawyer.
The Danger of ‘Forever Chemicals’ in Florida’s Water Sources
PFAS chemicals have earned the nickname “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or in your body. Once these substances enter water supplies, they can persist for decades, accumulating in communities and causing widespread contamination. Throughout Florida, alarming levels of these dangerous compounds have been detected in water systems.
The very sources that supply most Floridians with drinking water are contaminated with these persistent chemicals. One study from the University of Florida examined the extent of PFAS contamination in the state’s freshwater springs, which provide 90% of Florida’s drinking water. The researchers detected PFAS in 63% of spring vent samples (where water first emerges from underground aquifers) and 68% of spring run samples (the flowing water from these vents).
What makes this situation particularly troubling is that many Florida residents have been unknowingly consuming PFAS-contaminated water for years. These chemicals do not change the taste, smell, or appearance of water, making detection impossible without testing. By the time contamination is discovered, entire communities may have been exposed for extended periods.
How Military Bases Contribute to PFAS Exposure in Florida
Florida’s numerous military installations have become major sources of PFAS contamination throughout the state. These facilities used firefighting foams containing PFAS chemicals for decades during training exercises and emergencies, leading to widespread environmental contamination.
Several Florida military bases have been identified as contamination sources:
- Eglin Air Force Base
- Naval Air Station Cecil Field
- Patrick Air Force Base, now Patrick Space Force Base
- Saufley Field
- Naval Air Station Pensacola Corry Station, Information Warfare Training Command (IWTC), formerly known as Naval Technical Training Center Corry Station
- Marianna Readiness Center
- Ocala Readiness Center
Diseases Linked to PFAS Exposure
Scientific research has established strong connections between PFAS exposure and several serious health conditions. While studies continue to investigate the full scope of exposure, current PFAS injury lawsuits focus on two cancers that have shown the strongest links: testicular cancer and kidney cancer.
Testicular cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the testicles and may spread to the lymph nodes, lungs, and other organs without treatment. Symptoms of this disease may include:
- A lump or swelling in either testicle
- Swelling or sudden fluid build-up in your scrotum
- A feeling of heaviness in your scrotum
- Dull ache in your groin or lower abdomen
- Pain or discomfort in your scrotum or a testicle
- A shrinking testicle (testicular atrophy)
Kidney cancer is a disease in which malignant cells form in the tissues of the kidneys, the organs responsible for filtering waste and excess water from your blood. Potential signs may include:
- Blood in your urine
- A lump or mass in your kidney area
- Flank pain
- Persistent fatigue
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Bone pain
- High blood pressure
- Anemia
- Elevated calcium levels
Your Legal Rights as a Victim of PFAS Contamination
If PFAS exposure has harmed you or your family, you have the right to seek justice. Thousands of people have filed PFAS injury lawsuits against the companies that manufactured these toxic chemicals and the entities responsible for releasing them into the environment. These cases allow victims to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other losses related to PFAS-caused illnesses.
To qualify for a PFAS lawsuit, you must meet the following criteria:
- You lived in an area with known contamination or received notice from your water supplier about PFAS detection.
- You consumed contaminated water for at least five years from 1990 onwards.
- You received a qualifying diagnosis between 2000 and the present.
- Your diagnosis is either testicular cancer or kidney cancer.
How Our Florida PFAS Attorneys Hold Corporations Accountable
PFAS lawsuits are some of the most complex environmental cases in recent history, often involving extensive scientific evidence, multiple defendants, and challenging questions about who exactly is responsible. Alone, you face an uphill battle against corporations with teams of lawyers and seemingly unlimited resources. But with a Florida PFAS injury lawyer on your side, you can level the playing field and demand the justice you deserve.
Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC brings years of mass tort experience to your case, giving us the institutional knowledge needed to navigate complex litigation effectively. We have helped thousands of clients stand up to negligent corporations and handled numerous toxic tort cases. Our firm has the resources and commitment needed to pursue these cases with the aggressive approach they require and see them through to meaningful resolutions that provide real compensation for our clients, regardless of how long the process takes.
How Much Is Your PFAS Injury Claim Worth?
In a PFAS lawsuit, you may be eligible to recover several types of compensation:
- Medical expenses for all treatment related to your PFAS-caused illness, including current bills and projected future costs
- Wages lost due to your illness, including both past lost earnings and future income you will be unable to earn due to your condition
- The physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life caused by your illness and treatment
Settlement amounts in PFAS cases can vary significantly based on factors such as the severity of your cancer, treatment costs, and other factors. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC can evaluate your specific circumstances and help you understand the full value of your claim, preventing you from settling for less than what you deserve.
Schedule Your Free Consultation with Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC
When you are affected by PFAS exposure, you need an attorney on your side with the scientific knowledge and litigation experience to challenge powerful industrial defendants. Shapiro Legal Group, PLLC will work tirelessly to hold these polluters accountable and secure the justice you deserve. Contact us at (800) 220-0984 to discuss your next steps.