Patrick Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit
- Last Updated: April 14th, 2025
Attorney Jessica Paluch-Hoerman, founder of TruLaw, has over 28 years of experience as a personal injury and mass tort attorney, and previously worked as an international tax attorney at Deloitte. Jessie collaborates with attorneys nationwide — enabling her to share reliable, up-to-date legal information with our readers.
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy and clarity by the team of writers and legal experts at TruLaw and is as accurate as possible. This content should not be taken as legal advice from an attorney. If you would like to learn more about our owner and experienced injury lawyer, Jessie Paluch, you can do so here.
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Key takeaways:
- Patrick AFB ranks among military installations with the highest PFAS contamination, placing it in the "Filthy 50" bases requiring priority environmental cleanup.
- Patrick AFB contamination victims can join class actions or file individual claims against both AFFF manufacturers and those who used these chemicals on base.
- The 2024 PFAS settlement allocates $10.5-12.5 billion through 2036, potentially benefiting Patrick AFB victims based on exposure levels and health outcomes.
Overview of the Patrick AFB Water Contamination Crisis
The issue of water contamination at military installations across the United States has gained substantial attention in recent years.
Patrick Air Force Base, located on Florida’s east coast, joins a growing list of bases where harmful chemicals have been found in water supplies.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been monitoring these sites after discovering that forever chemicals known as PFAS have infiltrated groundwater at dangerous levels.
Historical Background of Patrick Air Force Base Operations
Patrick Air Force Base has served as a key military base for the United States Air Force since its establishment in 1940.
The contamination at Patrick AFB stems primarily from the use of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a firefighting foam that was standard for extinguishing fuel-based fires.
These activities, while necessary for military readiness, unfortunately contributed to environmental contamination that would only be understood decades later.
Operational activities at Patrick AFB used to include, but were not limited to:
- Aircraft maintenance and fueling
- Firefighting training and emergency response
- Aerospace research and development
- Military housing and support facilities
For decades, this toxic firefighting foam was used regularly in training and emergency situations without understanding its long-term environmental impacts.
The chemicals from this foam seeped into the soil and eventually reached groundwater supplies, creating a persistent contamination problem.
If you or someone you love has developed health issues after exposure to contaminated water at Travis Air Force Base, you may qualify to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine your eligibility to join others in filing a Patrick Air Force Base PFAS Lawsuit today.
Table of Contents
How Can A PFAS Contamination Attorney from TruLaw Help You?
Our PFAS Contamination attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a PFAS Contamination lawsuit.
With extensive experience in chemical exposure cases, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with litigation leaders to prove how toxic PFAS chemicals in water supplies caused you harm.
TruLaw focuses on securing compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and ongoing health monitoring resulting from your PFAS exposure.
We understand the health and environmental impacts of PFAS exposure on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.
Meet the Lead PFAS Contamination Attorney at TruLaw
Meet our lead PFAS Contamination attorney:
- Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her experience in product liability and personal injury litigation to her client-centered approach by prioritizing open communication and personalized attention with her clients. Through TruLaw and partner law firms, Jessica has helped collect over $3 billion dollars on behalf of injured individuals across all 50 states through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
How much does hiring a PFAS Contamination lawyer from TruLaw cost?
At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.
That’s why we operate on a contingency fee basis—with this approach, you only pay legal fees after you’ve been awarded compensation for your injuries.
If you or a loved one experienced health complications from exposure to PFAS-contaminated water that include forms of cancer, immune disorders, liver damage, or thyroid disease, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing a PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.
Toxic Exposure Timeline at Patrick Air Force Base
The Environmental Working Group has been instrumental in documenting exposure to hazardous substances at military bases nationwide.
Their research indicates that toxic chemicals from firefighting foam have been used at Patrick AFB since at least the 1970s, with significant environmental implications that continue today.
PFAS Testing Results and Concerning Findings
Recent testing has revealed alarming levels of contaminants in drinking water sources around the base.
Samples of contaminated water have shown PFAS concentrations well above safe limits recommended by health authorities.
Some contaminated drinking water sources showed levels exceeding 70 parts per trillion, the previous health advisory level set by the EPA, while newer guidelines suggest even lower thresholds for safety.
Significant testing milestones include:
- Initial groundwater sampling in the early 2000s
- Comprehensive drinking water assessment in 2016
- Off-base well testing program launched in 2018
- Ongoing monitoring of treatment system effectiveness
Transition to Safer Firefighting Materials
The Department of Defense has begun to address PFAS contamination at bases nationwide, implementing a systematic cleanup process that includes transitioning to safer alternatives.
