Trusted New York PFAS Water Contamination Lawyer

Drinking contaminated water in your own home shouldn't have given you cancer. Yet, toxic PFAS "forever chemicals" have been found in nearly 50% of New York's water systems. These substances (used by chemical manufacturers like 3M and DuPont) accumulate in the human body and have been scientifically linked to multiple types of cancer, thyroid disease, and other serious health risks.

For decades, chemical giants allegedly knew these substances were dangerous but prioritized profits over the safety of New York families. While you navigate stressful medical bills and a devastating diagnosis, their legal teams are working to minimize payouts.

The stakes couldn't be higher. New York’s statute of limitations is ticking.

You do not have to fight these corporate billionaires alone. At Raphaelson & Levine, we have recovered over $1 Billion for accident and toxic exposure victims. We understand the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations and medical evidence required to hold negligent corporations accountable.

Check your eligibility: Call 212-268-3222 today for a free, confidential consultation.

Health Risks: What Diseases Qualify For A PFAS Lawsuit?

If you've been diagnosed with one of the following conditions after prolonged exposure to contaminated water, you may be eligible for significant financial compensation.

Our firm is currently reviewing lawsuit claims involving:

• Kidney Cancer: One of the strongest links established by scientific research.
• Testicular Cancer: Highly correlated with PFOA exposure, even in younger men.
• Liver Cancer: Linked to the chemical's ability to accumulate in liver tissue.
• Thyroid Disease: Including hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, and Hashimoto’s disease.
• Ulcerative Colitis: A chronic inflammatory bowel disease explicitly linked to C8 (PFOA) exposure.
• Preeclampsia: Severe pregnancy-induced hypertension that endangers both mother and child.

We are particularly focused on clients who were diagnosed within the last five years and resided near a contaminated water district for 5+ years.

The Link Between PFAS & Ulcerative Colitis

Ulcerative Colitis (UC) is one of the few non-cancerous conditions that has been definitively linked to "forever chemicals." In a landmark epidemiological study, the C8 Science Panel (a team of independent epidemiologists chosen jointly by DuPont and plaintiffs) analyzed blood samples from over 69,000 people.

They concluded there is a "Probable Link" between PFOA (C8) exposure and the development of Ulcerative Colitis. This finding is critical for New York residents because it provides the scientific evidence necessary to linked PFAS exposure to specific diagnoses in court.

If you have no family history of IBD but developed UC after living in a contaminated area like Hoosick Falls or Newburgh, your condition may be chemically induced.

Reproductive Issues and Immune System Dysfunction

PFAS chemicals are endocrine disruptors, meaning they interfere with the body's hormonal systems. This can have devastating effects on pregnant women and developing children.

• Pregnancy & Birth Defects: Studies have shown that PFAS can cross the placental barrier, leading to low birth weights and an increased risk of preeclampsia (dangerously high blood pressure during pregnancy).
• Immune System Suppression: The National Toxicology Program has found that PFAS exposure is "presumed to be an immune hazard." Research indicates that children exposed to these chemicals may have a reduced response to routine vaccines (such as tetanus and diphtheria), leaving them more vulnerable to infectious health issues.

Confirmed PFAS Contamination Zones in New York

PFAS contaminated drinking water is not isolated to a single town or factory; it is a systemic crisis affecting millions of New Yorkers. According to the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (NYSDEC), hundreds of hazardous waste sites and public water districts are currently under investigation for elevated levels of PFOA and PFOS.

From industrial hubs upstate to the sole-source aquifers of Long Island, "forever chemicals" have permeated the state's infrastructure, leaving residents in specific zones at significantly higher risk of developing cancer and other health problems.

High-Risk Areas: Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, & Long Island

While PFAS contamination claims are a statewide issue, certain New York communities have been disproportionately devastated due to their proximity to industrial manufacturing and military sites.

