Do I Need a PFAS Water Contamination Attorney to File a Lawsuit?

What Is PFAS and Why Is It Dangerous?

Key Takeaways

• You can file a claim for military base water contamination without the assistance of a lawyer. An attorney can help you navigate the complexities of such a lawsuit if you choose to work with one.
• Studies have found PFAS in the water supply on many military bases. Government officials continue to gauge the possible risks.
• Some studies have linked PFAS, the hazardous substances found on base, to various cancers and other illnesses. Research is ongoing.
• Contamination primarily posed a threat to military families, veterans, and civilians residing on or near a contaminated military base at the time of the contamination.
• Some affected individuals may be eligible for legal action. Compensation, if awarded, depends on individual circumstances.

PFAS stands for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. They are nicknamed the “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down easily in nature or in the human body.

PFAS exposure has been linked to various cancers and other health complications by organizations like the CDC.

PFAS have numerous applications in the military, industry, and consumer goods. They are often used for their resistant qualities, including heat, cold, and stain resistance, among others.

How Did PFAS Contamination Military Base Water Supplies?

PFAS contaminated military bases in several ways, but the primary source was through firefighting foam. 

Firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), was used on military bases throughout the 1970s and into the early 2020s. AFFF contains PFAS.

This foam was used to extinguish fires on bases, often from training exercises. In many instances, runoff from AFFF training sites leached PFAS into groundwater and drinking water sources on base.

The Department of Defense (DoD) has acknowledged widespread PFAS contamination. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has acknowledged that PFAS is a risk for service members.

Health Conditions Linked to PFAS Exposure

In recent years, many studies have come out that have supported links between PFAS exposure and various illnesses. Research is still ongoing though.

Health Issues That May Support a Legal Claim

Winder Law Firm is gathering information from individuals with potential legal claims who have been diagnosed with certain health conditions. Inquiries are shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement. These conditions have been linked to PFAS exposure in scientific studies:

• Prostate Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Thyroid Cancer
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Liver Cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Testicular Cancer

You can request a free consultation if you have been exposed to PFAS and diagnosed with one of these conditions.

More Diseases Linked to PFAS

Here are some additional diseases not listed above that have been linked to PFAS Exposure: 

• Male Breast Cancer
• Bladder Cancer
• Ovarian Cancer
• Endometrial Cancer (Uterine Lining Cancer)
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Leukemia (Blood Cancer)
• Immune System Dysfunction (such as weaker vaccine response)
• Elevated Cholesterol (Dyslipidemia)
• Pregnancy-Related Hypertension (Preeclampsia)
• Low Infant Birth Weight
• Hormonal Disruptions / Delayed Puberty
• Reduced Fertility and Other Reproductive Problems
• Breathing Irritation and Respiratory Symptoms
• Autoimmune Disorders
• Developmental Delays in Children’s Neurological Growth

Can I Sue If I Was Exposed to PFAS at a Military Base?

Let’s take a look at what may qualify you to file a lawsuit if you were exposed to PFAS on base.

What Makes You Eligible for a Lawsuit?

People who could qualify for a military base water contamination claim include: 

• Military members & veterans
• Service members’ families
• On-base civilian workers
• Residents and workers from the surrounding communities

These two conditions must then be met:

1. First, you need to show that you were at or near the contaminated site when the exposure was happening. (Firefighting foam containing PFAS was used on bases starting in the 1970s and wasn’t fully phased out until 2024.)
2. Next, individuals filing claims should have a qualifying health condition.

What Evidence Do You Need?

• First, you will need records that show you lived, worked, or spent time on or near the base during the contamination years. These items may include: military orders, base housing documents, or pay stubs.
• Next, you will need medical records that confirm a diagnosis linked to PFAS exposure; see the list above.

Other documents can help too. For example, public health warnings, water testing results, or expert statements about the base’s contamination.

Can I Still File if I Lived on Base Years Ago?

Many lawsuits are likely still viable, even if exposure occurred decades ago, mainly because PFAS can remain in the body for years.

Since rules can vary, it’s best not to assume you’re too late. A legal professional can review the details of your situation to assess whether a claim is possible.

What a PFAS Water Contamination Attorney Can Do for You

Let’s review a general description of some things a water contamination attorney might do for you.

Proving PFAS Exposure and Health Impact

Attorneys use expert testimony, medical documentation, and contamination records to establish a connection between PFAS exposure and illness.

Lawyers may gather and submit toxicology reports, military base water test results, and exposure timelines.

Remember, whether or not you have a lawyer, you will have to demonstrate the burden of proof to make your case.

Negotiating Settlements

Attorneys may pursue compensation based on the unique facts of each case. Results are not guaranteed.

Disclaimer: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Each case is unique, and compensation, if awarded, depends on individual circumstances.

Which Military Bases Are Affected by PFAS?

Here is how you can find out if the military base you lived on or near is contaminated with PFAS.

Confirmed PFAS Contamination Sites

This map, provided by the Environmental Working Group (EWG), shows over 700 military installations. All installations on this map are either confirmed to have been contaminated with PFAS or are suspected of having been.

Get a Free Case Evaluation

Note: Fill out the form or call to see if legal options may be available. Inquiries will be shared with a partner law firm under a marketing arrangement to assist with next steps.

If you would like to learn more about a potential military base water contamination claim, request a free case evaluation today.