ISSUE NO.13 SPRING 2020

Stay Healthy and Be Well NRWA FILES GROUNDBREAKING CLASS ACTION LAWSUIT AGAINST PFAS MANUFACTURERS FOR MAKING, SELLING TOXIC CHEMICALS The National Rural Water Association (“NRWA”) filed a lawsuit on behalf of its 31,000 utility system members now dealing with unregulated chemicals in their drinking water. The NRWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small communities across the United States. The lawsuit seeks money for testing and treatment along with other damages and penalties from the chemical manufacturers, The 3M Co., Tyco Fire Products L.P., National Foam, Inc., Buckeye Fire Protection, Chemguard, E.I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company (“DuPont”) and The Chemours Company. These man-

Human exposure to these toxic substances, through

ufactures developed, marketed, and sold perfluorooc-

use or contaminated drinking water, can lead to an

tanoic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonate (“PFAS”) that

increased risk for testicular cancer, kidney cancer, seri-

can be found in products such as firefighting foam,

ous thyroid problems or ulcerative colitis.

household and food products, industrial sites as well as landfills across the country.

There is uncertainty across the country as to how communities can afford to test and treat PFAS con-

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is used for fire sup-

tamination in the absence of certain State or Federal

pression, particularly at municipal airports and Air

standards. This lawsuit could provide a mechanism for

Force bases for training purposes and to combat jet

addressing and resolving those concerns so costs to

fuel spills. However, many AFFF products contain PFAS.

investigate and remediate are not borne by the Amer-

PFAS contamination also results from carpet, metal

ican taxpayers. We strongly encourage you to contact

plating, paper, plastics, and textiles manufacturing.

the NRWA or Napoli Shkolnik PLLC for more information on how to become involved in this litigation.

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The National Rural Water Association is a non-profit organization dedicated to training, supporting, and promoting the water and wastewater professionals that serve small communities across the United States.

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number of people involved and logistical issues, the

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THE FUTURE What do the founders of Napoli Shkolnik envision for the future? “We will keep leading the fight far into the future,” Marie Napoli says. “We will continue helping people who can’t help themselves. We find satisfaction in being their voice and being there for them. That is what our firm is truly about, and it extends far beyond local boundaries. The environmental cases, for example, are important to all communities throughout America. The way our country and its laws are based has unfortunately allowed contaminations to occur across the country. We are the gatekeepers to prevent these, and other, harms.”

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NEW YORK LAW JOURNAL: “LAWYERS TAKING A STAND AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING”

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By Marie Napoli and Michelle Greene. In Volume 263 (No.32) of New York Law Journal (law.com/newyorklawjournal), Lawyers are in a strategic position to use their skillset to help the survivors, lead critical research and seek reparation.

NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council Napoli Shkolnik PLLC was the proud sponsor of the NYSAC Women’s Leadership Council at their 2020 Legislative Conference in Albany, New York.

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Serving: nearly 40,000 county elected officials and 3.6 million county employees, the National Associaton of Counties mission is to strengthen America’s counties with a vision of healthy, safe and vibrant counties across America.

OVER $300 MILLION PAID IN ATTORNEY REFERRAL FEES We have the resources to take on the toughest cases.

$6 MILLION MEDICAL MALPRACTICE SETTLEMENT Our client underwent a discectomy back procedure at

ANTI-HIV DRUG TRUVADA LAWSUIT

a local hospital, which resulted in a sever to the thyroid artery. He then developed post-operative bleed-

Drug Manufacturer Gilead Sciences knew of the risks involved and failed to bring a safer, alternative drug to market, and people have suffered from serious side effects as a result.

ing in his neck, which led to a blocked airway and hypoxic brain damage. This left him in a temporary coma and with significant permanent disabilities.

Kidney Failure

$4.1 MILLION PERSONAL INJURY MEDIATION

Bone Loss

This was obtained on behalf of a car accident client

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who had seven prior surgeries.

Napoli Shkolnik wants to hold Gilead accountable for their negligence. Contact us for your free, confidential legal consultation.

$3.3 MILLION PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT Our client was working on a construction site, making shaft opening when he fell through an unmarked shaft

FDA FINDS DANGEROUSLYHIGH LEVEL OF CANCERCAUSING COMPOUND IN ZANTAC

opening and fell 20 feet. He sustained catastrophic injuries all over his body, which required extensive medical attention and a future spinal surgery may be necessary.

Over-the-counter antacid Zantac users at higher risk for many cancers, including:

$2.75 MILLION PERSONAL INJURY SETTLEMENT Our client was a cook at a restaurant when he was

Stomach

Liver

Colon

asked to assist at a nearby restaurant that was un-

Esophageal

Lung

Intestinal

der renovation. When he arrived, he was instructed

Bladder

Kidney

Brain

to clean the outdoor signage. He was atop an 8-foot

Pancreatic Testicular

A-frame ladder belonging to the construction compa-

Our tenacious attorneys hold companies like Sanofi responsible when they recklessly endanger the lives of consumers. Contact us for a free case evaluation.

ny, cleaning the elevated sign, when he fell. The uneven sidewalk contributed to his fall and as a result of the fall, our client required multiple surgeries.

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I24NEWS | October 22, 2019 Marie Napoli explains what the $320M settlement in the Ohio bellwether opioid litigations means.

LAW & CRIME NETWORK | October 30, 2019 Winslow’s trial.

HEADLINE NEWS | November 25, 2019 Indiana University professor shares sexist article on

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social media. Marie Napoli discusses the legal options

Harvey Weinstein Trial: can fair and impartial jurors

the university could explore.

be found for this case in NYC? Marie Napoli (above) provides her opinion.

SPECTRUM NEWS 1 | November 7, 2019 Hunter Shkolnik outlines the ongoing Opioid

COURTTV | January 20, 2020

Litigations across the country.

A convicted fashion designer rapist sues because he was stabbed in prison. Marie Napoli evaluates his

HEADLINE NEWS | November 25, 2019 Marie Napoli discusses whether or not Taylor Swift is

potential case.

responsible if something happens to Scooter Braun

COURTTV | January 20,2020

and his family after she tweets her fan base regarding

Harvey Weinstein Trial: this is a landmark case and must be decided on the evidence. Marie Napoli

her displeasure.

considers whether it is possible.

LAW & CRIME NETWORK | January 8, 2020 Marie Napoli provides insight into the Groves Trial: the

COURTTV | January 20,2020

defense and prosecutor’s strategies. Daniel and Jessica

Police initially issued an arrest warrant for Odell

Groves are accused of murdering their infant son.

Bechkman, Jr. LSU football victory. Marie Napoli weighs in.

WPIX-11 NEWS | January 9, 2020 Marie Napoli clarifies a corporation’s duty to protect

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their customers.

Marie Napoli discusses a likely financial motive in a witchcraft triple murder trial.

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Marie Napoli discusses former NFL player Kellen