Kidney Cancer Water Contamination Lawsuit

Understanding the Link Between Water Contamination and Kidney Cancer

Key Takeaways

• Some studies have associated PFAS with kidney cancer. Potential risks continue to be evaluated.
• Hundreds of military bases have confirmed PFAS-related water contamination. Military families, veterans, and civilians who lived or worked on or near the base at the time of the contamination may face elevated risk.
• Some individuals with kidney cancer who were exposed to PFAS are exploring legal claims. Whether pursuing compensation is possible depends on the facts of each case.

Let’s examine the possible links between PFAS water contamination and kidney cancer.

What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Dangerous?

When we talk about kidney cancer and contaminated water, a primary contaminant we need to discuss is called PFAS.

PFAS stands for Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances.

Some of the main chemicals in this group include:

• PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid)
• PFOS (perfluorooctanoic sulfonic acid)
• PFNA (perfluorononanoic acid)

You can view the entire “PFAS family tree” from the CDC here.

According to the ATSDR and the National Academies of Sciences, there is sufficient evidence of an association between PFOA exposure and kidney cancer. The science on PFAS continues to develop.

In 2023, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) upgraded its classification of PFOA from a possible to a known human carcinogen. The National Cancer Institute contributed research that informed this decision.

Uses of PFAS

PFAS are man-made chemicals with various industrial and military uses. They are also used in many different consumer products. PFAS was once seen as a great way to create products that resist heat, cold, and stains.

Historically, one of the key uses of PFAS has been in Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighter foam. Firefighters would use AFFF to extinguish fires. This was especially prevalent after training exercises on military bases.

“Forever Chemical” Nickname

PFAS is even more problematic because these chemicals don’t break down easily in nature or the human body. In fact, according to Johns Hopkins University, they can last thousands of years. For this reason, they have been nicknamed the “forever chemicals.”

How PFAS and Other Contaminants Enter Drinking Water

Now that you know what PFAS are, you might be asking how they get into drinking water.

A way that PFAS enter water supplies is via runoff. Places with higher amounts of PFAS use generally include:

• Military bases
• Manufacturing plants
• Firestations
• Airports

For example, the following common scenario can be found at military bases throughout the United States:

As mentioned above, firefighters would use AFFF to put out fires on base, usually from training exercises. That AFFF foam would then seep into the groundwater. This would allow PFAS to enter aquifers, wells, and adjacent bodies of water. In many cases, the contamination would even enter neighboring residential communities.

In fact, back in 1999–2000, government testing found PFAS in the blood of more than 98% of Americans, a number still mentioned in studies as recently as 2021. Since then, older types, such as PFOA and PFOS, have decreased by 70-85%. Health officials still say most people in the United States have some PFAS in their blood today.

Military Bases and Known Contaminated Sites

The scenario regarding AFFF at military bases described above is so prevalent that the Department of Defense previously acknowledged that over 700 sites are possibly contaminated.

The Environmental Working Group’s website has a map of 720 military sites. These sites have confirmed or suspected PFAS contamination.

The situation is still under investigation, but individuals have filed lawsuits alleging harm related to PFAS water contamination at some of these Military Bases.

Some of the bases with alleged PFAS water contamination and reported illness include:

• Fort Ord
• Camp Pendleton
• Fort Bragg
• Cherry Point
• Fort Dix
• Fort Jackson
• George Air Force Base
• Wurtsmith Air Force Base
• Fort Detrick
• Fort Benning

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is investigating whether PFAS exposure should be considered a presumptive cause of kidney cancer in veterans. If this happens, it would mean that veterans with kidney cancer would be presumed to have this condition associated with their military service. This means they would not need to prove the link between their condition and their military service. Then, those veterans would have their benefits approval process streamlined.

How to File a Kidney Cancer Water Contamination Lawsuit

Now, let’s go through some common aspects of PFAS kidney cancer lawsuits.

Who Qualifies to File a Lawsuit?

Individuals who may qualify for kidney cancer water contamination lawsuits: 

• Need to show they were in an area with documented PFAS drinking water contamination during the period of contamination.
• Need to have been diagnosed with kidney cancer.

It’s also worth noting that PFAS-related illnesses can have a long latency period before the disease appears. So, even past exposure, for example, 10+ years ago, might still qualify.

Additionally, it may be possible to file a lawsuit on behalf of a deceased family member.

Military Related PFAS Water Contamination

For individuals who may have been exposed due to military base-related PFAS contamination, here is who may qualify:

• Individuals who may qualify for a lawsuit include people who worked or lived on or near a contaminated military base. This may include:
• Military members
• Military family members
• Civilian base workers
• Sometimes residents and workers in the surrounding communities
• To qualify, one must show they were present on or near the base at the time of contamination. (For reference, AFFF has been used at installations since the 1970s and was required to be phased out by 2024. Some cleanup and compliance deadlines have been extended by the EPA to 2029 for certain utilities.)
• Lastly, individuals must have been diagnosed with a form of kidney cancer.

Statute of Limitations: How Long Do You Have to File?

The amount of time an individual has to file can vary by state.

If you suspect that you or a loved one has kidney cancer from PFAS water contamination, consider speaking with a lawyer. They can guide you on your legal options.

What Types of Compensation May Be Available in PFAS Lawsuits?

Let’s review some information related to possible settlements for water contamination lawsuits. If compensation is awarded, the amount depends on individual case factors.

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

Understanding Compensation in PFAS Lawsuits

There is no set settlement compensation or payout amount that one can expect from a kidney cancer lawsuit. Each case is unique, and in most cases, investigations related to PFAS contamination are ongoing.

Case Factors That Might Impact Potential Compensation Amounts

As previously stated, these lawsuits are subject to their own case factors. These factors may impact how much compensation one can receive. Some of these factors may include:

• Strength of Documentation and Proof
• Extent and Duration of PFAS Exposure
• Severity and Progression of Kidney Cancer
• Financial Losses and Medical Costs
• Physical and Mental Impacts
• Impact on Personal Relationships (loss of consortium)
• Disability and Long-Term Health Effects

How a PFAS Kidney Cancer Lawyer May Help You

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.

Let’s now discuss the potential prospect of hiring a lawyer for a possible PFAS-related kidney cancer claim.

How a Kidney Cancer Attorney Can Help

Toxic exposure cases can be complicated. Hiring an attorney might help make the process of filing a claim more manageable to navigate. Here are some things a water contamination lawyer might do for a qualified individual:

• Making sure the documentation is correct for filing the lawsuit.
• Ensuring deadlines are hit.
• Understanding how to navigate a toxic exposure claim, which may include coordination with experts.

What to Expect During the Legal Process

Below is a basic outline of how a PFAS kidney cancer claim might move forward, depending on individual circumstances.

1. Consider contacting a lawyer.
2. Collect the relevant documentation and evidence.
3. If you qualify and decide to move forward, a lawyer may file a claim on your behalf.

Note: You are not required to hire a lawyer to file a claim, but legal guidance can help you understand your rights and options.

No Upfront Fees or Costs to File

Many firms that help people with this sort of claim work on a contingency basis. This means in many cases, you would only be charged legal fees if compensation is recovered.

Contingency Fee Disclaimer: Clients may be responsible for court costs. In some cases, they may also be responsible for opposing parties’ fees if a recovery is not obtained.

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