WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit [2025 Update]

The WL Gore PFAS is an active lawsuit

See If You Qualify

W.L. Gore & Associates (maker of Gore-Tex) is at the center of lawsuits related to improper PFAS disposal and groundwater contamination near their plants in Elkton, Maryland. In December of 2024, the Attorney General of Maryland sued W.L. Gore & Associates because several of W.L. Gore’s Maryland plants allegedly dumped perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) into the environment.

As a result, Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown claims the groundwater and soil are contaminated with “forever chemicals” that may cause people to develop cancer and other diseases, harm their organs, or cause harm to their unborn babies. People who lived near or worked at W.L. Gore’s plants may qualify for lawsuits and compensation if they experienced adverse health effects from PFAS due to occupational exposure or consumption of contaminated drinking water.

WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit Updates

March 19, 2025: Lawsuit Alleges the W.L. Gore Still Uses and Discharges PFAS at 11 Sites in Maryland

A lawsuit filed by the state of Maryland says Gore still uses PTFE (a type of PFAS) and other dangerous chemicals in their manufacturing processes at 11 facilities in Elkton, Maryland. These sites include Cherry Hill, Fair Hill, Appleton South, all three Elk Creek facilities, and Elk Mills 1, Appleton East, Appleton North, Appleton Central, and Elk Mills 5. The lawsuit alleges Gore releases PFAS into waterways and through air emissions, posing a threat to area residents. Exposure to PFAS has been linked to cancers, lymphoma, ulcerative colitis, and other serious medical conditions. Residents exposed to contaminated water and air may be able to file a lawsuit against W.L. Gore due to the company’s negligence regarding these chemicals.

February 11, 2025: W.L. Gore Sued for Misleading Consumers About Safety and Environmental Impact of Products

Dozens of consumers filed a class action lawsuit against W.L. Gore for violating several trade practices laws and misleading consumers. The complaint alleges that W.L. Gore negligently and intentionally made misleading statements about the presence of PFAS in its products. This complaint says reports show that the PFAS in Gore’s goods—such as its activewear—have high amounts of PFAS that are shed during use and wash. Because of this, the products are contaminating the air and water around their customers and directly exposing their customers to cancer-causing substances.

January 30, 2025: Pretrial Deadlines Set in State of Maryland’s PFAS Lawsuit Against W.L. Gore

Attorney General Brown and W.L. Gore set important pretrial deadlines in the federal PFAS contamination lawsuit against Gore. Some of the deadlines include a preliminary date to complete discovery, which is the part of a lawsuit where each side sends and asks for information they can use as evidence. The judge encouraged each side to start the discovery process immediately to help move the case forward. Meanwhile, more Maryland residents are filing claims in state and federal court.

December 18, 2024: Maryland Attorney General Sues W.L. Gore & Associates for Dumping PFAS Into Environment

Attorney General Anthony Brown and his legal team filed a lawsuit against W.L. Gore & Associates for not properly disposing of toxic waste at its facilities in Cecil County, Maryland. W.L. Gore has over a dozen plants in Elkton, Maryland, and Attorney General Brown believes Gore knew about the risks of PFAS to the environment and humans but did nothing. According to the complaint, internal documents between W.L. Gore and DuPont—a close partner to W.L. Gore for decades—showed the higher-ups knew and researched how harmful PFAS were to people for decades. They are also accused of using careless techniques to store, dispose of, transport, and use forever chemicals in their production processes.

February 1, 2023: Maryland Residents Sue W.L. Gore for Contaminating Their Wells with PFAS

On February 1, 2023, six Maryland residents sued W.L. Gore for contaminating their private drinking wells with PFAS. In the Elkton community in Maryland, much of the population has well water rather than city water. These residents—who all lived near Gore’s Cherry Hill Plant—believe that, since the 1990s, W.L. Gore has known about the dangers of the PFAS it uses in and to make its products. They accuse Gore of not doing enough to protect and warn the public and its workers.

March 1, 2021: Study Confirms Links Between Forever Chemicals and Many Negative Health Outcomes

In a study published in March of 2021, researchers confirmed a link between PFAS exposure and adverse health outcomes. The authors looked at dozens of research conducted and published by others throughout the years. According to their results, they found that PFAS exposure had a high association with thyroid disease, testicular cancer, lower birth rate, liver damage, kidney cancer, and other risks. They encouraged additional research into the safety profiles of other PFAS on the market. They also stressed the importance of precaution in safeguarding human health against the harmful effects of forever chemicals.

About the WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit:

What Is the WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit About?

W.L. Gore, which makes Gore-Tex, activewear, and a range of other products, is being sued because reports suggest 13 of its 14 plants in Elkton, Maryland, were negligent and reckless in how they used, stored, and disposed of PFAS-containing waste. The company used PFAS in the production of its Gore-Tex products and other products. The final Gore-Tex products also contain PFAS.

The chemical byproducts and waste from these facilities, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, may have been dumped or improperly stored by W.L. Gore. This negligence may have resulted in PFAS seeping into groundwater or emitted into the air at and near these plants. As a result, people who live or work in or near these areas may be at a higher risk of experiencing cancers, reproductive harm, obesity, and other diseases.

Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown seeks to hold W.L. Gore responsible for its actions and help protect Cecil County residents against further harm. There are also at least two class action lawsuits that have been filed by attorneys against W.L. Gore.

What Is the Legal Basis for the Claims?

People accuse W.L. Gore’s Maryland plants of violating several laws. For example, Attorney General Brown claims W.L. Gore violated Title 9 and Title 7 of Maryland’s Environmental Law because it illegally stored and disposed of hazardous waste into the environment, polluting air and water supplies. The State of Maryland also accuses W.L. Gore of trespassing on state-run property by polluting the Fair Hill Natural Resources Management Area. Attorney General Brown believes W.L. Gore was aware of the risks of its operations and did nothing to stop polluting Elkton, Maryland’s waters and air.

Negligence and Failure to Warn

According to Attorney General Brown, W.L. Gore knew or had reason to know of the incredible risks of PFAS contamination for the general public. For example, W.L. Gore’s founder, William Gore, was a chemical engineer who worked at DuPont before starting W.L. Gore with his wife in 1958. W.L. Gore also worked with DuPont for decades, including to source different materials.

Internal documents reveal that, as early as 1960, DuPont toxicologists were aware of liver damage in rats and rabbits exposed to PFAS. Since then, DuPont chemists and researchers have conducted additional testing about the impacts of PFAS exposure on rabbits, rats, and humans.

In part due to the company’s deep connections with Dupont, it is believed the company knew about the risks and should have taken steps to warn the public. Despite this knowledge, W.L. Gore did nothing and instead continued to pollute the air and water consumed by thousands of people in Elkton, Maryland, for over 50 years. Attorney General Brown believes W.L. Gore hid this knowledge because it wanted to protect its profit and public image.

What Caused the WL Gore PFAS Contamination?

According to the State of Maryland’s complaint, since the 1960s, W.L. Gore has used fluoropolymers—polymers resistant to heat and many other chemicals—in its manufacturing processes in at least 13 of Gore plants in Elkton. The type of fluoropolymers used by W.L. Gore included PTFE (polytetrafluoroethylene) and other products that contained forever chemicals or turned into forever chemicals when exposed to water.

For decades, the company took insufficient steps to keep PFAS and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid) from getting into the water and air. For example, there are allegations that Gore’s Cherry Hill facilities held PFAS-contaminated water in an unlined storage pond. This means there was nothing to keep the unsafe water from poisoning the wells of residents in the Cherry Hill area.

Many of DuPont and Gore’s internal documents referred to PFAS as C8. According to a 1994 report, it was suggested that DuPont and Gore looked into ways to recapture and recycle C8 being released into the waste streams at the Elkton plants. Still, lawsuits allege that W.L. Gore knowingly contaminated Elkton’s water and air for decades. W.L. Gore claims to have stopped using PFAS in 2014; however, that claim is under fire as more investigations and lawsuits are underway.

Facilities Involved in the Lawsuit

At least 13 of W.L. Gore’s facilities are part of the PFAS lawsuit. All of these plants are located in Elkton, Maryland, and are within a 10-mile radius of each other. W.L. Gore has 14 plants in this region; however, the State of Maryland does not yet believe the 14th plant—the Left Bank facility at 505 Blue Ball Road—was involved in contaminating the air and water.

The Cherry Hill Plant is one of the significant PFAS polluters. This plant is located at 2401 Singerly Road, Elkton, Maryland 21921. Lawsuits allege that people who lived near this facility may be at a higher risk of expriencing cancers, reproductive harm, and other diseases. In 2023, residents filed a class action lawsuit alleging that Gore was to blame for the well waters near Cherry Hill Plant having PFAS levels that were over 600 parts per trillion. For reference, the Environmental Protection Agency’s advisory level for some PFAS used by Gore was between 0.004 and 10 parts per trillion.

The Fair Hill Plant is also under fire for contaminating the environment around 101 Lewisville Road in Elkton, Maryland. The Maryland Department of the Environment has investigated this facility in the past and determined that it may be causing PFAS to enter well water and public waterways. W.L. Gore also has several other plants near Airport Road, Blue Ball Road, Vieves Way, and Lovett Drive, which are under scrutiny for environmental contamination.

What Areas Were Contaminated With PFAS?

Many private wells and public water sources in Elkton community and Cecil County in Maryland were contaminated with PFAS, which are a group of forever chemicals that can cause cancer and other health consequences. W.L. Gore & Associates has been part of the Elkton and Cecil County communities for over 50 years.

Testing has revealed that the soil and much of the surface water, groundwater, and well water in the area on and around Gore’s facilities, like its Cherry Hill, Elk Mills, and Fair Hill plants, contain high levels of PFAS. The Gore, DuPont, 3M, and Chemours facilities (which all have long-standing relationships with each other) are central to the Elkton community, and their misconduct puts thousands of people at risk.

