PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) contamination has become a major public health and environmental concern, with thousands of people now pursuing lawsuits to hold manufacturers accountable for the health and property damage caused by these toxic chemicals. If you or someone you know has been exposed to PFAS and suffered health complications or property damage, filing a lawsuit in 2025 could provide you with the compensation you deserve.
The Downs Law Group makes filing a PFAS lawsuit against manufacturers fast, easy, and simple. These are the 6 key steps we use to effectively navigate the process to strengthen your case and get you the compensation you deserve faster:
- Gather Appropriate Information for Your Claim
- Begin the Intake Process
- Professional Case Review by a VA-Accredited PFAS Attorney and Legal Nurse
- Filing the Lawsuit Against PFAS Manufacturers
- Monitoring Your Health and Gathering Additional Evidence
- Seeking Compensation for Damages
This guide will walk you through each step in detail and explain how we can help you through the process with NO UPFRONT COSTS.
Step 1: Gather Appropriate Information for Your PFAS Claim
To build a strong PFAS lawsuit, you need to gather detailed evidence to support your claim. The type of information you need will depend on whether you are pursuing a medical-related lawsuit or a property damage lawsuit against the manufacturers of PFAS.
Medical Diagnosis and Testing
If you believe that exposure to PFAS has caused health problems, the first step is to seek a medical evaluation. You will need this to file a case. You will not be able to pursue a medical lawsuit without one.
What you will need:
Medical Diagnosis: If you have not received an official diagnosis, consult with a medical professional. Certain health conditions are more closely linked to PFAS exposure, such as
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Hypothyroidism
- Ulcerative Colitis
Blood Tests: Did you know PFAS can be detected in the blood? Request a PFAS blood test from your healthcare provider to confirm exposure levels. Blood test results can serve as critical evidence in your case.
Property Damage Documentation
If you are seeking compensation for property damage caused by PFAS contamination, gather evidence that proves both the contamination and the resulting financial impact. Key documents needed include:
Signs of Contamination: if you own property near a known PFAS-contaminated site, document any signs of environmental harm, such as
- Dead or Sick Livestock/Animals on or around the property
- Unexplained Crop Failure
- Discolored soil or water
- & More.
Proof of Costs Incurred: Keep detailed records of any money spent on remediating the contamination or addressing the damage:
- Cleaning Costs
- Environmental Testing Fees
- Repairs or Renovations
- Receipts and Bank Statements documenting these expenses
- Affected Property Value (if you have recently tried to sell the affected property)
Exposed Military Members
Military members who were stationed at or visited contaminated bases should compile a detailed record of their time spent at these locations. This includes:
- List of Bases: Provide a detailed list of all military bases where you were stationed, lived near, or visited that may have been contaminated with PFAS.
- Dates and Duration: Include the year and the length of time you were at each base. This helps establish a timeline of exposure.
- Supporting Documents: Service records, housing assignments, and travel logs can help confirm your presence at these contaminated sites.
Providing this information can strengthen your case by establishing a clear link between your military service and PFAS exposure. The Downs Law Group has extensive experience helping veterans and military families pursue compensation for PFAS-related health issues.
Step 2: Contact The Downs Law Group to Begin the Intake Process
Once you have gathered the necessary evidence, the next step is to contact The Downs Law Group to start your claim. The intake process involves speaking with a Pre-Litigation Analyst who will ask you questions about your exposure, diagnosis, or property damage. They will help you organize the documents you’ve gathered and determine the next steps.
At this stage, there is no upfront cost to speak with The Downs Law Group or to have your case reviewed!
The firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless you win compensation.
Step 3: Professional Case Review by a PFAS Attorney and Legal Nurse
After the initial intake, an experienced PFAS attorney accredited by the VA, along with an in-house legal nurse, will carefully review your case. This includes:
- Examining your medical records and test results to confirm whether your condition aligns with illnesses known to be caused by PFAS exposure.
- Evaluating property damage and contamination evidence to establish a connection to nearby PFAS-contaminated sites.
