You got some test results. Maybe your town shared a report about PFAS in the water. Maybe your doctor ordered a blood test and you saw a number you don’t fully get. Now you’re wondering, “Does this mean I can make a case?” I’m going to walk you through it the way I’d explain it to a friend. No fancy words. Just what matters and what to do next.
PFAS are man-made chemicals that don’t break down fast. People call them “forever chemicals.” They’ve been used in non-stick pans, stain-resistant fabric, some food wrappers, and firefighting foam. Over time, PFAS can get into water and soil. When people are around PFAS for years, the chemicals can build up in their bodies. Some studies link PFAS to health problems like certain cancers, thyroid issues, high cholesterol, and changes in the immune system. That’s why proof of exposure matters.
What Counts as Real Proof
Think of proof in three parts: where PFAS are, how they reached you, and how you’ve been feeling. You don’t need every single piece on day one, but each one helps. For many people, the first step is a water test, a public water report, or both. That shows PFAS were in a place that could reach your home. The second step is your own story. Where you lived, where you worked, how long you were there, and when you started to feel off. The third step is health records. That could be lab results, a diagnosis, or notes from your doctor.
Put simple dates on things. “We moved to Oak Street in 2012.” “The plant near us used firefighting foam during drills.” “My thyroid test came back odd in 2019.” Short facts like that make a clear path from exposure to health changes.
Start with Your Water
If you’re on a public system, look up the most recent water quality report. Many towns post this online. You’re looking for PFAS names like PFOA or PFOS and the amounts found. If you’re on a well, consider getting a lab test. Keep the lab report. Save a digital copy and a paper copy. If your town has posted past results, save those too. Dates matter, because they show how long the problem has been around.
If your area has a known PFAS source—like a plant, airport, or training site—save any local notices or news clippings that say so. This is not about building a huge file. It’s about keeping the few pages that tell the story without guesswork.
Your Health Story Matters
Make a short timeline for yourself. List big moments, not every detail. When did you move in? When did kids arrive? When did you start to see symptoms, like stomach issues, tiredness that won’t go away, thyroid changes, or high cholesterol that surprised your doctor? If you have a diagnosis, add the month and year. If you took time off work or paid bills you didn’t expect, add that too.
Ask your clinic for your records. Most clinics can give you a patient portal download. Keep lab results, imaging, visit notes, and any referrals. You don’t need to read every line. Just keep them together so you can hand them to someone who knows what to look for.
Turning Loose Papers into a Clear File
Now put the pieces in order. First, proof PFAS were near you (reports, lab tests, notices). Second, proof you were there (lease, mortgage, utility bill, work badge, school records). Third, health proof (doctor notes, labs, bills). If you can, add a one-page summary on top with dates in a simple list. That page is your map. It helps anyone who reads your file understand the story in minutes, not hours.
Don’t stress if something is missing. Lots of people don’t have every item at first. Start with what you do have. You can fill gaps later.
When to Reach out for Legal Help
If your file shows PFAS in your area and you have health changes that line up with the time you lived or worked there, it’s time to talk to a lawyer who handles these cases. Get legal help from a PFAS attorney and learn what the next step could look like. A short call can tell you if your facts are strong, what else would help, and what the process might be.
What to Expect on the First Call
You don’t have to know legal terms. Just tell your story in order. Share your one-page summary and say which records you can send now. A good lawyer will ask simple questions: how long you lived or worked in the area, when your water was tested, and when your symptoms or diagnosis started. If your case fits a bigger group case, they’ll explain what that means. If it should stand alone, they’ll explain that too. Either way, the goal is the same: connect exposure, time, and health in a way that holds up.
How Cases Like This Get Built
After that first talk, the legal team may gather more records. They might request full water data from your town, site records from a plant or base, or more of your medical file. They may ask your doctor for a short letter that sums up your condition. They could bring in experts who understand PFAS science. Your job is simple: keep sharing new test results, save bills, and tell them about changes in your health or work.
Most cases move step by step. First, collect and review records. Next, send a formal notice or file the case. Then, both sides share information. Many cases settle. Some go to trial. Your lawyer will explain the timing and what you should expect.
Keeping Stress Low While you Wait
While the case moves, focus on your health. Use a filter that’s tested to lower PFAS if you can. Check your town’s updates. Go to your doctor visits, and keep notes about how you feel day to day. Small habits help: a folder for new bills, a notebook or phone note for symptoms, a calendar reminder for follow-ups. These notes are good for your care and also help your case tell a clear story.
Simple Mistakes to Avoid
People sometimes toss old mail or only save screenshots. Try to keep the originals when you can. Don’t change doctors without asking for a copy of your chart first. Don’t post your whole case on social media. It’s fine to support your community online, but keep your private details in your file and with your legal team. And try not to wait. These cases can have filing deadlines. Starting sooner gives you more options.
If your Whole Street is Dealing with This
When many homes are affected, people often work together. Neighbors share test results, split the cost of more testing, and attend town meetings. A group can be loud in a good way and help everyone stay on task. Keep your own records too, even if you’re part of a group. Your case still needs your dates, your tests, and your health notes.
How to Talk to Your Doctor
If you think PFAS might be part of your health issues, say that in plain words. Bring your water report. Ask if any blood tests make sense. Some doctors can order PFAS blood tests, though not all do. Even if your clinic can’t run that test, your regular labs still matter. Thyroid tests, liver panels, and cholesterol results help track your health over time. Ask your doctor to keep clear notes about your symptoms and when they began.
What a Win Can Look Like
No one can promise a dollar amount. What a case brings depends on many facts: your health, proof of exposure, and who is at fault. In general, people seek money for medical bills, time missed from work, and other costs. Some cases also push companies or towns to make fixes, like better water treatment. That helps the whole area, not just one family.
Quick Recap and Next Steps
Start with proof that PFAS were near you. Add proof you were there long enough to matter. Gather your health records and write a simple, dated timeline. Put it all in order so your story is easy to follow. Reach out for legal help and share your file. Keep going to your doctor and save new results. Avoid common slip-ups like tossing records or waiting too long.
