North Carolina is a hotspot for PFAS contamination. If you or a loved one in North Carolina have been exposed to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) and subsequently diagnosed with serious health conditions like kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation in a PFAS lawsuit.
At Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers, we are committed to protecting the rights of North Carolinians affected by environmental contamination. Our experienced attorneys are here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
For a free, no-obligation case review with an experienced North Carolina PFAS lawyer, please contact our team or call 1-800-525-7111. There are no upfront costs and we don’t get paid unless you do.
North Carolina is our home and we are committed to fighting for justice for our communities and neighbors. We are actively investigating PFAS cases across the entire state.
We are committed to seeking maximum compensation for our clients.
May 2025 Update
As of May 2025, litigation involving per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), commonly known as "forever chemicals," continues to advance, with several significant developments:
- Major Settlements Finalized: Several chemical manufacturers have reached substantial settlement agreements to resolve claims related to PFAS contamination. These settlements aim to address the financial burdens faced by public water systems in testing and remediating PFAS-contaminated water supplies.
- Bellwether Trials Scheduled: The court overseeing the PFAS multidistrict litigation (MDL) has scheduled bellwether trials to begin in October 2025. These trials will focus on personal injury claims, particularly those alleging kidney and testicular cancers linked to PFAS exposure. The outcomes are expected to influence the direction of future litigation and potential settlements.
- EPA Regulatory Actions: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has designated certain PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances under the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA). This classification facilitates cleanup efforts and holds polluters accountable for PFAS contamination.
- Continued Legal Filings: New lawsuits continue to be filed by individuals and entities affected by PFAS contamination. These cases encompass a range of claims, including personal injury, property damage, and environmental harm, reflecting the widespread impact of PFAS pollution.
Understanding PFAS and Associated Legal Action
Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of synthetic chemicals, with nearly 15,000 identified compounds, known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil. Due to their unique properties, PFAS have been widely used since the 1940s in various industrial and consumer products, including:
- Non-stick cookware: Items coated with substances like Teflon.
- Water-repellent fabrics: Used in outdoor clothing and gear.
- Stain-resistant carpets: Treated to resist spills and stains.
- Firefighting foams: Utilized for rapid suppression of fuel-based fires.
Because they do not naturally break down in the environment or human body, PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals.”
Subtypes of PFAS
PFAS encompass a diverse range of chemicals, broadly categorized into two main subtypes:
- Perfluoroalkyl Substances: These are fully fluorinated compounds where all hydrogen atoms in the carbon chain are replaced by fluorine. Notable examples include:
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA): Previously used in the manufacturing of non-stick cookware and other products.
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS): Formerly utilized in AFFF firefighting foams and stain repellents.
- Polyfluoroalkyl Substances: These compounds are partially fluorinated, with some hydrogen atoms remaining in the carbon chain. They can degrade into perfluoroalkyl substances over time. Examples include:
- Fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs): Used in the production of stain-resistant coatings.
- Polyfluoroalkyl phosphate esters (PAPs): Applied in food packaging materials.
Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure
Exposure to PFAS has been linked to several health risks, including:
- Cancer: Increased risk of kidney, testicular, prostate, and liver cancers.
- Immune System Effects: Impaired immune response and reduced vaccine efficacy.
- Hormonal Disruptions: Altered thyroid hormone levels and reproductive issues.
- Metabolic Effects: Elevated cholesterol levels and potential cardiovascular implications.
PFAS Contamination Hotspots in North Carolina
Several regions in North Carolina have been identified as PFAS contamination hotspots, primarily due to industrial and military activities. Notable areas affected include:
Cape Fear River Basin
The Cape Fear River, a vital water source for southeastern North Carolina, has been significantly affected by PFAS contamination. The contamination is primarily attributed to the Chemours Fayetteville Works plant, which allegedly discharged PFAS chemicals, particularly GenX, into the river for decades. Studies have revealed some of the highest concentrations of PFAS in this river, putting surrounding communities at risk.
Haw River in Pittsboro
In Pittsboro, the Haw River has been severely contaminated with PFAS, impacting the town’s drinking water supply. The contamination allegedly comes from a combination of upstream industrial sites, wastewater treatment plants, and other polluters. Residents are increasingly concerned about the long-term health effects of exposure and have called for more stringent water treatment and legal actions.
Jordan Lake
Jordan Lake, a critical drinking water source for communities in central North Carolina, has shown traces of PFAS. While contamination levels are lower than in the Cape Fear or Haw River, the presence of PFAS is concerning. Industrial discharges and wastewater from nearby facilities are believed to be contributing to the contamination.
