AFFF is an acronym for Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, a product commonly used by firefighters to combat petroleum-based fires. Research from the U.S. Fire Administration has shown that AFFF contains potential carcinogens and other chemicals that have been linked to several types of cancer when they accumulate in the body. These cancers include:
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphomas
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Neuroendocrine tumors
What Chemicals in AFFF Cause Cancer?
Two of the active ingredients in the firefighting foam: perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), are known as "forever chemicals."
These compounds are perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), meaning their strong chemical bonds make them hard to break down. PFAS can build up in the body over time. Long-term exposure to high concentrations can lead to other medical conditions, such as:
- Congenital disabilities
- Lower birth weight
- Pregnancy-related hypertension
- Pre-eclampsia
- Infertility
- Diabetes
- Decreased immunity
Is AFFF Banned in the United States?
Currently, twelve states have banned firefighting foams containing PFAS:
- Illinois
- Wisconsin
- Michigan
- Louisiana
- Nevada
- West Virginia
- Vermont
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Minnesota
- New Hampshire
Moreover, states like Illinois have ordered the manufacturers to warn fire departments of the carcinogens in AFFFs and the environmental risks they pose.
Am I Eligible for Compensation Following AFFF-Caused Cancer?
Yes. If you or your loved one has cancer due to exposure to AFFF, you can pursue compensation for the physical, mental, and economic suffering. A firefighting foam cancer attorney can help you determine eligibility and file a lawsuit against the liable party. The following are the high-risk individuals who may benefit from an AFFF cancer claim or lawsuit:
- Firefighters
- Airport employees
- Gas and oil company employees who constantly use AFFF to put out workplace fires
- Military personnel
- Individuals living near fire departments, military bases, airports, or manufacturing companies that produce AFFF
Who Is Liable in an AFFF Lawsuit?
The responsible party in an AFFF cancer lawsuit is the manufacturer of the firefighting foam. In the past years, people living with cancer have sued major manufacturers such as Dupont, 3M, and Chemours. Other companies that produce these AFFFs include:
- Tyco Fire Products
- National Foam
- Chemguard
- Corteva Inc.
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Co.
- Kidde-Fenwal
- Dynax Corporation
- Chubb Fire
- UTC Fire & Security Americas Corporation
- Enterra Corporation
What Damages Can I Recover from an AFFF Cancer Case?
When you file a claim or lawsuit against the manufacturer for AFFF-caused cancer, you can receive compensation for your injuries and losses. These include:
- Loss of wages/salaries
- Medical expenses (current and future)
- Reduced quality of life
- Inability to work/earn
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional anguish
- Mental distress
If you lost a loved one due to cancer linked to the use of AFFFs, you may be eligible for compensation for loss of consortium, livelihood, and burial and funeral expenses.
The Latest on Filing an AFFF Lawsuit
If you choose to file an AFFF foam cancer lawsuit, it will most likely become part of multidistrict litigation. This means any plaintiff injured by AFFF exposure in the U.S. will join one consolidated lawsuit in the Federal Court of South Carolina before Judge Richard Gergel.
What does an AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer Do?
A firefighting foam attorney helps victims hold the manufacturer legally liable for their damages. Your lawyer will give legal advice on eligibility and liability and help you file a lawsuit in court. At Dolman Law Group, we have years of experience helping victims recover compensation for toxic exposure that leads to diseases. Here's how we help our clients:
- Review your case to determine if you are eligible for compensation
- Identify the liable party and file a claim against them
- Handle all phone calls and paperwork so that you can focus on your health and treatment
- Negotiate a fair settlement on your behalf
- Represent your case in court
Do All AFFF Lawsuits End in a Settlement?
Although no settlements have been reached yet, the success of your case depends on several factors. First, you and your lawyer will need to prove that your cancer diagnosis directly resulted from prolonged exposure to AFFF. Secondly, you or your lawyer need to show the manufacturer's negligence. Some of the ways this can be done include:
- They sold the product with full knowledge of its harmful effects
- They failed to issue precautionary measures that firefighters could have used to protect themselves from dangerous chemicals
The AFFF lawsuit is relatively new, but there's no telling how long your body has been fighting the effects. You shouldn't have to wait to file a claim against the liable party. An attorney can advise you on the best cause of action if you believe the firefighting foams caused you or your loved one's cancer.
Call Dolman Law Group Today for Help
If you or a loved one received a cancer diagnosis due to AFFF exposure, you may be eligible for compensation for your injuries and other losses. At Dolman Law Group, our attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis. This means no upfront fees or costs. We only get paid a percentage of the settlement or court award we obtain for you. Call us for a free consultation today.