Independent testing and litigation have confirmed elevated PFAS levels in dozens of Long Island communities, including: Great Neck North Water District, Garden City, Riverhead, Town of Oyster Bay, Manhasset-Lakeville, Hempstead, Plainview, Port Washington, , Liberty Water (Lynbrook, Merrick, Seacliff districts), Suffolk County Water Authority (multiple districts including Islip, Commack, Dix Hills), and more.

If you have lived or worked in these areas, your risk of exposure is significantly higher.

• Hoosick Falls (Rensselaer County):
  This village became ground zero for New York’s PFAS crisis when high levels of PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid) were discovered in the public water supply. The contamination was traced back to the Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics and Honeywell International facilities. For years, residents unknowingly drank water containing PFOA levels well above EPA advisory limits, leading to a surge in reported cancer cases and a major class action lawsuit.
• Newburgh (Orange County):
  Residents relying on Washington Lake for drinking water were exposed to dangerous levels of PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate). The source was identified as the Stewart Air National Guard Base, where firefighting foam (AFFF) used in training exercises seeped into the watershed. The city was forced to declare a state of emergency and switch water sources, but many residents had already been consuming the toxic water for decades.
• Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties):
  Long Island faces a unique threat because it relies on a sole-source aquifer system—meaning the drinking water comes entirely from groundwater directly beneath the island. Due to a high density of industrial sites, airports (like Gabreski Airport), and superfund sites, Long Island water systems frequently record some of the highest concentrations of PFAS and 1,4-Dioxane in the state.

Is Your Water Safe? How to Check NYC and Upstate Supplies

You cannot see, taste, or smell PFAS chemicals. The only way to confirm if your water supply is contaminated is through testing data. Even if you live in New York City—which relies on the generally cleaner Catskill/Delaware watersheds—monitoring is essential as regulations tighten.

Steps to verify your water quality:

1. Review Your Annual Water Quality Report (AWQR):
   Every public water system in New York is required by law to mail or publish an annual report by May 31st each year. Look for the section titled "Detected Contaminants" and check for PFOA, PFOS, or "Unregulated Contaminants."
2. Search the EWG Tap Water Database:
   The Environmental Working Group (EWG) maintains a searchable database that is often more user-friendly than government reports. Simply enter your zip code to see if your local utility exceeds health guidelines—which are often stricter than the federal legal limits.
   Learn more: Check the EWG Tap Water Database
3. Consult the NYS Department of Health (DOH):
   New York State maintains an active list of public water systems that have been flagged for exceeding Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs). If your water system is listed, and you have developed a qualifying illness, you should contact an attorney immediately.
   View: NYS Drinking Water Quality Council Reports

What Is PFAS Water Contamination?

PFAS water contamination lawsuits arise when man-made chemicals known as Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances leach into groundwater, reservoirs, and municipal water systems.

Because these chemicals do not break down naturally, they accumulate in contaminated water supplies—and in the human body of the people who drink it—posing severe long-term environmental and health risks.

Understanding "Forever Chemicals" (PFOA, PFOS, GenX)

What are PFAS? PFAS are a group of thousands of synthetic chemicals that have been used in industry and PFAS containing products since the 1940s. They are widely known as "Forever Chemicals" because they possess a nearly unbreakable carbon-fluorine bond, one of the strongest in organic chemistry.

Why are they dangerous?

Unlike other toxins that the body can filter out, PFAS chemicals undergo bioaccumulation. This means they build up in your blood and organs (specifically the kidneys, liver, and immune system) faster than your body can excrete them. Even small amounts of exposure over time can lead to dangerous toxicity levels and serious health problems.

The most common types of PFAS targeted in New York PFAS related lawsuits include:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic Acid): Historically used in Teflon and non-stick cookware.
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane Sulfonate): Commonly found in stain-resistant fabrics and firefighting foams.
• GenX Chemicals: A newer generation of PFAS introduced as a "safer" alternative, which studies now suggest may be just as harmful to human health.

