In the Media

Plaintiffs lawyers – and their experts – are gaining power in Michigan on PFAS issue

LANSING, Mich. (Legal Newsline) – Plaintiffs lawyers likely have their eyes on Michigan, as the new attorney general there wants to sue companies over chemicals known as PFAS but doesn’t think her staff will be able to handle it.

Instead, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is soliciting pitches from private lawyers who would fund the litigation in exchange for a percentage of any verdict or settlement. She reached this decision as the State considers regulating PFAS with the help of a three-member panel that features two scientists who have been expert witnesses for the plaintiffs bar.

Six law firms to represent state in lawsuit over PFAS

he state Department of Justice has lined up six nationally known law firms to represent New Hampshire in its landmark lawsuit against major chemical companies over contamination from chemicals used in products with trade names like Teflon and Scotchgard.

The Executive Council and Legislative Fiscal Committee have both approved a June 11 agreement that guarantees the law firms 20 percent of any settlement, after expenses.

Gov. Chris Sununu and Attorney General Gordon MacDonald in May announced the lawsuit was filed in Hillsborough County Superior Court against 3M, DuPont and the Chemours Company, all of which manufacture and distribute chemicals known as PFAS (polyfluroalkyl substances).