Greensboro’s Water Supply
PFAS have also been detected in Greensboro’s water system, specifically in the Mitchell Water Treatment Plant. The contamination is suspected to stem from industrial sites in the area. In response, the city has implemented advanced water treatment techniques to reduce PFAS levels, though long-term health risks remain a concern for residents.
Do You Qualify for a PFAS Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit in North Carolina if:
- You were exposed to PFAS-contaminated water.
- You have been diagnosed with a serious health condition linked to PFAS exposure, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Blood cancers (e.g., leukemias / lymphomas)
- Thyroid disease or thyroid damage
- Ulcerative colitis
- Other significant health issues associated with PFAS
- You have medical records confirming your diagnosis and can establish a connection between your health condition and PFAS exposure.
If you meet these criteria, you may have a case. Call 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE case review.
Our experienced North Carolina PFAS attorneys are standing by. When Justice Counts™, you can count on the team at Riddle & Riddle.
Why Choose Riddle & Riddle?
As a North Carolina-based law firm, Riddle & Riddle has a longstanding commitment to serving the residents of our state. Our deep ties to North Carolina provide us with a unique understanding of the local environmental challenges and legal landscape. Here's why North Carolinians trust us:
- Local Expertise: Our attorneys are well-versed in North Carolina laws and have established relationships within the local legal community.
- Personalized Attention: We treat our clients like family, ensuring that you receive the individualized care and attention your case deserves. In this spirit, we are proud to have been named a “Best Family-Run Law Firm” by NC Lawyers Weekly in 2025.
- Proven Track Record: Our firm has successfully recovered millions in compensation for clients affected by environmental contamination and personal injury cases. We’ve secured over $850 million in compensation for clients since 2000 alone, including $7.85 million in a class action related to a chemical spill (see disclaimer below).
We’re especially proud of the way our valued clients speak about their experience working with our attorneys and staff:
“They made a hard time in my life easier to endure.” — Melissa C., Riddle & Riddle client
Recognitions and Awards
Our dedication to excellence is reflected in our attorneys’ prestigious memberships and awards (see disclaimer below), including:
- Million Dollar Advocates Forum and Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 100
- The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40
- National Association of Distinguished Counsel
- Super Lawyers and Super Lawyers Rising Stars
- AV Preeminent Rating from Martindale-Hubbell
Call us today at 1-800-525-7111 for a FREE consultation.
Our firm is led by attorney and managing partner Gene Riddle and his daughter, attorney and partner Alex Riddle. Gene attended UNC in Chapel Hill for undergrad and later earned his law degree from Wake Forest, while Alex earned both her undergraduate and law degrees from UNC in Chapel Hill.
Steps to Take If You Believe You Qualify
- Gather Documentation:
- Medical records confirming your diagnosis and detailing your health issues.
- Evidence of PFAS exposure, such as water quality reports, employment records, or product usage history.
- Consult with Our Attorneys:
- Contact Riddle & Riddle at 1-800-525-7111 for a free case evaluation.
- Discuss your medical history and any known exposure to PFAS-contaminated sources.
- Take Legal Action:
- If eligible and you decide to hire us, our attorneys will guide you through filing a claim or lawsuit.
- We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
For a FREE case review by an experienced PFAS lawsuit attorney in North Carolina, call 1-800-525-7111 today.
The Legal Process for a PFAS Lawsuit
If you qualify for a PFAS lawsuit and decide to hire us, our legal team will guide you through the following steps:
- Case Evaluation – A free consultation to assess your eligibility and answer any questions.
- Investigation and Documentation – Collecting necessary medical records, exposure evidence, and other pertinent information to build a strong case.
- Filing the Lawsuit – Initiating legal proceedings against potentially liable parties, such as manufacturers or polluters.
- Negotiation and Settlement Talks – Engaging in discussions to seek a fair settlement that compensates you for your injuries and losses. There are never any guarantees and the outcome of any case depends on the unique facts and circumstances of that case.
- Trial, If Necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys are prepared to help take your case to trial to fight for maximum compensation for you.
Act Now to Protect Your Rights
Lawsuits involving environmental contaminants like PFAS are subject to strict time limits. Statutes of limitations vary by state, and delaying action can impact your ability to receive compensation. If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by PFAS exposure in North Carolina, it's crucial to seek legal counsel as soon as possible.
Call 1-800-525-7111 today for a FREE, no-obligation case review.
When Justice Counts™ for North Carolinians, you can count on Riddle & Riddle Injury Lawyers. If you or a loved one has suffered harm due to PFAS contamination, we’re ready to help however we can.