How PFAS Enters New York’s Water Supply

New York’s unique geography and industrial history have made our state particularly vulnerable to widespread contamination. PFAS pollution enters our aquifers and surface water through three primary sources:

• Firefighting Foam (AFFF): Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is used to fight fuel fires at airports and military bases. Decades of training exercises at sites like the Stewart Air National Guard Base in Newburgh and Gabreski Airport on Long Island have caused massive amounts of PFAS to seep into the surrounding groundwater.
• Industrial Runoff & Manufacturing: Factories that produce water-resistant clothing, non-stick cookware, and packaging often discharge chemical waste directly into waterways or soil.
• Landfill Leaching: Consumer products containing PFAS eventually end up in landfills. As rainwater filters through the waste, it carries these chemicals into the soil and underlying aquifers, creating PFAS contaminated water in local wells.

The EPA & NYS Department Of Health Response

The Environmental Protection Agency and state regulators have recently acknowledged that there is essentially no safe level of exposure to these chemicals.

• New EPA Regulations: In April 2024, the EPA finalized strict Maximum Contaminant Levels (MCLs) for PFOA and PFOS at 4.0 parts per trillion (ppt). To put this in perspective, 4 ppt is equivalent to four drops of water in 20 Olympic-sized swimming pools.
• New York State Action: The NYS Department of Health (DOH) has been aggressive in monitoring drinking water contamination. New York requires public water systems to test for PFOA, PFOS, and 1,4-Dioxane. If levels exceed state standards, water providers must notify residents and take corrective action to filter the water.

Current PFAS Settlements & Class Action News (2025)

Legal action regarding "forever chemicals" is shifting rapidly. While recent headlines have announced massive billion-dollar settlements against PFAS manufacturers, it is critical for New York residents to understand where that money is going and how it affects your specific right to claim personal injury damages.

3M PFAS Settlement ($12.5 Billion)

In June 2023, 3M Company agreed to a historic settlement of up to $12.5 billion to resolve PFAS contamination claims that its chemicals contaminated drinking water supplies across the United States.

Crucial Distinction: It's important to understand that the vast majority of these funds are designated for Public Water Systems (PWS), not individual cancer victims. This money is intended to help local governments—like those in Long Island and Upstate New York—pay for the expensive filtration systems needed to remove PFAS from the water.

The Good News: This settlement is a massive step forward. It effectively signals that 3M acknowledges the contamination crisis, paving the way for individual personal injury lawsuits to proceed with stronger evidence.

The DuPont, Chemours, & Corteva Settlements ($1.18B)

Similarly, chemical giants DuPont de Nemours Inc., along with its spinoff companies Chemours and Corteva, agreed to a $1.185 billion settlement to resolve complaints from water providers. Like the 3M deal, this fund is focused on environmental remediation—cleaning up the water infrastructure—rather than compensating individuals for their medical bills or suffering.

Individual Personal Injury Claims vs. Class Actions

Many victims assume they should join PFAS class action lawsuits to get paid. However, at Raphaelson & Levine, we generally recommend filing an Individual Lawsuit within the ongoing Multidistrict Litigation (MDL).

Why we file individual claims:

• Class Actions: In a class action, all plaintiffs are treated as a single group. The settlement is divided evenly, often resulting in small, insignificant payouts for everyone, regardless of how sick they are.
• Multidistrict Litigation (MDL): In an MDL (specifically MDL 2873 in South Carolina), your case is consolidated for efficiency but remains its own individual PFAS drinking water lawsuit. This allows us to demand compensation based on your specific damages—your stage of cancer, your medical bills, and your pain and suffering.

The Bottom Line: You are not just a number on a list. If you have cancer, you deserve a settlement that reflects the severity of your illness, not a generic "class action" check.

How Much Is My PFAS Claim Worth?

Because PFAS contamination claims are generally filed as individual lawsuits within a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)—rather than a standard class action where everyone gets a flat check—settlement amounts can vary significantly.

It's one of the most common questions we hear is, "How much is my case worth?" While no attorney can guarantee a specific dollar amount, early projections from legal analysts suggest that settlement tiers for severe cancer cases could range into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, depending on the strength of the evidence.

