However, lawsuits have alleged that prolonged exposure to aerosolized cooking spray, particularly in commercial kitchen environments, may be linked to serious lung disease, including a rare and potentially life-altering condition known as bronchiolitis obliterans, sometimes referred to as “popcorn lung.”

Recent reports indicate that litigation involving PAM cooking spray resulted in a substantial verdict and, as a result, brought increased attention to concerns about long-term inhalation exposure to aerosolized cooking oils in the workplace.

If you or a loved one developed lung disease like popcorn lung after repeated exposure to aerosol cooking spray, you may have legal options worth exploring. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can represent individuals nationwide in dangerous product and occupational exposure cases through our network of co-counsels.

What Is the PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuit About?

According to publicly reported litigation, the plaintiff alleged in a product liability lawsuit that prolonged inhalation of aerosolized cooking spray in commercial kitchen environments contributed to the development of serious lung disease.

The manufacturer of PAM cooking spray is Conagra Brands.

Lawsuits involving popcorn lung often center on allegations that:

• Aerosolized cooking spray particles may be inhaled deeply into the lungs
• Repeated occupational exposure may cause inflammation or lung damage
• Adequate warnings about inhalation risks were not provided

While each case is fact-specific, these claims highlight broader concerns about workplace safety in restaurant and food preparation settings.

What Is Bronchiolitis Obliterans (“Popcorn Lung”)?

Bronchiolitis obliterans is a rare and serious lung condition involving inflammation and scarring of the small airways. The condition can cause:

• Persistent coughing
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Reduced lung capacity
• Fatigue

In severe cases, lung damage may be irreversible.

The condition gained public attention years ago when workers in microwave popcorn facilities developed lung disease allegedly linked to inhalation of certain chemical flavorings. Some cooking spray lawsuits draw parallels to inhalation-related exposure risks.

How Aerosolized Cooking Sprays May Affect the Lungs

Cooking sprays are dispensed as fine aerosols, creating microscopic droplets that may:

• Remain suspended in the air
• Be inhaled by workers
• Accumulate in poorly ventilated environments

In commercial kitchens, workers may use cooking spray repeatedly throughout the day. Over time, prolonged exposure in enclosed or inadequately ventilated spaces may increase inhalation risk.

Factors that may contribute to exposure include:

• Frequent spraying during food preparation
• Limited ventilation systems
• Lack of protective equipment
• Continuous shifts in small kitchen areas

Who May Be at Risk for Popcorn Lung?

Lawsuits involving cooking spray exposure could involve:

• Restaurant workers
• Line cooks
• Kitchen staff
• Food service employees
• Industrial food processing workers

Home use generally involves intermittent exposure, while occupational exposure may occur daily over months or years.

Symptoms That May Be Linked to Inhalation Exposure

Workers alleging cooking spray-related lung disease have reported:

• Chronic dry cough
• Increasing shortness of breath
• Chest tightness
• Decreased exercise tolerance
• Persistent respiratory symptoms

In some cases, symptoms developed gradually, leading to delayed diagnosis.

Example Scenarios in Cooking Spray Lung Disease Claims

While each case is different, lawsuits could involve scenarios such as:

Example 1 – Long-Term Restaurant Exposure
A line cook uses aerosolized cooking spray multiple times per shift in a poorly ventilated kitchen. Over time, the worker develops progressive respiratory symptoms.

Example 2 – Industrial Food Facility Exposure
An employee in a large-scale food processing plant is exposed to airborne cooking spray particles daily for several years before being diagnosed with lung disease.

Example 3 – Inadequate Warning Allegations
A worker alleges that no warnings were provided about potential inhalation hazards during prolonged use.

These examples often involve extended, repeated exposure rather than occasional household use.

Legal Theories in PAM Cooking Spray Lawsuits

Cooking spray lung disease claims may involve several legal theories:

Failure to Warn

Allegations that adequate warnings were not provided about inhalation risks in occupational settings.

Design Defect

Claims that the aerosol formulation or delivery system created foreseeable inhalation hazards.

Negligence

Allegations that reasonable care was not exercised in evaluating long-term exposure risks.

Workplace Liability

In some cases, employers may also be evaluated under workers’ compensation or occupational safety frameworks.

Each claim depends on medical evidence, workplace conditions, and product use history.

Medical Evidence in Lung Disease Cases

These cases could involve:

• Pulmonary function testing
• CT scans of the lungs
• Biopsy results
• Occupational exposure history
• Expert testimony from pulmonologists

Because bronchiolitis obliterans is relatively rare, careful medical evaluation is typically necessary to assess causation.

Compensation That May Be Available

Depending on the circumstances, compensation may include:

• Medical expenses
• Ongoing pulmonary care
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Disability-related damages

Lung diseases can significantly impact daily life and long-term health.

Are Cooking Spray Cases Class Actions?

Some cases may be resolved individually, while others may be coordinated in broader litigation. Occupational exposure claims often depend heavily on individual medical and employment history.

What To Do If You Developed Lung Disease After Cooking Spray Exposure

If you believe prolonged aerosol cooking spray exposure contributed to lung disease:

1. Seek evaluation from a pulmonologist
2. Request copies of medical records
3. Document work history and exposure details
4. Identify specific products used
5. Preserve employment records
6. Consult a Florida product liability lawyer to review potential claims

Early documentation may be important in exposure cases.

How the Law Offices of Jason Turchin May Help

The Law Offices of Jason Turchin is available to represent individuals nationwide in dangerous product and occupational exposure cases. The firm handles cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees or costs unless money is recovered.

