PAM Spray Lawsuit 2026, Jury Awards $25M for Lung Disease—Are You Eligible for a Product Liability Claim?
If you developed respiratory issues or suffered burn injuries after using PAM cooking spray, you may be eligible for significant compensation. As of February 2026, a landmark $25 million jury verdict was awarded to a consumer who developed lung disease, while dozens of other personal injury lawsuits regarding exploding cans remain active in U.S. courts.
PAM Spray Lawsuit Overview: Key Developments in 2026
The legal landscape surrounding PAM cooking spray is divided into two primary categories: respiratory damage linked to chemical additives and catastrophic burn injuries caused by defective can designs.
The $25 Million Lung Disease Verdict (February 2026)
In a major development on February 11, 2026, a Los Angeles jury ordered Conagra Brands Inc. to pay $25 million to a plaintiff who developed bronchiolitis obliterans (commonly known as “popcorn lung”). The lawsuit, Esparza v. Conagra Brands, alleged that the company’s butter-flavored spray contained diacetyl, a chemical linked to severe respiratory damage. Although Conagra claims to have removed diacetyl in 2009, the jury found the company failed to adequately warn long-term users of the risks.
Exploding Can Litigation and Defective Vents
Separate from the lung disease claims, Conagra faces over 50 active lawsuits involving its “U-shaped” vent design found on larger aerosol cans (10 oz or more). Plaintiffs allege these cans vent flammable propellants like propane and butane at lower temperatures than advertised, causing the canisters to “explode into fireballs” during normal kitchen use. In late 2025, an Illinois appellate court upheld a $7.1 million verdict for a burn victim, solidifying the legal standing for these product liability claims.
Current Case Status and Jurisdiction
Most cases are currently being litigated in the Superior Court of Los Angeles and the Cook County Circuit Court in Illinois. As of February 2026, there is no nationwide class action settlement for all consumers; instead, cases are being handled as individual personal injury lawsuits or mass torts, allowing victims to seek much higher damages based on their specific injuries.
Claim Eligibility and Who Can File
Determining if you qualify for a “claim” depends on the type of harm you suffered. Because there is no general “refund” class action at this time, eligibility is focused on those with physical or medical documentation.
- Respiratory Claims: You may be eligible if you have been diagnosed with chronic lung disease, specifically bronchiolitis obliterans, after long-term use of butter-flavored PAM spray (particularly products used prior to 2010).
- Burn/Explosion Claims: Eligibility is open to those injured by large PAM canisters (10 oz+) manufactured between 2011 and 2019 that featured the U-shaped vent design at the bottom.
- Geographic Scope: These lawsuits are open to residents across the United States.
- Exclusions: Minor skin irritation or general dissatisfaction with the product typically does not qualify for these high-value litigation pools.
Claim Filing Procedures and Deadlines
Unlike a standard class action where you simply fill out a form, these cases require a formal legal filing through a personal injury attorney to ensure you receive a portion of the millions being awarded.
- Statute of Limitations: This is your “deadline.” In most states, you have two years from the date of your injury or diagnosis to file a lawsuit. For property damage, some states allow up to five years.
- Required Documentation: You will need medical records confirming your diagnosis or burn treatment, and if possible, the specific canister involved or proof of purchase (receipts/store records).
- Submission Method: Claims are currently submitted via “Complaints” filed in civil court. There is no public online “claim portal” as of February 2026, as these are not yet settled class-wide.
Potential Payout Amounts and Calculations
Because the recent awards have been determined by juries, the payouts are significantly higher than typical consumer settlements.
| Injury Type | Recent Award Examples | Payout Factors |
| Severe Lung Disease | $25 Million (2026) | Severity of damage, need for transplants, and lost wages. |
| Severe Burn Injuries | $7.1 Million (2025) | Degree of burns, scarring, and punitive damages against the company. |
| General Product Defect | TBD | Will likely depend on future mass tort settlements. |
What You Must Know
The “U-Vent” Identification
If you have large cans of PAM in your pantry, check the bottom. The defective cans feature four U-shaped vents around the base. Conagra discontinued this design in 2019, but because these products have a long shelf life, many remain in homes. These are the specific models linked to the explosion lawsuits.
Many claimants make the mistake of assuming they are automatically part of a “class.” In high-stakes cases like this, you must actively join the litigation. Missing your state’s statute of limitations (filing deadline) is the most common reason victims lose their right to compensation.
What to Do Next
How to Start Your Claim
First, preserve the evidence. If a can exploded, do not throw it away; it is the most vital piece of evidence. Second, gather your medical records. If you used PAM and now have respiratory issues, ask your doctor for a pulmonary function test.
Next, contact a civil litigation specialist who has experience with the Conagra/PAM docket. Because these are “contingency” cases, you should not have to pay any upfront fees to file.
How to Verify Information
You can track the progress of the Esparza v. Conagra case and the ongoing Cook County consolidated cases via the Los Angeles Superior Court or the Cook County Clerk websites. For official corporate statements, monitor Conagra Brands’ investor relations page.
FAQs About the PAM Spray Lawsuit
What is the PAM spray lawsuit about?
It involves two main issues: allegations that butter-flavored PAM caused rare lung disease (popcorn lung) and claims that certain large cans are defectively designed and prone to exploding.
Am I eligible to claim in the PAM spray lawsuit?
Eligibility currently requires proof of physical injury (burns) or a medical diagnosis of respiratory disease linked to the product’s ingredients.
What is the deadline to file a claim in the PAM spray lawsuit?
There is no fixed “settlement deadline” yet; instead, you must follow your state’s statute of limitations, which is often 2 years from the date of injury.
What documentation do I need to file a claim?
You need medical records, proof of purchase (if available), and ideally, the specific canister that caused the injury.
How much will I receive from the PAM spray lawsuit?
While individual results vary, recent jury awards have ranged from $7.1 million to $25 million for severe injuries.
Is there a PAM spray class action claim form?
No. As of February 2026, these cases are being handled as individual lawsuits, meaning you must hire an attorney rather than just filling out a form.
Last Updated: February 13, 2026
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
Stay informed, stay protected. — AllAboutLawyer.com
About the Author
Sarah Klein, JD, is a licensed attorney and legal content strategist with over 12 years of experience across civil, criminal, family, and regulatory law. At All About Lawyer, she covers a wide range of legal topics — from high-profile lawsuits and courtroom stories to state traffic laws and everyday legal questions — all with a focus on accuracy, clarity, and public understanding.
Her writing blends real legal insight with plain-English explanations, helping readers stay informed and legally aware.
Read more about Sarah