The goal of an individual water contamination lawsuit is to ensure your compensation reflects the specific harm you suffered, rather than an average across millions of people.

Factors Influencing Your PFAS Settlement Value

In mass tort litigation, cases are often categorized into "tiers" based on the severity of the injury and the strength of the link to the chemical exposure. The value of your PFAS water contamination claim will depend heavily on the following factors:

• Severity of Illness: This is the primary driver of value. A diagnosis of invasive Kidney Cancer or Testicular Cancer (Tier 1 injuries) will typically command a higher settlement than conditions like hypothyroidism or high cholesterol, due to the invasive nature of treatment and impact on life expectancy.
• Duration and Level of Exposure: We must prove how long you consumed the contaminated water. A resident who lived in a "hot zone" like Hoosick Falls for 20 years will generally have a stronger claim than someone who lived there for six months.
• Age at Diagnosis: Younger plaintiffs often receive higher compensation for "loss of earning capacity" and the long-term impact of living with a chronic illness or disability.
• Economic Losses: The actual financial toll the disease has taken on your family, including debt incurred from treatment and income lost due to the inability to work.

Compensation You Can Recover

Under New York personal injury law, you are entitled to be "made whole" for the damages caused by the negligence of manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. A successful settlement or verdict may cover:

• Past and Future Medical Bills: Reimbursement for chemotherapy, radiation, surgeries, and hospital stays you have already paid for, as well as the estimated cost of your future care.
• Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Compensation for the paychecks you missed while recovering, as well as the difference in income if you were forced to retire early or take a lower-paying job due to your health.
• Pain and Suffering: These are "non-economic" damages designed to compensate you for the physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life caused by your illness.
• Medical Monitoring Costs: If you have been exposed to high levels of PFAS but have a condition requiring ongoing surveillance, you may be able to recover the costs of diagnostic testing to catch potential cancers early.

Am I Eligible to File a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit in New York?

Generally, you may have a valid PFAS exposure claim against manufacturers like 3M and DuPont if you meet the following three criteria:

1. Diagnosis of a Linked Medical Condition:
   You have been diagnosed with a serious illness linked to toxic water exposure. The strongest claims typically involve Kidney Cancer, Testicular Cancer, Liver Cancer, or other serious health conditions like Ulcerative Colitis, Thyroid Disease, and Preeclampsia.
2. Duration of Exposure:
   You must have lived, worked, or attended school in a district with confirmed water contamination for a significant period—typically at least 6 months prior to your diagnosis.
3. Location & Timeframe:
   Your exposure must have occurred during the years the water system was contaminated (often dating back to the 1990s). This includes residents of Hoosick Falls, Newburgh, Petersburgh, and various districts across Long Island (Nassau & Suffolk Counties). Note: You do not need to currently live there to file a claim.

How Long Do I Have To File A PFAS Lawsuit?

Many New Yorkers worry they have missed their chance because their exposure happened years ago. However, New York law provides a critical safety net for toxic exposure victims.

Under New York CPLR § 214-f, the state applies a "Discovery Rule" to toxic tort cases. This means the clock on the 3-year statute of limitations does not start when you were exposed to the water. Instead, it starts on the date you discovered the injury (received a diagnosis) OR the date you discovered the cause of the injury (realized it was linked to PFAS)—whichever is later.

Warning: While this rule extends your time to file, it is not indefinite. Once you suspect a link between your illness and the water, the clock is ticking. Contact our PFAS water contamination lawyers immediately to preserve your rights.

Why Choose Raphaelson & Levine for Your Environmental Claim?

When you are fighting a serious illness like kidney cancer, you do not need a "case manager" in a call center thousands of miles away. You need a dedicated legal team right here in New York who understands the local courts, the specific contamination history of our state, and the devastating impact these chemicals have had on your community.

The Voice of the Injured: From New York, For New York

For over thirty years, Raphaelson & Levine has proudly served Long Island, Nassau County, Suffolk County, and the greater NYC area. Known as "The Voice of the Injured," we have recovered over $1 Billion for injury and toxic exposure victims.