The firm can help by:

• Reviewing medical and employment history
• Investigating exposure conditions
• Consulting medical professionals
• Identifying responsible manufacturers
• Pursuing compensation through settlement or litigation when appropriate

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can cooking spray cause lung disease?

Some lawsuits allege that prolonged occupational inhalation exposure may contribute to lung conditions.

Is bronchiolitis obliterans reversible?

In many cases, the condition may cause lasting lung damage.

Does this apply to home use?

Most reported personal injury lawsuits involve occupational exposure rather than occasional household use.

Can employers be involved in claims?

Depending on circumstances, workers’ compensation laws may apply.

How long do I have to file a claim?

Statutes of limitations vary by state, so prompt legal advice is recommended.

Speak With a Florida Lung Disease Exposure Lawyer

If you developed lung disease after prolonged exposure to PAM cooking spray or aerosolized cooking products, you may have legal options worth exploring. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help review your situation and explain potential next steps.

Call (800) 337-7755 or visit www.VictimAid.com for a free consultation. There are no fees or costs unless money is recovered.

Hiring a contractor in Florida can be risky, especially if the individual or company is not properly licensed. When a contractor performs construction or building services without the required certification, and their work causes injury or damage, Florida law allows consumers to sue for enhanced damages under Florida Statute 768.0425.

This powerful statute not only allows you to recover damages for the harm caused but also provides triple damages if the contractor is found to be unlicensed or uncertified. In this blog, we’ll explain what this law means, when it applies, and how to pursue a claim if you’ve been harmed by a negligent contractor in Florida.

What Is Florida Statute 768.0425?

Florida Statute 768.0425 is a consumer protection law that addresses damages in lawsuits brought against contractors for injuries caused by negligence, malfeasance, or misfeasance. It specifically applies when the contractor is not properly licensed or certified to do the work.

(2) In any action against a contractor for injuries sustained resulting from the contractor’s negligence, malfeasance, or misfeasance, the consumer shall be entitled to three times the actual compensatory damages sustained in addition to costs and attorney’s fees if the contractor is neither certified as a contractor by the state nor licensed as a contractor pursuant to the laws of the municipality or county within which she or he is conducting business.

Key Definitions in the Statute

What Is a Contractor?

Under this law, a “contractor” means any person who contracts to perform construction or building services regulated by state or local law, including services governed by:

• Chapter 489 (Construction Contracting)
• Chapter 633 (Fire Prevention and Safety regulations)

This includes general contractors, electricians, HVAC installers, plumbers, and others providing regulated services.

Who Is a Consumer?

A “consumer” is defined as any person who contracts with a contractor for construction or building services. This includes homeowners, commercial property owners, and tenants who directly hire a contractor to perform work.

When Can You Sue a Contractor for Triple Damages?

You can pursue triple damages under Florida Statute 768.0425 if all of the following are true:

• You hired a contractor to perform construction or building services.
• You suffered injury, property damage, or financial loss due to the contractor’s negligence, malfeasance, or misfeasance.
• The contractor was not licensed by the state or the county or municipality where the work was performed.

Examples of Negligent or Unlawful Contractor Behavior

• Performing electrical work without the proper license and causing a house fire.
• Installing a roof improperly, leading to structural collapse.
• Building a staircase without permits or safety compliance, resulting in a fall injury.
• Using unqualified subcontractors who cause damage or injury.

Real-World Example: Unlicensed Contractor Injury Claim

A homeowner in Broward County hires a contractor to install new plumbing in their home. The contractor fails to pull permits and is not licensed locally. Due to poor workmanship, a pipe bursts and causes extensive water damage and mold. The homeowner is forced to move out for remediation. Under Florida Statute 768.0425, the homeowner may be entitled to three times the cost of repairs and additional compensation for relocation and legal fees.

What Types of Compensation Are Available?

When suing under this statute, the following damages may be available:

• Cost of repairing or replacing defective work
• Medical expenses if the negligence caused an injury
• Compensation for loss of use of the property
• Pain and suffering, if applicable
• Attorney’s fees and court costs
• Three times the actual compensatory damages (treble damages)

What Are Treble Damages?

Treble damages are a form of punitive compensation meant to deter bad conduct. For example, if your damages were $20,000 and the contractor was unlicensed, the court could award you $60,000 in damages, plus attorney’s fees and costs.

How to Know If a Contractor Is Licensed in Florida

Before hiring a contractor, check their license status through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) or your local county or city building department. Warning signs of unlicensed contractors include:

• Refusing to provide a license number
• Requesting large upfront cash payments
• Insisting on working without permits
• Offering pricing that seems too good to be true

How to File a Claim Under Florida Statute 768.0425

If you were injured or financially harmed due to an unlicensed or negligent contractor, here’s what to do:

• Document the work performed and the damage caused
• Take photos and keep receipts for repairs and expenses
• Obtain a copy of the contractor’s license (or proof they are not licensed)
• Consult a personal injury or construction liability attorney

Our legal team can help you gather evidence, calculate damages, and file a lawsuit if necessary.

Why Hire a Florida Negligence Attorney?

Contractor negligence cases are often complex. You may be dealing with insurance adjusters, legal technicalities, or construction codes. An experienced attorney can:

• Evaluate whether your case qualifies under Florida Statute 768.0425
• Investigate licensing status and contractor history
• Negotiate a settlement or file a lawsuit on your behalf
• Fight for triple damages and attorney’s fees

Contact a Florida Contractor Negligence Lawyer Today

If you hired a contractor who was unlicensed and caused harm through negligence or substandard work, you may have a right to triple damages under Florida law. The Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you recover what you’re owed.

Call 800-337-7755 today or visit www.victimaid.com for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win or settle your case.