Health Risks Linked to the PFAS Contamination at WL Gore

Research suggests that PFAS or forever chemicals like those linked to W.L. Gore’s Maryland plants may cause a range of cancers and illnesses, including:

• Testicular and kidney cancer
• Reproductive harm
• Developmental delays or effects in children
• Prostate cancer
• Problems with someone’s immune system
• High cholesterol
• Ulcerative colitis
• Cardiovascular disease
• Liver damage

Evidence suggests that DuPont and W.L. Gore knew about these and other risks but did nothing. For example, internal documents show that DuPont’s scientists warned about possible liver damage due to PFAS exposure. DuPont also conducted blood testing that revealed that the children of some of its pregnant or recently pregnant employees had birth defects in the eyes or face. W.L. Gore had an ongoing relationship with DuPont, was founded by a DuPont chemist, and hired many scientists and others who worked for DuPont.

Who Qualifies to File a WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit?

People who lived near the W.L. Gore facilities in Cecil County and Elkton, Maryland, may be eligible to sue. This includes renters and homeowners. Additionally, people who worked at or lived with someone who worked at any of W.L. Gore’s Elkton Plants may qualify for compensation.

The plaintiff should be able to prove they were impacted by the PFAS contamination in the water or air. For example, they should have proof that their doctor diagnosed them with a condition like kidney, testicular, or prostate cancer, ulcerative colitis, or thyroid disease or that their child was born with a congenital defect linked to PFAS exposure. Their medical provider should also believe these diagnoses are related to the person’s PFAS exposure.

Recoverable Damages in the WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit

Plaintiffs in the W.L. Gore lawsuit may request many different types of compensation, as long as they can relate it to PFAS exposure. For example, this could include the costs of diagnosing, treating, and monitoring a known PFAS-related condition. Additionally, they may recoup lost wages, sick pay, unpaid time off, and added expenses—like installing a water filtration system that removes PFAS from their well water—incurred because of the forever chemicals.

Plaintiffs may also qualify for compensation to address the pain and suffering they experienced because of the PFAS exposure caused by W.L. Gore’s misconduct. If they lost a loved one to cancer, liver disease, or another condition caused by PFAS, they may be able to file a wrongful death claim.

How to File a WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit

People who think they have a claim against W.L. Gore for harming them or causing their loved ones’ deaths may be able to file a lawsuit. The first step in bringing a PFAS claim against W.L. Gore & Associates is to talk to a seasoned lawyer who is well-versed in product liability, environmental, and personal injury laws. The attorney can speak with them about their PFAS exposure and the injuries they experienced because of it and determine if they can file a class action or individual lawsuit.

The next step is to locate relevant evidence showing how they were exposed to PFAS and how it impacted their physical health. For example, they could gather their property and medical records to show they lived in Elkton, Maryland, and developed cancer. They might also present water test results that show a heightened level of PFAS in their house’s water.

After they have the basic evidence they need, their attorney can write and submit a legal complaint to the appropriate court. Then, they would serve the defendant, W.L. Gore, with this document and proceed with the discovery—i.e., fact-finding—stage of the case. They would also attempt to settle the lawsuit or prepare to go to trial if these talks are unsuccessful.

Is There a Deadline to File a WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit?

Yes. There are deadlines—called the statute of limitations—to file a PFAS lawsuit against W.L. Gore. The deadline depends on the person’s unique circumstances. For example, someone who was harmed by PFAS as an infant or baby may have longer to file a claim than someone who was an adult when they were hurt.

Additionally, the specific allegations the person makes against W.L. Gore—e.g., personal injury, fraud, or failure to warn—may each carry different deadlines. For example, Maryland law may give someone up to three years to sue for personal injury; however, there are situations where this three-year-clock may start on the date of the exposure, the discovery of the cause of the injury, or when another triggering event occurs. An attorney is best suited to help each plaintiff determine their filing due dates under federal and state laws and how they can meet these.

Estimated Settlement Amounts in the WL Gore PFAS Lawsuit

Successful settlements for the W.L. Gore PFAS lawsuits may reach between $150,000 and $400,000 or more in some situations. However, the payout each person receives depends on the circumstances of their individual lawsuit. For example, someone with a strong case that W.L. Gore’s actions led to their terminal cancer diagnosis may receive a higher settlement than someone with minor injuries.

King Law is Accepting WL Gore PFAS Contamination Cases

The reputable team at King Law is accepting PFAS contamination cases against W.L. Gore. Partnering with King Law gives you the following benefits:

• A dedicated intake team that can provide you with personalized information about your case
• Not having to pay legal fees unless we win your lawsuit for you
• Expanded access to your PFAS legal team

We have spent years working with and for people harmed by PFAS exposure caused by large corporations like W.L. Gore, 3M, DuPont, and Chemours. We bring a vast level of experience with us when we take on these types of lawsuits, and we leave no stone unturned.

Contact a WL Gore PFAS Contamination Lawyer Today

If you believe that PFAS in your air or water or occupational exposure caused you to develop cancer or another type of disease, get in touch with us today. Submit an online form or call (585) 496-2648 to speak with a member of our intake team and schedule a no-obligation consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)