If you search for "PFAS water contamination lawyer," you'll likely see ads from national marketing agencies. These "lead generators" simply gather your information and sell it to the highest bidder.

When you hire us, you are sending a message to 3M, DuPont, and the chemical industry: You will not be ignored. We have the financial resources to go toe-to-toe with billion-dollar corporations and the grit to see your case through to the end.

Here's the Raphaelson & Levine difference:

• We Are New York Trial Lawyers: We are a premier personal injury law firm based in Midtown Manhattan whose been fighting for New Yorkers for decades, not a marketing company
• We Know New York Water: We understand the specific geological differences between the Long Island sole-source aquifer and the upstate watersheds. We know the history of the Hoosick Falls contamination and the specific polluters in Newburgh
• You Speak to Us: When you call, you speak to a member of our experienced legal team (not a remote operator reading a script) that will provide client-centered service and full legal transparency

We Carry the Burden So You Can Heal

We understand that the idea of a lawsuit while undergoing chemotherapy or managing a chronic disease feels overwhelming. That is why we have streamlined our process to remove the weight from your shoulders.

Our "no-stress" approach includes:

1. Free Confidential Consultation:
   We start with a simple conversation to review your address history and diagnosis. There is no cost and no obligation.
2. Evidence Gathering & Investigation:
   You do not need to find your own water reports. Our team investigates the specific water systems you relied on. We cross-reference your address with historical EPA and NYSDEC contamination maps and work with medical experts to link your specific diagnosis to the toxic exposure.
3. Filing the Complaint:
   We handle all court filings. Currently, most individual PFAS injury claims are being consolidated in a Multidistrict Litigation (MDL) in South Carolina federal court. We ensure your case is filed correctly in the MDL, allowing you to benefit from shared discovery while maintaining your individual right to compensation.
4. No Win, No Fee Guarantee:
   Access to justice should never depend on your bank account. We cover all upfront costs for expert witnesses and testing. You pay $0 out-of-pocket, and if we don't win, you owe us nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How do I know if my water contained PFAS?

A: We utilize historical water quality data maps mapped against your residential history to determine if you were exposed to PFAS contaminated water.

Q: Can I sue my local water department?

A: Generally, PFAS water contamination lawsuits target the manufacturers (3M, DuPont) who hid the risks, not the local utility, but exceptions exist.

Q: How much does it cost to hire a PFAS lawyer?

A: Zeo upfront costs. Our PFAS water contamination lawyers only get paid a percentage of the settlement if we win.

Q: Does the 3M PFAS lawsuit settlement cover my cancer treatment?

A: Not automatically. The $10.3B − $12.5B settlement is primarily for water providers. You must file an individual injury claim to get compensation for cancer.

Protect Your Rights & Your Family's Health: Contact Our PFAS Water Contamination Lawyers Today

PFAS contamination is a silent crisis affecting millions of New Yorkers.

While you cannot undo the exposure to these toxic chemicals, you can take control of your future. If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or a serious illness after drinking contaminated water, immediate action is required. You must stop the exposure, preserve your medical records, and secure legal representation before it is too late.

The chemical giants responsible for this crisis—companies like 3M and DuPont—have armies of corporate attorneys working to protect their profits and deny your claim. You need a team that is equally powerful.

As your dedicated PFAS water contamination lawyer, Raphaelson & Levine will level the playing field. We know how to navigate the complex legal landscape, from individual lawsuits to Multidistrict Litigation (MDL), ensuring you are not just another number in a class action.

We will gather the necessary water quality reports, secure expert medical testimony, and fight tirelessly to help you seek compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and suffering.

Don't let the statute of limitations expire. Strict deadlines apply to these claims. If you wait too long, you may be permanently barred from filing a lawsuit, regardless of how severe your illness is.

We believe justice should not come with a price tag. Our firm operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay absolutely nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure a settlement or verdict for you.

Ready to take action? Call 212-268-3222 now or complete our online form to start your free case evaluation.