Zantac Cancer Lawsuits: Health Risks, Legal Battles, and What You Need to Know
May 20, 2025Zantac Cancer Lawsuits: Health Risks, Legal Battles, and What You Need to Know
May 20, 2025Timeline of Major PFAS Litigation and Lawsuit Developments
As awareness of PFAS contamination has grown, so too has the legal response. Below is a timeline of key events, lawsuits, settlements, and regulatory changes related to PFAS litigation in the United States.
Early Awareness: 1998–2010
1998 – 3M internal studies reveal PFAS (specifically PFOA and PFOS) are toxic and bioaccumulate, but the company continues production and sales.
2001 – Attorney Rob Bilott files a groundbreaking lawsuit on behalf of a West Virginia farmer against DuPont, alleging PFAS from a nearby plant poisoned his cattle and contaminated drinking water. This case exposes DuPont’s decades-long coverup of PFAS risks.
2005 – EPA fines DuPont $16.5 million for failing to report PFAS toxicity data. It is, at the time, the largest civil administrative penalty under environmental law in U.S. history.
2005–2010 – The C8 Health Project studies 69,000 residents near DuPont’s Washington Works plant (WV/OH border), finding “probable links” between PFOA and six serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and ulcerative colitis.
The First Legal Wave: 2010–2016
2010–2017 – More than 3,500 personal injury lawsuits are filed in West Virginia and Ohio against DuPont, consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). A jury awards $1.6 million in the first bellwether trial (Bartlett v. DuPont, 2015).
2017 – DuPont and its spin-off Chemours agree to a $671 million settlement to resolve thousands of these personal injury claims.
Contact Us Today For A
FREE CASE EVALUATION
One of our attorneys will review your case and respond to you within 24 hours.
The information provided will not be shared with a third party.
National Attention & AFFF Lawsuits: 2016–2020
2016 – The EPA issues a lifetime health advisory of 70 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA and PFOS in drinking water, setting the stage for future litigation.
2017 – The first AFFF (firefighting foam) lawsuits are filed by firefighters and municipalities alleging water contamination and occupational cancer due to PFAS-laden foam.
2018 – PFAS enter the national spotlight through high-profile investigations, including coverage by The New York Times and the documentary The Devil We Know.
2019 – The Judicial Panel on Multidistrict Litigation (JPML) creates MDL 2873, consolidating AFFF-related PFAS lawsuits in the District of South Carolina under Judge Richard Gergel. The MDL includes municipal water systems, individuals, and firefighters.
Massive Settlements and Expanded Litigation: 2021–2023
2021 – The number of cases in the PFAS MDL (AFFF lawsuits) exceeds 1,200.
2022 – States like Michigan, New Hampshire, New York, and California file lawsuits against 3M, DuPont, and others for statewide water contamination.
March 2023 – The EPA proposes its first-ever national drinking water limits for PFAS, lowering the maximum contaminant level for PFOA and PFOS to 4 ppt.
June 2023 – 3M agrees to a landmark $10.3 billion settlement to resolve public water system claims, with funds disbursed over 13 years. It is one of the largest environmental settlements in U.S. history.
June 2023 – DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agree to a $1.19 billion settlement to resolve claims from water providers across the country.
Late 2023 – Bellwether trials for individual claims (personal injury, firefighter cancer claims) in the AFFF MDL are prepped, but some are postponed due to ongoing negotiations and settlements.
Latest Developments: 2024–2025
January 2024 – Additional lawsuits are filed on behalf of pregnant women, children, and communities seeking medical monitoring after PFAS exposure in places like Michigan, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
March 2024 – EPA finalizes its national drinking water standard for PFAS, making 4 ppt legally enforceable for PFOA and PFOS. This dramatically raises pressure on utilities and manufacturers.
Q2 2024 – Several firefighter cancer lawsuits move toward trial. Plaintiffs allege exposure to AFFF foam caused testicular, kidney, and prostate cancers.
April 2024 – Over 6,000 total cases are now pending in MDL 2873. Plaintiffs continue to be added weekly, including both personal injury and environmental exposure claims.
2025 (Ongoing) – More states and cities join lawsuits. Individual claims for personal injuries are now considered the next major wave of PFAS litigation, as public water system cases wind down.
What Comes Next in PFAS Lawsuits?
Medical monitoring programs may be funded to screen exposed individuals for early signs of PFAS-related illnesses.
More bellwether trials are scheduled in 2025 and beyond, with the potential to trigger additional settlements or jury verdicts.
Lawsuits on behalf of children, pregnant women, and farm communities may set new legal precedents.
Litigation involving bottled water companies and food manufacturers could expand the scope of PFAS liability in the future.
Final Thoughts
The PFAS litigation landscape is rapidly evolving and far from over. While public water systems are beginning to see settlements, individuals who have been harmed—whether through cancer diagnoses, autoimmune disease, or birth complications—are just now coming forward to claim the compensation they deserve.
If you or a loved one were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water and later developed health issues, you may still have time to file a claim.
Are you Eligible for a PFAS Lawsuit Settlement?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with Kidney/Testicular/Thyroid Cancer or Ulcerative Colitis after January 1, 2000, you may be entitled to compensation. For a free attorney review of your claim, please contact us at Selinger Law for a free case review - no fees unless we recover.
Our experienced environmental and toxic tort attorneys are here to help. We’re currently representing families, veterans, and workers across the country who have been impacted by PFAS exposure.
✔ 100% Free Case Evaluation
✔ No Upfront Costs
✔ You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
Don’t Wait – PFAS Claims May Be Time-Limited
Time is critical. If you suspect PFAS exposure caused your illness, don’t wait. Legal deadlines may apply based on where you live or when you were diagnosed.
Selinger Law's team of experienced litigation attorneys can help navigate the complex legal process and maximize potential compensation, guiding you through each step of the legal process. Our goal is to secure compensation for your loss. Contact us today for a free consultation and claim review to discuss your case and explore your options for pursuing justice.
No Fee Unless We Win
To learn more about potential compensation, complete the form or call our office toll-free at 1-844-FIND-LAW. We handle these cases on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no fees or expenses unless a settlement or recovery is obtained.
📞 Call us now at 1-844-FINDLAW or
📩 Fill out the form to speak with a legal expert about your rights.