Environmental risks are no longer distant concerns — they are impacting communities, families, and businesses every day. Across the country, lawsuits are being filed over pollution, toxic chemical discharges, and corporate claims about sustainability that don’t always match reality.
Common Types of Environmental & Climate Claims
1. Toxic Chemicals & PFAS (“Forever Chemicals”)
PFAS are long-lasting chemicals found in products like nonstick cookware, firefighting foam, and food packaging. They have been detected in drinking water across the U.S., with studies linking exposure to health risks. Lawsuits are increasingly focused on companies that released PFAS into the environment or failed to warn about potential dangers.
2. Pollution & Hazardous Waste
Communities affected by industrial waste, toxic discharges, or unsafe disposal practices may face property damage, health risks, and declining home values. Litigation can help recover cleanup costs and compensation for those impacted.
3. Climate Risk & Failure to Mitigate
As climate change drives stronger storms, floods, and wildfires, some lawsuits allege that companies failed to account for or disclose these risks in their planning. This includes claims against corporations and even municipalities for inadequate preparation or resilience measures.
4. Greenwashing
“Greenwashing” lawsuits target companies accused of exaggerating environmental credentials — for example, marketing a product as “eco-friendly” or “carbon-neutral” when the claims don’t align with reality. These cases often fall under consumer protection laws and can lead to class actions.
Why These Cases Matter
Environmental harms can affect:
- Public health (e.g., cancer clusters, contaminated water, respiratory illness).
- Property values (homes near polluted areas often lose value).
- Consumer trust (misleading “green” marketing undermines accountability).
These claims not only seek justice for those harmed but also push industries toward safer, more responsible practices.
How We Can Help
At Sauder Schelkopf, we are reviewing potential cases involving:
- PFAS and other toxic chemical contamination
- Community pollution and hazardous waste disposal
- Greenwashing and deceptive environmental marketing
- Failures to disclose or mitigate known climate risks
If you or your community has been affected, contact us today for a free consultation.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this post does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Sauder Schelkopf. Laws vary by jurisdiction, and the application of law depends on individual circumstances. You should not act or rely on any information in this post without seeking professional legal counsel. If you need legal assistance, please contact a qualified attorney to discuss your specific situation.