While cleanup efforts are underway, the persistence of these chemicals in the environment means that remediation will be a long-term project requiring sustained commitment and resources.
Geographic Distribution of Water Contamination
The impact extends beyond active-duty military personnel to affect family members living on or near the base, as well as surrounding communities whose contaminated water supplies may have been affected by the migrating plume of chemicals.
On-Base Affected Areas and Testing Sites
The most severely affected areas at Patrick Air Force Base include firefighting training areas, drainage systems, and groundwater wells.
Veterans exposed to these contaminants during their service, along with military veterans who lived on base with their families, face potential health consequences that may only become apparent years after exposure.
High-risk contamination zones on base include:
- Fire training areas and crash sites
- Hangar fire suppression system discharge points
- Fuel storage and transfer facilities
- Drainage canals and retention ponds
- Base housing water distribution systems
Off-Base Contamination in Surrounding Communities
Patrick’s contamination issues mirror those found at other facilities nationwide, including England Air Force Base, Sawyer Air Force Base, Ellsworth Air Force Base, Holloman Air Force Base, Wurtsmith Air Force Base, Horsham Air Guard Station, and Cannon Air Force Base.
The pattern of contamination across these locations demonstrates that this is a systemic problem requiring coordinated action.
Harmful Substances Detected in Patrick's Water Supply
The PFAS exposure documented at Patrick AFB and similar installations stems from polyfluoroalkyl substances that persist in the environment for decades.
These toxic substances, nicknamed “forever chemicals,” resist breakdown in both natural environments and the human body.
Types of PFAS Chemical Contamination
The companies responsible for manufacturing these chemicals—PFAS manufacturers and chemical manufacturers—allegedly knew about potential significant harm these substances could cause but continued to sell them for military and civilian applications.
The lawsuit against these manufacturers forms the core of legal actions being taken on behalf of affected individuals.
Common PFAS compounds found at Patrick AFB include:
- PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonate)
- PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid)
- PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonate)
- PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonate)
- GenX and other replacement compounds
Beyond PFAS, testing has identified additional contaminants in drinking water supplies around the base.
The PFAS-contaminated water represents just one category of potential exposure, as these chemicals can interact with other compounds in the human body, potentially amplifying health risks.
Current Status of Patrick's Water Quality Concerns
Similar issues have emerged at Warren Air Force Base and Grand Prairie Armed Forces facilities, prompting the Centers for Disease Control to investigate the health implications.
Their research aims to establish clearer links between exposure and health outcomes.
Recent Water Quality Assessment Results
Other installations facing similar challenges include Naval Air Station Jacksonville, Eielson Air Force Base, and Altus Air Force Base, where remediation efforts are also underway.
The widespread nature of this contamination highlights the scale of the problem facing military communities nationwide.
Current remediation approaches being implemented:
- Installation of activated carbon filtration systems
- Groundwater extraction and treatment
- Soil excavation in highly contaminated areas
- Regular monitoring and public notification
- Alternative water supply provision for affected residents
Remediation experiences at Pease Air Force Base, Naval Station Newport, and Blue Grass Army Depot provide valuable models for addressing contamination at Patrick.
Each facility has implemented slightly different approaches based on specific contamination profiles and local conditions, creating a knowledge base for future cleanup operations.
Health Conditions Connected to Patrick Water Exposure
The health risks associated with PFAS exposure are increasingly well-documented, with serious health risks including various cancers, immune system dysfunction, and developmental issues.
The impact on human health continues to be studied, but existing research already points to concerning connections between exposure and illness.
Cancer and Serious Illnesses Linked to PFAS
Among the most concerning health impacts are kidney cancer and breast cancer, which have been linked to PFAS exposure in multiple studies.
For those affected, medical records documenting their conditions and history of residence at contaminated installations are crucial evidence for legal cases.
PFAS exposure has been associated with increased risk of:
- Multiple types of cancer
- Liver damage
- Decreased fertility
- Developmental delays in children
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Compromised immune system function
Other Health Effects from Water Contaminants
Beyond cancer, thyroid disease represents another common health concern associated with PFAS exposure.
For affected individuals, medical expenses can be substantial, creating financial hardship on top of health challenges.
Many people’s military service placed them in harm’s way without their knowledge, leading to health consequences years or decades later.
The emergence of PFAS water contamination lawsuits has opened a pathway for affected individuals to seek justice.
