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Fighting ‘Forever Chemicals’: Illinois PFAS Lawsuits

Fighting ‘Forever Chemicals’: Illinois PFAS Lawsuits

October 27, 2025 | Collins Law Firm

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The Collins Law Firm is proud to serve communities and businesses throughout Illinois who are facing the devastating impact of PFAS contamination. As environmental advocates and trial attorneys, we’ve seen how exposure to these so-called “forever chemicals” can harm public health, destroy property value, and threaten the long-term safety of entire neighborhoods. If your community or business is dealing with PFAS exposure, you have legal rights—and The Collins Law Firm is ready to help you fight for justice.

What Are PFAS and Why Are They Dangerous?

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a group of more than 10,000 synthetic chemicals used in manufacturing since the 1940s. They’re prized for their resistance to heat, oil, and water—used in everything from firefighting foam to nonstick cookware and waterproof clothing.

But these same properties make PFAS nearly indestructible in the environment. They don’t break down naturally, instead accumulating in groundwater, soil, and the human body. Studies link PFAS exposure to severe health conditions, including:

  • Kidney and testicular cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Immune system suppression
  • Reproductive and developmental harm

Communities across Illinois—especially those near industrial corridors, airports, and military bases—are discovering PFAS contamination in their drinking water. For local governments and business owners, the cost of cleanup, water treatment, and property loss can be overwhelming.

PFAS Contamination in Illinois: A Widespread Threat

PFAS have been detected in dozens of Illinois municipalities. Testing by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has identified contamination in communities including Rockford, Peoria, Joliet, and Naperville.

Many of these cases trace back to manufacturing plants, waste disposal sites, or airports that used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) for firefighting. Because PFAS migrate easily through groundwater, even facilities miles away from your property can become the source of contamination.

At The Collins Law Firm, we’ve seen how these environmental violations harm entire communities. Families are forced to buy bottled water, businesses face declining property values, and municipalities shoulder the burden of costly remediation—all while major corporations deny responsibility.

Who Can Be Held Liable for PFAS Contamination?

Illinois law provides multiple avenues for holding polluters accountable. Responsible parties may include:

  • Manufacturers of PFAS-based products (such as 3M and DuPont)
  • Industrial facilities that discharged PFAS into the air or water
  • Airports or fire training sites where firefighting foam was used
  • Landfills and waste management sites that mishandled PFAS waste

Depending on the circumstances, The Collins Law Firm may pursue claims under:

  • The Illinois Environmental Protection Act
  • The Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA)
  • The Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA)—often called the “Superfund” law
  • Common law claims for negligence, nuisance, or trespass

These legal tools allow affected communities and property owners to demand cleanup, seek damages for property loss, and recover the costs of restoring safe water.

How The Collins Law Firm Helps Illinois Communities and Businesses

The Collins Law Firm has built a national reputation for representing families and neighborhoods harmed by environmental contamination. Our environmental attorneys have fought, and won cases involving polluted groundwater, toxic air emissions, and corporate negligence.

For PFAS lawsuits, we help clients:

  1. Identify the Source of Contamination – Our legal team works with environmental scientists and groundwater experts to trace the contamination back to its origin.
  2. Gather Evidence – We collect sampling data, historical records, and regulatory filings to build a solid evidentiary foundation.
  3. Pursue Accountability – We hold polluters responsible through litigation, negotiation, or class actions.
  4. Recover Financial Damages – Communities and property owners can recover compensation for cleanup costs, property devaluation, and public health monitoring.

If your community is struggling with PFAS contamination, The Collins Law Firm is ready to stand with you. We’ve successfully taken on some of the nation’s largest polluters, and we’re committed to restoring justice for Illinois residents and businesses.

What Makes PFAS Lawsuits Complex

PFAS litigation often involves multiple parties, overlapping jurisdictions, and evolving scientific data. Federal regulators are still setting enforceable limits for PFAS in drinking water. Meanwhile, manufacturers continue to argue over who bears financial responsibility for decades of contamination.

This complexity demands an experienced legal team. The Collins Law Firm brings the scientific expertise, litigation experience, and moral conviction needed to challenge powerful corporate defendants. Our attorneys have experience managing large-scale environmental litigation, ensuring that your case receives the attention it deserves.

Recent Developments in PFAS Regulation and Lawsuits

In 2024, the EPA finalized a National Primary Drinking Water Regulation for six PFAS compounds, establishing enforceable limits for the first time in U.S. history. Illinois communities exceeding those limits are now legally entitled to demand cleanup or compensation.

Additionally, multibillion-dollar settlements have emerged from class actions against PFAS manufacturers. While these settlements mark progress, many Illinois communities remain unprotected—and new contamination sites are still being discovered.

If your municipality, water utility, or commercial property is affected, now is the time to act. These legal developments open the door to claims that could secure the funds needed to clean your water and protect your community.

How to Protect Your Legal Rights

If you suspect PFAS contamination, take the following steps immediately:

  1. Test Your Water – Hire a certified environmental laboratory to confirm PFAS levels.
  2. Document Everything – Keep records of test results, communications with officials, and remediation expenses.
  3. Notify Authorities – Contact the IEPA and your local health department.
  4. Consult an Experienced Environmental Attorney – A lawyer can evaluate whether your case qualifies for legal action under state or federal law.

The Collins Law Firm can help you navigate every step of this process, ensuring your community’s rights are protected and your case is backed by sound scientific evidence.

Get Justice for PFAS Contamination

PFAS exposure isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a public health and economic crisis that demands accountability. Illinois residents, property owners, and local governments deserve safe water and clean land.

If your community or business has been affected by PFAS, call The Collins Law Firm today to schedule your free consultation. Our attorneys will help you understand your options, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Injustice thrives when corporations go unchecked. Let The Collins Law Firm help you fight back—and rebuild a safer, cleaner future for your community.

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