The RSHC PFAS Strike Team
When your company faces PFAS litigation, you need a powerhouse legal team in your corner. With a proven track record of success in sophisticated and highly complex environmental and toxic tort cases, our elite PFAS Strike Team understands the complexities of “forever chemicals” litigation and regulatory compliance. Our approach addresses your company’s risk in a comprehensive manner, and we are prepared to handle cases in some of the nation’s most difficult jurisdictions.
What Are Forever Chemicals?
PFAS or “forever chemicals” is a collective term for a large group of man-made chemicals, manufactured and used in a variety of products across the United States since the 1940s, that have come under increasing regulatory scrutiny due to alleged health and environmental impacts. Some of those chemicals are listed below, and may be used in firefighting foams, water-resistant clothing, paint, cosmetics, deodorant, photography, pesticides, microwave popcorn bags, stain-resistant products, stain-resistant furniture, fast food packaging, non-stick cookware, and personal care products. Due to their persistent nature, detectable levels of PFAS have been found in various environments, including drinking water, soil, and human blood.
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What Are Some Examples of PFAS Litigation?
Companies facing PFAS-related litigation may encounter claims including:
- Personal Injury — relating to health detriments, medical expenses, physical deterioration, and loss of enjoyment.
- Environmental — arising from soil and water contamination via alleged improper waste disposal or spills of PFAS.
- Mass Torts — often arising from Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam suppressant used to extinguish flammable fuel fires, or similar claims of PFAS distribution impacting large groups of potential plaintiffs, including municipalities.
- False Advertising — relating to alleged mislabeling of products as “eco-friendly” or “PFAS free” when they allegedly contain PFAS.
- Property Damage — relating to the devaluation of property.
Which Federal and State Regulations Might Apply and How Can You Comply Effectively?
Compliance with federal and state PFAS regulations can help prevent or mitigate litigation. Our PFAS Strike Team constantly monitors the dynamic federal and state PFAS regulatory environment to educate our clients and help them take pro-active steps to maintain compliance. Relevant regulations include the EPA enforcements of the Safe Drinking Water Act, Toxic Substances Control Act, Clean Water Act, and Clean Air Act. Some states also have passed regulations restricting or reporting the presence of PFAS, including California, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, and New York, among others.
What Should You Do?
Successfully navigating this growing type of litigation depends on swiftly assembling a team with the experience to provide a vigorous defense. With a national footprint and significant experience across all practice areas touched by PFAS litigation, the PFAS Strike Team calls on the full range of capabilities across the entire firm to address these complex matters efficiently and effectively.
Whether you have been served with a lawsuit, are concerned about past or current practices at your company, or you just have questions about PFAS, please reach out. The PFAS Strike Team is prepared to tailor defense strategies that help you protect your business.