Through legal action, plaintiffs hope to hold responsible parties accountable and secure compensation for damages.
Law firms specializing in environmental contamination cases are helping affected individuals navigate the complex process of documenting exposure and connecting it to health outcomes.
Types of compensation being sought include:
- Coverage for medical monitoring and treatment
- Reimbursement for property value diminution
- Damages for pain and suffering
- Funding for environmental remediation
- Punitive damages against manufacturers
For those affected by contamination at Patrick Air Force Base, financial compensation may help cover costs of medical treatment, monitoring, and damages for diminished quality of life.
While money cannot restore health, it can provide important support for those dealing with the consequences of contamination.
The Patrick Air Force Base PFAS lawsuit represents an important step toward accountability and remediation.
By addressing past harm while working to prevent future contamination, these legal actions serve both those currently affected and generations to come.
For those who lived or worked at Patrick AFB during contamination periods, consulting with attorneys experienced in environmental contamination cases represents an important first step toward potential compensation and justice.
As testing and research continue, our understanding of the scope and impact of PFAS contamination grows.
With increased awareness comes greater possibility for meaningful action to address this environmental and public health challenge.
For affected communities around Patrick Air Force Base and similar installations nationwide, this growing attention brings hope for resolution and remedy.
TruLaw: Accepting Clients for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit
PFAS contamination lawsuits are being filed by individuals nationwide who experienced health problems from exposure to PFAS chemicals in drinking water.
TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the PFAS contamination lawsuit.
A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your PFAS contamination lawsuit include:
- If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The PFAS contamination lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if you win.
- Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic exposure cases similar to the PFAS contamination lawsuit.
- Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner law firms have helped our clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.
If you or a loved one suffered health problems related to PFAS-contaminated water, you may be eligible to seek compensation.
Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation that can determine if you qualify for the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit today.
PFAS Contamination Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions
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Who qualifies for Patrick AFB PFAS compensation?
People qualifying for Patrick AFB PFAS compensation include military personnel stationed at the base, family members living on-site, civilian workers, and nearby residents who consumed contaminated water and subsequently developed health issues linked to PFAS exposure.
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What health conditions link to Patrick AFB exposure?
Health conditions linked to Patrick AFB exposure include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, pregnancy-induced hypertension, and immunological effects. These conditions must be medically documented and connected to your time at or near the base.
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How do I join the Patrick AFB water lawsuit?
Joining the Patrick AFB water lawsuit requires contacting specialized attorneys handling PFAS litigation, providing documentation of your base presence during contamination periods, and supplying medical records showing qualifying health conditions potentially caused by PFAS chemicals.
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What contamination levels exist at Patrick AFB?
Contamination levels at Patrick AFB exceed health advisory limits, with testing showing PFAS concentrations surpassing the EPA’s 4 parts per trillion safety threshold. The base ranks among numerous installations with documented forever chemical pollution requiring extensive remediation efforts.
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Can family members file Patrick AFB lawsuits?
Family members can file Patrick AFB lawsuits if they lived on base, regularly visited, or consumed water from contaminated systems, and later developed qualifying health conditions. Spouses, children, and other dependents who experienced PFAS exposure qualify for legal action.
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What documentation strengthens Patrick AFB claims?
Documentation strengthening Patrick AFB claims includes military service records, base housing assignments, medical diagnoses of PFAS-linked conditions, treatment history, water testing results from your residence, and evidence establishing your timeline at Patrick during known contamination periods.
Managing Attorney & Owner
With over 25 years of legal experience, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman is an Illinois lawyer, a CPA, and a mother of three. She spent the first decade of her career working as an international tax attorney at Deloitte.
In 2009, Jessie co-founded her own law firm with her husband – which has scaled to over 30 employees since its conception.
In 2016, Jessie founded TruLaw, which allows her to collaborate with attorneys and legal experts across the United States on a daily basis. This hypervaluable network of experts is what enables her to share the most reliable, accurate, and up-to-date legal information with our readers!
You can learn more about the PFAS Contamination Lawsuit by visiting any of our pages listed below:
Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
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With TruLaw, you gain access to successful and seasoned lawyers who maximize your chances of success. Our lawyers invest in you—they do not receive a dime until your lawsuit reaches a successful resolution!
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Here, at TruLaw, we’re committed to helping victims get the justice they deserve.
Alongside our partner law firms, we have successfully collected over $3 Billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of injured individuals.
Would you like our help?
