Shaw Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit [2024 Update]

The Shaw AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit is an active lawsuit

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Shaw Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Overview

Established in 1941 near Sumter, South Carolina, Shaw Air Force Base is home to the 20th Fighter Wing. It is named for First Lieutenant Ervin David Shaw, who died in aerial combat in France in 1918. Shaw, a Sumter native, was considered a World War I hero. The Air Force base houses approximately 5,400 active duty military members. 

Recently, the base has come under scrutiny after per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) were detected in the groundwater and drinking water at and around the installation. Sampling of the water confirmed that the levels exceeded the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) health advisory level at the time of 70 parts per trillion. The EPA has recently proposed new regulations that would lower the health advisory levels for PFAS to 4 parts per trillion.

PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious health concerns, including an increased risk of cancer. Individuals who were stationed at Shaw Air Force Base and subsequently diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS contamination are encouraged to contact King Law. Our attorneys are well-versed in helping current and former military personnel and their families seek justice for their injuries. Contact our office today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation,

Shaw Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawsuit Updates

April 2024: Investigations continue into the potential effect of PFAS exposure on humans and the environment. Lawsuits have been filed against companies that manufactured goods containing PFAS including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). AFFF was used by the military, including at Shaw Air Force Base for decades.

September 2023: The Department of Defense releases information confirming that there has been an impact to off-base wells caused by PFAS contamination at Shaw Air Force Base.

March 2020: Sampling of water by the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC) detects PFAS levels exceeding 70 parts per trillion (ppt) at four of the thirteen wells.

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Background of Toxic Exposure at Shaw Air Force Base

As early as 2010, the military began to look into the possibility that installations across the country had been contaminated by dangerous forever chemicals. It is believed that this contamination of the groundwater, soil, and surface water occurred because of runoff from the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). AFFF has been used by the military for decades. 

Sampling at wells over the next several years on and off the base confirmed levels of PFAS exceeding the EPA’s health advisory levels at the time of 70 parts per trillion. To begin mediating the problem, the Air Force handed out bottled water to affected residents. The Air Force continues to test and monitor wells and other water supplies that may have been contaminated by PFAS.

Shaw Air Force Base Water Contamination Map

PFAS water contamination was detected at several wells on and off Shaw Air Force Base. Off-base wells with high levels of PFOA/PFOS contamination include Cedar Hill, American MH Plaza, Cedar Hill, and Glascock Trucking. These represent public water supplies at or near the base.

Contaminants Found in Shaw AFB Drinking Water

The main contaminants detected in drinking water at and near Shaw Air Force Base are per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are forever chemicals that are potentially harmful to humans and the environment. In testing over the course of 2019 – 2023, levels of PFAS in water supplies doubled or tripled the EPA’s lifetime health advisory limit of 70 parts per trillion. 

PFAS exposure has been linked to a number of serious health conditions, including thyroid disease, kidney disease, and certain kinds of cancer. Due to the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure, the EPA has issued new proposed limits on PFAS levels in drinking water. As of March 2023, the EPA is recommending that PFAS levels not exceed 4 parts per trillion.

Current Water Quality at Shaw AFB

The Air Force continues to test and monitor water quality at and near Shaw Air Force Base. A 2022 Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) noted that water at the installation met all federal and state requirements. However, the EPA recently released new proposed regulations that would lower the lifetime health advisory levels for PFAS from 70 parts per trillion to 4 parts per trillion. 

Water Treatment Efforts at Shaw Air Force Base

Since 2018, Shaw Air Force Base has engaged in remediation efforts to deal with the effects of PFAS contamination in drinking water. The Air Force Base initially handed out bottled water to residents living within the area where high levels of PFAS were detected in their drinking supply. 

In addition, the Air Force has established a Restoration Advisory Board to engage the community in clean-up efforts. Over the last two years, the Air Force has installed solutions to remove PFAS from the water supply. The base is currently in the Remedial Investigation (RI) phase of the Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act (CERCLA) process.

Health Risks Linked to Drinking Water at Shaw AFB

There have been a number of health risks and symptoms linked to contaminated water at Shaw Air Force Base. Individuals who were stationed at Shaw Air Force Base are strongly encouraged to seek regular health check-ups to ensure any conditions related to toxic water exposure are promptly diagnosed and treated. 

Health conditions linked to PFAS exposure:

• Kidney cancer
• Kidney disease
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Immune disorders
• Ulcerative colitis
• Testicular cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Liver disease
• Liver cancer
• Male breast cancer

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

If you have been diagnosed with one of these or another condition related to PFAS contamination after being stationed at or residing near Shaw Air Force Base, you may meet the eligibility criteria for a lawsuit. 

