Did you install carpet in your home or daycare business prior to 2020? Your carpet may contain PFAS, harmful “forever chemicals” shown to increase risk of adverse health effects, which companies allegedly sought to hide from the public. Find out your consumer rights »
WHAT’S THE ISSUE?
Hagens Berman is investigating major companies for allegedly knowingly using and selling products for consumer use that contain harmful perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also called “forever chemicals.” A peer-reviewed study states that PFAS, used to repel fluids and stains, are linked to serious health harms in both children and adults. Despite knowledge of the dangers of PFAS, carpet product suppliers allegedly continued to use these harmful chemicals and conceal their use from the public. PFAS in carpet becomes airborne, ingested and inhaled, and has permanently damaged homes and daycare centers. Consumers and daycare owners who purchased carpets before 2020 without knowing they contained PFAS may have rights.
HOW DO I KNOW IF I’M AFFECTED?
Hagens Berman is investigating carpet products sold and distributed by 3M, DuPont and others, meaning many consumer-facing carpets have likely been affected. If you are a homeowner or owner of a daycare or childcare facility who purchased new carpet prior to 2020 and still have it installed, you may be affected. In addition to PFAS use, the firm is also investigating the direct-to-consumer sale of Scotchgard and Stainmaster in spray and liquid form. Consumers who purchased these products are also likely affected.
Concerned consumers may contact Hagens Berman to find out their rights and learn more information. Fill out the form »
ABOUT PFAS RISKS
Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances are categorized as thousands of human-made chemicals used in products known for their ability to resist water, heat and grease. Studies report that PFAS were included in carpeting and carpet treatments to reduce and repel staining and soiling. Attorneys say 3M and DuPont collaborated to conceal the truth about the products it sold for consumer use.
INCREASED PFAS RISK FOR CHILDREN & DAYCARE FACILITIES
Studies show children, especially those spending increased time on the floor, are particularly susceptible to the harms of PFAS. According to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, “[b]ecause children are still developing, they may be more sensitive to the harmful effects of chemicals such as PFAS. They can also be exposed more than adults,” in part because “[y]oung children crawl on floors and put things in their mouths which leads to a higher risk of exposure to PFAS in carpets, household dust, toys, and cleaning products.”
HOW CAN A CLASS-ACTION LAWSUIT HELP?
According to attorneys, carpet manufacturers may have put consumers at risk of adverse health effects due to the presence of PFAS in their carpet products, and likely concealed this fact from the public for decades. In this investigation, our consumer rights attorneys seek to represent a class of customers who purchased the affected carpet or products either in their homes or childcare businesses. A class-action lawsuit seeks to level the playing field, bringing strength to collective action to change corrupt practices. Though these measures do not bring immediate relief, they are a time-tested method of holding companies accountable for wrongdoing.
TOP CONSUMER RIGHTS LAW FIRM
Hagens Berman is one of the most successful consumer litigation law firms in the US and has achieved settlements valued at more than $320 billion for class members in lawsuits against manufacturers, retailers, food corporations, automakers, big banks and others. The firm is currently leading multiple antitrust cases on behalf of customers, and the firm has achieved many record-breaking victories in matters benefiting consumers. Your claim will be handled by attorneys experienced in consumer law.
NO COST TO YOU
In no case will any class member ever be asked to pay any out-of-pocket sum. In the event Hagens Berman or any other firm obtains a settlement that provides benefits to class members, the court will decide a reasonable fee to be awarded to the legal team for the class.