What Does It Cost to Hire a PFAS Lawyer?

How Do PFAS Lawyers Charge Clients?

PFAS lawsuits fall under the umbrella of personal injury law. More specifically, PFAS cases are product liability claims. Personal injury attorneys can charge clients in several ways, including assessing hourly rates or asking for an upfront retainer.

However, many firms, including our law firm partners, take cases on a contingency fee basis. With this type of payment plan, the firm assumes the upfront financial risk. Attorneys do not charge an initial fee or ask for money out-of-pocket. Instead, they take their payment out of your settlement or verdict. The fee is a pre-agreed percentage stated in your contract with the law firm.

If your lawyer does not obtain compensation, you do not owe for their services. However, you may still owe court costs and fees assessed by other involved parties. With this type of fee agreement, you can be sure your lawyer is as dedicated to your case as you are.

What Does a PFAS Lawyer Do?

You may wonder if the cost of a lawyer is worth it. You do not have to hire a legal representative to handle your PFAS lawsuit. However, understand that the defendant you face will likely be a large corporation with a team of lawyers and vast financial resources. Without an attorney, you have to represent yourself against them—with no legal experience and no funding.

In addition, courts are consolidating PFAS claims into multidistrict litigations (MDLs). MDLs are mass tort action that benefits plaintiffs by reducing their legal burden and expenses, but they are complex. A lawyer can help you join a suit and act as your advocate and ally.

While you focus on your health, a PFAS lawsuit attorney can:

• Answer any questions you may have about PFAS cases or mass tort litigation
• Investigate your case and prove your right to recover PFAS compensation
• Prepare and file legal documents and paperwork
• Identify and calculate your economic and non-economic damages
• Track and adhere to deadlines
• Manage case-related emails, phone calls, and meetings
• Stand up for your best interests, protect you from pressure from opposing parties, and defend you from bad-faith tactics
• Aggressively negotiate for the maximum compensation possible
• Represent you at trial if necessary

How to Select the Right Lawyer for Your PFAS Case

When selecting a PFAS lawyer, you want to choose an attorney familiar with mass tort litigation. Mass torts differ from other types of personal injury cases in numerous ways, and you want someone who knows how to navigate MDLs. Ideally, you should hire a lawyer with a successful record handling these types of product liability cases.

Additionally, you want to ensure your attorney is someone you feel good working with. They should be knowledgeable about your legal issue, provide personalized attention, and make you feel comfortable. They should also project professionalism and confidence in handling your case.

Are You Eligible for a PFAS Lawsuit?

According to Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), or “forever chemicals,” have been linked to several health issues, including:

• Liver damage and cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Inflammatory bowel disease (ulcerative colitis)

To qualify for a PFAS lawsuit, you must have a medical condition caused by the hazardous chemicals and evidence of exposure for a prolonged time.

Manufacturers use PFAS in many everyday products, including nonstick cookware, food packaging, carpets, fabrics, upholstery, fire extinguisher foam, and more. Because PFAS do not break down, they have worked their way into the environment through these products and the manufacturing process, leading to exposure through water and soil.

PFAS exposure is often caused by contaminated drinking water. A United States Geological Survey (USGS) study estimates that at least 45% of tap water across the US has at least one type of PFAS. Our co-counsel can help you prove that you drank contaminated tap water.

How Long Do You Have to Pursue Your PFAS Lawsuit?

How long you have to file a PFAS lawsuit will depend on your state’s statute of limitations for product liability. You could have as little as one year or as long as six.

A PFAS lawsuit attorney can tell you about the deadline where you live and help you take action before it is too late. If time runs out, you will likely be unable to pursue losses in civil court, so do not delay.

Can a Lawyer Increase Your PFAS Compensation?

Working with a PFAS lawyer does not guarantee a higher settlement. However, hiring an attorney can send the message that you will not accept a lowball offer. A lawyer can also help identify recoverable damages so you do not leave money on the table.

In general, a lawyer can help you fight for fair compensation for the following losses:

• Current and future medical bills – including surgeries, hospital stays, chemotherapy, radiation, medications, medical devices and equipment, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and ongoing care
• Lost income – including lost future earnings and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering – including chronic and severe physical pain, mental distress, emotional anguish, permanent and disabling injuries, loss of enjoyment, and diminished quality of life

Punitive damages are sometimes available in mass tort cases. The court may order a defendant to pay these awards to punish them for gross negligence or intentional wrongdoing.