Eligibility Criteria for Shaw AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

To file a Shaw Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit, you must meet certain eligibility requirements. An experienced attorney can provide you with a legal evaluation to determine whether you meet the necessary criteria. Typically, a key factor in military base water contamination cases is the duration of exposure. You must prove that you were exposed to toxic substances for at least six months. 

Another key factor is proof of a specific diagnosis. Qualifying conditions may include a range of cancers and thyroid diseases that have been linked to toxic exposure, particularly from PFAS. It is important to note that water contamination lawsuits may take several months to a year or more to complete. Working with an attorney can not only provide you with the guidance you need throughout the process but can also help to set realistic expectations for the lawsuit’s timeline and outcome.

Our law firm is currently evaluating cases where individuals have been diagnosed with:

• Bladder Cancer
• Breast Cancer
• Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Kidney Cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Multiple-Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
• Pancreatic Cancer
• Prostate Cancer
• Testicular Cancer
• Thyroid Cancer
• Thyroid Disease
• Ulcerative Colitis

It is important to understand that a water contamination lawsuit may take several years or more to resolve. Working with an attorney can ensure you receive the necessary guidance you need to make informed decisions about your case.

Shaw AFB Water Contamination Settlement and Payout Amounts

Settlement and payout amounts in Shar Air Force Base water contamination lawsuits are expected to vary substantially depending on the individual circumstances of the case. Influencing factors may include the age of the individual at the time of the diagnosis, the extent of exposure, the severity of the illness, and the ability to prove a connection between the condition and the contaminated water at the South Carolina base.

Most settlements are anticipated to be between $30,000 and $500,000, with the average payout hovering around $250,000. Individuals who were younger at the time of diagnosis or had an extended duration of active illness may receive larger settlements, with the potential for some cases to reach values at or near $1,000,000. 

Individuals with minor injuries or who are less able to prove a connection to the base’s contaminated water may see values from $30,000 to $75,000. In general, settlements are going to be lower compared to potential trial verdicts. However, there is no guarantee of a favorable outcome if the matter goes to trial.

How to File a Shaw AFB Water Contamination Lawsuit

There are several steps to follow in order to file a Shaw Air Force Base water contamination lawsuit. Working with an attorney can ensure that you follow each of these steps and meet the necessary timelines.

• Determine eligibility. The first step in the process is to determine whether you meet the eligibility criteria for filing a lawsuit. An attorney can provide a legal evaluation to ensure you qualify.
  

• Collect evidence. Next, you will need to collect evidence to support your claim. Evidence necessary to file your case may include your medical records and military orders.
  

• Prepare the case for filing. Once you have the necessary evidence, you can work with your attorney to prepare the case for filing.
  

• File the case. Your attorney will help determine which court has jurisdiction over the matter.
  

• Enter negotiations. After the case has been filed, your case will enter the discovery phase. During the discovery process, both sides have a chance to interview witnesses and obtain documents. Throughout this phase, your attorney may be engaged in negotiations with the defense.
  

• Set the case for trial. If a favorable settlement cannot be reached, the matter will be set for trial with both parties having the opportunity to present their case. 

Evidence to Support Your Claim:

Evidence often proves critical in military base water contamination claims. It is important to begin collecting these documents as early in the process as possible to ensure you meet all legal deadlines.

Evidence that may help substantiate your Shaw Air Force Base water contamination claim:

• Military orders
• Medical records
• Expert testimony
• Environmental studies
• A physician’s notes
• Referrals to specialists
• Water sampling results

Statute of Limitations for Shaw AFB Water Contamination Claims

The statute of limitations for Shaw Air Force Base water contamination claims is state-specific. However, most people will have between one and two years from the date of diagnosis to file a claim based on PFAS exposure. In some states, like New Hampshire, you may have up to six years. The timeframe may vary significantly depending on the specifics of the case. It is imperative to consult with an attorney as early in the process as possible to ensure your case is timely filed and enhance the likelihood of a successful claim.

Shaw Air Force Base Water Contamination Lawyers

At King Law, we have extensive experience representing individuals who have been sickened as a result of toxic water at military bases across the country. Our attorneys will work tirelessly to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. 

If you were diagnosed with a condition related to PFAS exposure after serving or being stationed at Shaw Air Force Base, contact our office to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation. Choosing a qualified attorney to represent you is of the utmost importance and may prove critical to the success of your case.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)