Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) are chemical compounds released into water by some manufacturing processes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recognizes PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania and notes the health risk of exposure to these compounds.
Despite these warnings, the government in Pennsylvania has yet to implement regulations for drinking water. Find out more about the effects of PFOA consumption on your health and review your legal options with our team at Ben Crump Law, PLLC.
You can reach out to us by calling or filling out our online contact form.
What Is PFOA?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), PFOAs are part of a larger group of chemical contaminants called PFAS. Manufacturers use these chemicals to make many different products.
These chemicals have water-resistant properties, so they’re often used in things like:
- Teflon for cookware
- Scotchgard or Gore-Tex for clothing and furniture
- Packaging for fast food
They also appear in many fire suppression products. While these chemicals have a lot of uses in the business world, they also linger in the environment as they do not naturally break down. They can build up in water and other sources.
Has PFOA Contaminated the Water in Pennsylvania?
Multiple studies have detected high levels of PFOA in drinking water around Pennsylvania. National Public Radio (NPR) reports that, in some areas, one in three drinking water systems show signs of PFOA contamination.
In addition to contaminating the water, PFOA can get into food. Crops and plants absorb the chemical. Once animals and fish eat the plant matter, they also become contaminated with PFOA. PFOA can also contaminate food by leeching in through packaging.
Individuals may face PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania without ever realizing the problem.
What Are the Health Effects of PFOA Exposure?
PFOAs are a man-made chemical. Due to their nature, they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. In fact, they build up over time, especially with repeated exposure to contaminated water in Pennsylvania.
As the chemicals build up, they can eventually reach a level that’s dangerous for people. High levels of PFOA in the body can:
- Disrupt hormones
- Increase cholesterol
- Cause damage to kidneys and liver
- Weaken the immune system and reactions to vaccines
- Result in thyroid disease
- Cause fertility issues
Additionally, some doctors connect PFOA exposure to low birth weight in infants and the possibility of developmental impairment. Finally, PFOA exposure can increase your odds of developing certain cancers, most notably testicular cancer and kidney cancer.
If you believe you developed one of these health conditions after exposure to PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania, you can reach out to a lawyer for help.
Can You Get Damages for PFOA Exposure in Pennsylvania?
PFOA exposure in Pennsylvania can have serious impacts on your health and the health of your family. Individuals exposed to contaminated water may develop cancers and other serious health conditions, resulting in high healthcare expenses.
Fortunately, you may have a chance to file a legal claim to seek damages from the companies that spread PFOA water contamination. Depending upon the facts of your case, a PFOA water contamination lawyer may help you secure funds to cover your:
- Current and future medical care
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Pain and suffering
- Lost wages at work
- Diminished earning potential
In some cases, the court may order the company that caused the PFOA water contamination to pay punitive damages. These damages act as a way to punish the company and do not directly correlate to your medical expenses or other losses.
How Much Compensation Can You Get for PFOA Exposure in Pennsylvania?
PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania often leads to illnesses and negative effects on your life. How much compensation can you receive if you or a family member had an adverse reaction to PFOAs?
The amount of compensation available for health conditions caused by PFOA exposure varies based on your situation. An individual with kidney cancer may not receive the same amount of compensation as a family with a child born with a low birth weight.
Your PFOA water contamination lawyer can assess your specific losses, helping you develop a value for your claim.
How do PFOA Water Contamination Lawyers Handle Your Claim?
Pennsylvania PFOA water contamination lawyers provide comprehensive legal assistance throughout your claim. Our team handles all your needs as we build a case, and we have the resources and experience to stand up to large corporations on your behalf.
We begin handling your claim with a consultation to discuss your situation. Based on the outcome of our conversation, we may agree to represent you legally. We personalize the services we offer to our clients, often taking steps to:
- Confirm you have a medical condition associated with PFOA exposure
- Show that you drank water contaminated by PFOA
- Demonstrate the financial losses you experienced due to PFOA contamination
We may focus on settling your claim outside of the court system in Pennsylvania or helping you with a lawsuit against the company that caused PFOA contamination in your area. You can learn more about these options by contacting us.
How Long do You Have to File a PFOA Contamination Claim?
PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania represents a serious issue that we’re just beginning to fully understand. The state typically gives you a few years to move forward with a claim after you become aware of your exposure to PFOA.
Our team can monitor the deadlines for your claim. We take steps to immediately build a claim, gathering information about your situation and assessing all of your losses. We handle each claim on an individual basis.
Speak to a Lawyer About Pennsylvania PFOA Water Contamination
Did you experience negative health effects from PFOA water contamination in Pennsylvania? In this situation, you can get help on your side from Ben Crump Law, PLLC. Speak to our water contamination lawyers about the best way to handle your situation.
You can get in touch with us by completing our online contact form or calling us.
