W.L. Gore PFAS Contamination Litigation

For over four decades, manufacturer W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc. used toxic per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at its Cherry Hill plant in Elkton, Maryland.

PFAS, also known as “forever chemicals,” are a virtually indestructible, synthetic group of chemicals that accumulate in the human body through consumption of contaminated food or water, inhalation through air, or in some instances, by skin exposure. They can cause severe illnesses. 

Environmental testing of the surface, ground, and well water in the area surrounding the Gore plant in Cherry Hill has confirmed high levels of these toxic chemicals.

Numerous private wells in Elkton have tested well above the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s interim updated lifetime drinking water health advisory levels (HAL) limit of .004 parts per trillion (ppt) for PFOA, a type of PFAS, including some that have exceeded 100 ppt.

While the new HALs are not enforceable federal regulatory standards, the lower limits indicate EPA’s acknowledgment of the dangers these chemicals pose to human health.

Alongside our co-counsel, Motley Rice LLC, we filed a putative class action on February 1, 2023, on behalf of residents, business owners, and others affected by the PFAS contamination near the Cherry Hill plant.

We are committed to obtaining justice for our clients and aspire to improve public health in the Elkton area and surrounding communities by holding Gore accountable.

If you and your family have been affected by Gore’s pollution, please reach out to us so we may work with you to help you determine your best path forward. If you retain us, you will not owe us any fees and will not be liable for any expenses in the absence of a recovery.

The Dangers of PFAS Exposure

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of synthetic chemicals commonly found in products that resist sticking, heat, water, stains, and grease, such as stain-resistant and water-repellent fabrics.

Due to their unique chemical structures, PFAS are highly mobile in the environment, do not breakdown easily in the environment or human body, and can accumulate in the body over time due to exposure.

Exposure to PFAS can occur through consumption of contaminated food or water, inhalation through air, or in some instances, by skin exposure.

While there are thousands of chemicals within the PFAS family, the two most commonly used and studied PFAS are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluoro-octane sulfonate (PFOS).

Exposure to PFAS chemicals, including PFOA, is associated with:

  • Certain kinds of cancer, including testicular, kidney, prostate, endometrial/uterine, and breast
  • Thyroid disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Pregnancy-induced hypertension
  • Type-2 diabetes in women
  • Pre-eclampsia
  • Developmental delays in children
  • Other health conditions

If you live or work near the Gore plant and are experiencing health problems, we encourage you to see a healthcare professional.

The Fight to Hold Gore Accountable

On February 1, 2023, we filed a putative class action lawsuit on behalf of local residents, business owners, and others who have been affected by Gore’s pollution.

We are working with toxicologists, engineers, environmental experts, and physicians to continue investigating Gore’s actions and identify health impacts on area residents.

We invite members of this community to join us in this litigation seeking to find the truth and hold Gore accountable for the harmful effects of its use of PFAS.

Our Objectives

  • Find a permanent solution — Figuring out a permanent solution is key to preventing further contamination and exposure. Cleaning up the problem long-term is necessary.
  • Secure medical monitoring — Monitoring the health and well-being of the people of this community is of the utmost importance. Anyone who has been affected by Gore’s use of PFAS must have access to proper medical monitoring and future care.
  • Obtain monetary damages  — Those whose health, quality of life, and economic interests have been affected as a result of Gore’s use of PFAS deserve to be recognized, heard and compensated.

For more information about this litigation, visit goreclassaction.com or contact us at (443) 941-0123 or contact@goreclassaction.com.

Why Hire BMBFC

One person can make a difference. One lone voice is powerful. And cases of this nature always start with one person having the courage to come forward.

However, we also understand how effective it is to have a single story told by many voices.

At BMBFC, we listen, guide, and lead our clients while never losing sight of the benefit we were hired to achieve.

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • $205 million settlement in a class action case against a polluting chicken processing giant, Mountaire, that had contaminated the surrounding area’s water
  • $140 million remediation recovery in a groundwater contamination case
  • $123 million settlement in a class action case involving pediatric sex abuse
  • $65 million recovery for property damages and personal injuries in an air pollution and groundwater contamination case

Practicing Attorneys