Kidney Cancer Water Contamination Lawsuit

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

• Some studies have linked PFAS to 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 exposed to PFAS contamination who have kidney cancer are pursuing legal claims for potential compensation.

Understanding the Link Between Water Contamination and Kidney Cancer

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, the 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 CDC, these chemicals are linked to an increased risk of kidney cancer. The science on PFAS continues to develop.

In 2014, the National Cancer Institute considered PFOA, a type of PFAS, as a “possible human carcinogen.” In 2023, they changed this designation to “human carcinogen.”

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 primary 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 into neighboring residential communities.

In fact, PFAS has become so widespread that, according to the National Library of Medicine, PFAS is likely in the blood serum of 98% of the US population.

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 (The VA) is investigating if 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 linked to 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.

Research Linking PFAS to Kidney Cancer

There is a growing body of research that links PFAS exposure to kidney cancer. Let’s look at some research to better understand the scientific trends.

Renal Cell Carcinoma Study

This study showed a statistically significant correlation between PFAS and renal cell carcinoma. Renal cell carcinoma is the most common type of kidney cancer.

The study specifically found:

• People with double the amount of PFOA in their blood had a 71% higher risk of developing kidney cancer compared to those with lower levels.
• Those with the highest PFOA levels in their blood had more than twice the risk of getting kidney cancer compared to people with the lowest levels.
• Even when researchers took other PFAS chemicals into account, the increased kidney cancer risk from PFOA exposure remained strong.
• The link between PFOA and kidney cancer held up even when the study looked only at people with normal kidney function or those diagnosed eight or more years after their blood was drawn.

Multiethnic Cohort Study

This study explored the effects of PFAS in the bloodstream and kidney cancer among different ethnic and racial groups. Here are some of the findings:

• For the entire diverse population of the study, there was no clear link for the group overall between PFOA levels in the bloodstream and kidney cancer.
• Among non-Hispanic White participants in the study, there was a noticeable connection. This suggests PFOA in the bloodstream may raise kidney cancer risks in that subgroup.
• The strongest link between a type of PFAS called PFNA and kidney cancer was in the African American participant subgroup. It’s worth noting that this group already has some of the highest rates of kidney cancer compared to other groups.
• This study also found that individuals with higher levels of PFNA in their blood may face higher kidney cancer risk.

National Cancer Institute

According to the National Cancer Institute:

• People who lived near water supplies contaminated with PFOA or worked in PFAS-producing chemical plants have higher rates of kidney cancer and death from the disease than the general population.
• In a study, when PFOA exposure increased, the risk of kidney cancer went up too. This held true even for exposure levels similar to what people may encounter in everyday life.

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.)
• 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 Compensation Can You Receive?

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

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

Expected Payout Amounts

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

Why Choose a PFAS Kidney Cancer Lawyer?

Let’s now discuss the prospect of hiring a lawyer for a 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

Here’s a rough outline of the steps an impacted individual can take to file a lawsuit:

1. Contact a lawyer.
2. Collect the relevant documentation and evidence.
3. The attorney will then file the claim.

No Upfront Fees or Costs to File

Many firms that help people with this sort of claim, like ours, work on a contingency basis. This means 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.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Here are common questions and answers about kidney cancer lawsuits linked to water contamination.

What is the link between PFAS and kidney cancer?

Several studies have identified a link between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer. Above, we reference a study that found a correlation between PFAS and renal cell carcinoma.

How do I know if my military base has PFAS contamination?

Start by checking the map on the EWG website mentioned above. (Jump to the map)

Can family members file claims too?

Yes, family members of deceased victims may be able to file a claim on their behalf.

Get a Free Legal Case Review Today

Note: Our firm evaluates potential claims. We may also refer cases to other law firms when appropriate. Contact us to discuss your legal options.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with kidney cancer and you suspect PFAS-contaminated water might be the cause, then you may be eligible to pursue legal action.

Contact our firm today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation!