Frequently Asked Questions

What is a class action?

A class action is one case on behalf of many, instead of individual cases. If approved by a judge, this putative class action will combine various PFAS lawsuits filed against W.L. Gore into one litigation.

Who are you?

Phil Federico and Chase Brockstedt of Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico LLC and Kayla Lattimore and David Hoyle of Motley Rice LLC represent plaintiffs in this putative class action.  

Baird Mandalas Brockstedt & Federico LLC has offices in Maryland and Delaware and is located at: 6225 Smith Avenue, 200B | Baltimore, MD

Motley Rice LLC has offices in multiple states and is located at: 28 Bridgeside Blvd. | Mount Pleasant, SC

Who else is on the legal team?

It is important for you to know that we have retained experts and consultants with expertise in the relevant environmental and health issues.

What is the status of this lawsuit?

A putative class action was filed Feb. 1, 2023 in the District of Maryland against W.L. Gore & Associates, Inc.

What is your approach to this case?

Our approach is to understand the nature and extent of the contamination allegedly caused by the defendant to seek a permanent solution for those affected. We are seeking costs for testing and remediation of the groundwater, surface water, and soil that have been contaminated with PFAS; decreased property values; and a medical surveillance program to better help residents with current and future health problems.

What would remediation include?

We allege the defendant contaminated the environment near Gore’s Cherry Hill plant and has not done enough to fix the problems it caused. A primary goal is to clean up the mess Gore has allegedly created and ensure impacted people have the resources they need moving forward.

How might my health be affected?

Exposure to PFAS can seriously damage one’s health. Some examples of potential effects include:

• Cancer: Testicular, kidney

• Elevated liver enzymes

• Low birth weights

• Pregnancy-induced hypertension

• Thyroid Disease

• Ulcerative colitis

Is my drinking water affected?

Environmental testing of the surface, ground and well water in Elkton have determined that some private wells near Gore’s Cherry Hill plant have been contaminated with high levels of PFOA. We are further investigating the extent of the water contamination and through this litigation, we hope to encourage solutions to ensure the water supply near the Cherry Hill plant is as safe as possible. We are recommending bottle water consumption at this time.

If you would like to have your water tested you may reference Maryland Department of the Environment’s list of certified labs capable of testing PFAS - or purchase an at-home testing kit.

For more information, please visit:

• EPA | PFAS Explained

• MDE | Maryland and PFAS

Do I need to have my water tested before I can join the lawsuit?

No. We are continuing to evaluate the scope of the areas potentially impacted.  Our understanding of these impacts will continue to evolve over the course of this litigation, as we obtain additional information.  If you live in the area around the Gore Cherry Hill facility and are concerned about potential exposure to PFAS, please contact us to speak to our team.”

I’m sick, what do I do?

We highly recommend if you are feeling ill to seek medical treatment immediately.

How do I contact you?

Visit our Contact page.