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Forever chemicals, or per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), are a defining environmental and public health challenge of our time. Used for decades in a wide range of industrial and consumer products, these chemicals persist indefinitely in the environment and accumulate in the human body. As new scientific evidence links PFAS exposure to serious health conditions like cancer, litigation tied to these chemicals is intensifying.
From massive settlements with water utilities and chemical companies to personal injury claims brought by firefighters and communities exposed to contaminated water, PFAS litigation is growing more complex and pervasive. As an insurance agent, how can you help your clients protect themselves from these mounting legal risks? DOXA is here to provide the policies and expertise needed to navigate this evolving challenge.
PFAS litigation is no longer confined to industries directly handling these chemicals. The far-reaching nature of PFAS contamination has drawn unexpected sectors into its web, exposing businesses that might have once believed themselves immune to such risks. As an insurance agent, understanding these affected industries is key to offering the right coverage solutions.
Industries that use PFAS in their production processes are highly liable for contamination. Cleanup costs and legal battles are already mounting for these businesses, with manufacturers facing heightened scrutiny from regulators and plaintiffs alike. Agents can help manufacturers secure specialized environmental insurance to mitigate these risks.
Water suppliers face PFAS litigation due to the contamination of drinking water sources. Wastewater treatment facilities also contribute, as PFAS persist in incoming water and are discharged back into the environment, making them a key source of recontamination. DOXA’s environmental liability policies can help utilities manage these exposures.
PFAS contamination from firefighting foam training exercises is a growing issue. One example includes an airport on the East Coast that now faces costs associated with ongoing testing and providing fresh bottled water to surrounding residents that formerly relied on groundwater. Agents can work with DOXA to craft aviation-specific coverage that addresses these liabilities.
Firefighters exposed to PFAS-containing foam are filing bodily injury claims, citing increased cancer risks and other health conditions. DOXA provides insurance solutions that address these industry-specific challenges, ensuring that businesses and municipalities are prepared for potential lawsuits.
More and more examples of PFAS in everyday products are coming to light, further broadening the scope of litigation. Even corporate giants in the tech industry are embroiled in controversy, as PFAS-related claims expand into new categories such as food packaging, textiles, and household products. DOXA can help agents identify at-risk clients and offer tailored policies to shield them from financial fallout.
The future of PFAS litigation promises to reshape industries and challenge businesses in unprecedented ways. As the legal and regulatory landscape evolves, agents need to prepare their clients for new waves of lawsuits and mounting financial risks.
In recent years, major chemical companies have settled lawsuits with water utilities for more than $11 billion, reflecting the growing financial pressures associated with PFAS contamination cleanup. Agents can assist utility clients by securing policies that cover legal costs and remediation expenses.
Claims from firefighters exposed to PFAS-containing firefighting foam are gaining traction. Additionally, individuals who consumed contaminated water are pursuing personal injury lawsuits, with some alleging cancer and other serious health conditions linked to PFAS exposure. DOXA offers solutions that help businesses prepare for and mitigate these risks.
Litigation is expanding beyond water and foam. For example, proposed class-action lawsuits have targeted PFAS in consumer goods such as carpets and food packaging. As more pathways for exposure are identified, the scale of liability continues to grow, creating new risks for businesses. Insurance agents should work with DOXA to ensure their clients are protected against evolving claims.
The success of many PFAS lawsuits hinges on scientific evidence linking exposure to specific health outcomes. Defendants and insurers remain skeptical about causation, but ongoing studies will play a pivotal role in shaping the legal landscape. Agents need a knowledgeable insurance partner like DOXA to help clients navigate these uncertainties.
As PFAS litigation grows, environmental insurance becomes a vital resource for businesses to manage financial exposure. PFAS litigation draws parallels to asbestos lawsuits, which spanned decades and resulted in significant financial repercussions. Insurance agents play a crucial role in helping clients secure the right policies to address these long-tail liabilities.
DOXA specializes in environmental insurance solutions that cover bodily injury claims, cleanup costs, and legal defense fees—critical protections for companies facing PFAS-related litigation. Agents partnering with DOXA gain access to:
DOXA’s team of experts understands the regulatory frameworks and emerging risks associated with PFAS litigation. We equip insurance agents with the tools and knowledge needed to proactively protect their clients from these evolving challenges.
As an insurance agent, you have the power to safeguard your clients from the financial devastation of PFAS-related lawsuits. DOXA is your partner in delivering comprehensive coverage solutions that address today’s most pressing environmental risks. Contact our Environmental Practice team to learn more about how we can help you provide the best possible protection for your clients.
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