James Bilsborrow, a Weitz & Luxenberg partner and practice group co-chair, is speaking at a virtual event titled “PFAS Litigation and Regulatory Developments Conference.” It is taking place on Thursday, February 9. Hosted by Perrin Conferences, the event features presentations by prominent plaintiff and defense attorneys.
PFAS Current Litigation and MDL Status
This conference covers current PFAS litigation, including multidistrict litigation (MDL) status. Presentations discuss state and federal PFAS legislative and regulatory developments, remediation options, the future of PFAS litigation, and other critical PFAS topics.
Mr. Bilsborrow’s session is scheduled from 11:10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The PFAS topic he is sharing knowledge about is the Current Litigation and MDL Status Update. He and his distinguished colleagues are speaking about PFAS personal injury cases and bellwether trials.
PFAS Accumulate Everywhere
“PFAS pose serious health concerns, particularly when these toxic chemicals contaminate our water supplies,” says Mr. Bilsborrow. “All across the country, regulatory agencies have been detecting these chemicals in drinking water more regularly.
“But their dangers extend to all of us in our environment as a whole,” Mr. Bilsborrow adds. “They are referred to as ‘forever chemicals’ for a reason. They resist environmental breakdown and accumulate in our bodies, posing long-term health complications.”
EPA Sets New PFAS Guidelines
The EPA has set new PFAS guidelines. These recommended standards basically make almost all water systems in the country out of compliance for being too high.
PFAS are manmade chemicals. Manufacturers have been using them since the 1950s. You can find them in everything from nonstick cookware to firefighting foam.
During the manufacturing process, PFAS can leach into our soil and water and contaminate the air we breathe. They do not break down easily. PFAS can stick around for a long time and make us sick. PFAS are also being found in the products we eat, use, and wear.
PFAS Cause Water Contamination
PFAS can pose real problems when getting into our drinking water. Across the country, communities are finding these chemicals, including PFOA and PFOS, in their water supplies more and more often.
Firefighting foam is one culprit. The chemicals in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) chemicals were created to fight flammable liquid fires. Scientists have traced these chemicals to groundwater contamination. They are often found near current and former military bases, as well as airfields, across the nation.
PFAS Toxic Chemicals in Consumer Products
Many types of consumer products contain PFAS, including cosmetics and baby products.
The list of products with these toxic chemicals includes waterproof clothing, coated takeout containers, and popcorn bags.
Weitz & Luxenberg has already filed PFAS lawsuits against product manufacturers on behalf of our clients for Chicco child car seats and waterproof mascara. This is in addition to ongoing water contamination lawsuits.
Bilsborrow Leads Environmental Litigation
Mr. Bilsborrow serves as co-chair of our Environmental, Toxic Tort, & Consumer Protection group. His primary focus is helping victims of environmental contamination, toxic exposure, and defective products.
His work in complex litigation is nationwide. He is active in many of our firm’s successful efforts to seek justice on behalf of individuals and property owners exposed to PFOA and PFOS.
His most recognized case may be the one against petroleum company BP, for the devastating Gulf of Mexico oil spill in 2010. It resulted in a huge win for our clients.
Mr. Bilsborrow is active in the legal community and serves on committees for several professional organizations.
Weitz & Luxenberg Wins Big for Clients
Particularly in cases involving PFAS water contamination, Mr. Bilsborrow has taken the lead in holding offending corporations accountable. Examples of recent wins include:
- Playing a leading role in helping reach a $23.5 million settlement with Taconic Plastics Limited. He represented residents of Petersburgh, New York. People in this community drank water contaminated with PFOA for years.
- Helping reach a settlement of $65.25 million on behalf of more than 2,300 residents and businesses in Hoosick Falls, New York. Their drinking water supply was also contaminated by PFOA. The defendants were Saint-Gobain Performance Plastics Corp., 3M Co., and Honeywell International Inc.