- Determining if your evidence meets the legal standards approved by the courts for compensation.
If the legal team believes you have a strong case, they will proceed to the next step – filing a lawsuit.
Step 4: Filing the Lawsuit Against PFAS Manufacturers
If your case if evaluated and seems to qualify for compensation, The Downs Law Group will file a lawsuit on your behalf against the manufacturers responsible for the PFAS contamination. Major defendants in these cases include:
- 3M
- DuPont
- Chemours
- Corteva
- & More
Filing a lawsuit involves drafting and submitting a formal complaint to the court. This complaint will outline the details of your exposure, the harm caused, and the compensation you are seeking. The Downs Law Group will handle all aspects of the filing process, including gathering supporting evidence, preparing legal arguments, and ensuing compliance with all court requirements. Once the lawsuit is filed, the court will review the case, and the defendant companied will have an opportunity to respond.
This stage can take time, as the legal process involves multiple phases, including pre-trial hearings, discovery (where both sides gather and exchange evidence), and potential settlement discussions. The Downs Law Group will work diligently to push your case forward and respond to any challenges or motions raised by defendants. If settlement discussions occur, your attorney will negotiate aggressively on your behalf to secure a fair resolution no matter how long it may take! If the case proceeds to trial, The Downs Law Group will present evidence and expert testimony to support your claim.
Step 5: Monitoring Your Health and Gathering Additional PFAS Evidence
While the lawsuit is in progress, you should continue to monitor your health. Many PFAS-related illnesses can worsen over time, and new health issues may emerge. Staying on top of your medical care can strengthen your case and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve on time.
- Continue Medical Treatment: Keep attending medical appointments and following your doctor’s recommendations. If new symptoms arise or your existing condition worsens, notify your attorney immediately so this information can be added to your case.
- Participate in Medical Monitoring Programs: Some PFAS cases involve long-term health monitoring programs. Participating in these programs not only helps protect your health but also provides important medical documentation to support your claim.
- Keep Detailed Records: Maintain a file with updated medical records, doctor’s notes, test results, and any new diagnoses. Keep track of any out-of-pocket medical expenses, including medications, treatments, and therapy costs.
- Report New Symptoms or Diagnoses: If you receive a new or worsening diagnosis related to PFAS exposure, inform your legal team as soon as possible. The Downs Law Group can use this information to strengthen your case and adjust the compensation sought accordingly.
- Update your Legal Team: If you receive a new diagnosis or if existing health issues worsen, inform your attorney immediately so this can be added to your case.
- Maintain Financial Records: Keep tracking any out-of-pocket medical expenses or property damage costs incurred during the legal process.
Step 6: Seeking Compensation for Damages
The ultimate goal of a PFAS lawsuit is to secure compensation for the harm caused by the manufacturers’ negligence. Compensation may include:
- Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs related to PFAS exposure.
- Property Damage or Lowered Value: Costs to remediate contamination, repair damage, or loss of property value upon sale.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed at work due to illness or medical treatments.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life.
Why 2025 Is a Critical Year for PFAS Lawsuits
As of March 3, 2025, there are 8,430 active lawsuits against the manufacturers of PFAS-containing products. These lawsuits have been consolidated into a group litigation, which is progressing faster than expected. Legal experts believe that 3M – one of the largest defendants – may seek to negotiate settlements this year.
Thousands of people have already joined the PFAS group litigation, including individuals who developed cancer and other serious illnesses after being exposed to PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam. The good news is: There is still time to join the litigation, but it’s important to act quickly!
Why Choose The Downs Law Group?
The Downs Law Group is one of the few law firms offering a no-cost upfront review of PFAS cases. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:
- You pay nothing upfront for case review or filing.
- If your case does not succeed, you owe nothing.
- Only if you win compensation will the firm take a portion of the settlement as payment for their work.
If you’ve been harmed by PFAS exposure, don’t wait – contact The Downs Law Group today at (305) 444-8226 to begin your claim and take the first step towards securing the compensation you deserve!