Boston AFFF Lawsuit Attorney | Legal Help for PFAS Exposure Victims
If you or a loved one in Boston has been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and later diagnosed with cancer or another serious health condition, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can help you take legal action against the manufacturers of firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals.
These substances, known as forever chemicals, have been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and other life-altering illnesses. Legal action can provide compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health care while holding companies accountable for years of contamination and harm.
What Is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?
AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, is widely used in firefighting. It helps suppress flammable liquid fires quickly. Despite its effectiveness, AFFF contains toxic PFAS chemicals that pose serious health and environmental risks.
What Is AFFF?
AFFF stands for aqueous film-forming foam. It is a synthetic firefighting foam used to put out fires involving flammable liquids, such as gasoline and jet fuel. Firefighters, military bases, and airports across the United States have used AFFF since the 1970s. It is effective because it creates a film that cools the fire and blocks oxygen.
Why AFFF Contains PFAS Chemicals
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as forever chemicals. These PFAS compounds resist heat, water, and oil. They help AFFF spread quickly over burning liquids, making it effective in emergencies. However, PFAS chemicals do not break down in the environment or the human body.
PFAS Exposure and Health Risks
Prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals from AFFF can cause severe health issues. Studies link PFAS contamination to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid disease, and liver cancer. PFAS exposure can also affect the immune system and lead to conditions such as ulcerative colitis. People exposed to AFFF, including firefighters and residents near contaminated water supplies, face elevated cancer risks.
Environmental Contamination From AFFF
AFFF use has led to significant PFAS contamination in soil and groundwater. Drinking water supplies near military installations and fire training sites in Massachusetts have tested positive for harmful PFAS chemicals. These forever chemicals can spread through water systems, affecting public health across Boston and surrounding communities.
The Need for Legal Action
The health risks and contamination tied to AFFF use have led to a growing number of AFFF lawsuits. Victims of AFFF exposure may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit and seek compensation. An experienced AFFF lawsuit attorney can help review exposure history, medical records, and file personal injury claims
Health Risks Linked to AFFF Exposure
Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to multiple health problems. These risks come from the toxic PFAS chemicals used in the foam, which remain in the body and the environment for years.
Cancers Connected to AFFF Firefighting Foam
Scientific studies show a strong link between AFFF exposure and several types of cancer. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and thyroid cancer. Many firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers have been diagnosed after long-term use or exposure to film-forming foam AFFF. Residents near contaminated water supplies have also reported elevated cancer risks.
Immune System and Thyroid Problems
AFFF exposure can damage the immune system. PFAS chemicals have been shown to reduce the body’s ability to fight infection and respond to vaccines. Some people exposed to AFFF develop thyroid disease, which affects hormone levels and metabolism. These issues may appear years after exposure and are often linked to PFAS toxicity in the human body.
Other Serious Health Issues
In addition to cancer and immune problems, AFFF exposure may lead to ulcerative colitis and other digestive issues. Some studies also connect PFAS exposure to brain health concerns and reproductive harm. These health problems can affect firefighters, healthcare workers, and civilians who were exposed through contaminated water or air.
Persistent PFAS Exposure Increases Risk
The risk increases with prolonged exposure. People who worked with AFFF regularly or lived near fire training sites face a higher chance of health issues. PFAS compounds build up over time, especially with repeated contact. Medical experts recommend cancer screening for anyone with known AFFF exposure.
The Importance of Medical Records
For those seeking to file an AFFF lawsuit, detailed medical records are critical. These documents help show the connection between AFFF exposure and specific health problems. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can use this information to support a personal injury claim and pursue compensation for medical bills and other damages.
PFAS Contamination in Boston, MA
PFAS contamination from AFFF firefighting foam has affected several areas in and around Boston. These toxic chemicals have entered soil and drinking water, posing long-term risks to public health.
Sources of PFAS in Boston
The main sources of PFAS contamination are fire departments, airports, and military installations. Aqueous film forming foam has been used for decades to put out flammable liquid fires. When AFFF is used or spilled, PFAS chemicals seep into the ground and water. Sites near Logan International Airport and various Massachusetts National Guard locations have shown elevated PFAS levels.
Contaminated Water Supplies
Several water systems in Massachusetts have tested positive for PFAS compounds. The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) monitors PFAS in drinking water. According to MassDEP, some municipal water systems have exceeded the state’s Maximum Contaminant Level for PFAS6. This means people have likely consumed water containing harmful PFAS chemicals.
Massachusetts Regulations and Oversight
Massachusetts has adopted strict PFAS drinking water standards under 310 CMR 22.07G. These rules set limits on the amount of PFAS allowed in public water systems. The state continues to test and monitor contamination, but cleanup takes time and funding. Local governments and health agencies have begun taking steps to address PFAS contamination and reduce exposure risks for residents.
Public Health Impact
The presence of PFAS in water systems presents a serious public health concern. Exposure to PFAS from contaminated water can lead to kidney or testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver cancer, and other serious health issues. Children, pregnant women, and people with pre-existing conditions may face even greater health risks.
AFFF Lawsuits Linked to Boston Contamination
Many individuals exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in the area are now part of ongoing AFFF litigation. Firefighters, military personnel, and local residents have filed AFFF lawsuits due to PFAS exposure and related illnesses. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can help people affected by contamination understand their legal options and file personal injury claims.
Legal Grounds for Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in Boston
People exposed to AFFF firefighting foam may have the right to seek compensation through legal action. AFFF lawsuits focus on health risks caused by toxic PFAS chemicals found in the foam.
Basis for AFFF Lawsuits
AFFF lawsuits are based on product liability, negligence, and failure to warn. Manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam are accused of selling a dangerous product and not informing users about the health risks. Many companies continued to produce and distribute AFFF even after learning about the dangers of PFAS exposure. Victims claim the foam caused cancer, thyroid disease, and other serious health issues.
Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit
People who may qualify include firefighters, airport workers, military personnel, and residents near contaminated water supplies. To file an AFFF lawsuit, individuals must show they were exposed to firefighting foam and later developed a related illness. Common diagnoses include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and thyroid disease. Medical records and exposure history are key to building a strong case.
Massachusetts Statute of Limitations
In Massachusetts, personal injury claims must be filed within three years. This deadline is based on M.G.L. c. 260, § 2A. The clock starts when the person knew or should have known that their illness was linked to AFFF exposure. Waiting too long can lead to a case being dismissed, so early legal review is important.
Federal AFFF Litigation
Most AFFF lawsuits are now part of a larger group of cases in federal court. These are combined under MDL No. 2873 in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. Boston residents who file an AFFF lawsuit may be added to this national litigation. A personal injury bellwether trial will help determine how future cases are handled.
Role of an AFFF Lawsuit Attorney
An AFFF lawsuit attorney can guide victims through the legal process. The attorney will gather evidence, review medical records, and file the AFFF lawsuit in the correct court. Victims may receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term health care. Legal action also helps hold manufacturers accountable for the damage caused by toxic PFAS chemicals.
Who Qualifies to File an AFFF Lawsuit in Boston?
Many people in Boston have been exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals through AFFF firefighting foam. Certain groups are more likely to qualify for legal action based on where and how they were exposed.
Occupational Exposure to AFFF
Firefighters are the group most often exposed to AFFF. Fire departments across Massachusetts have used film-forming foam AFFF for decades. Military personnel who trained or served at bases using firefighting foam are also at risk. Airport workers and industrial safety crews may have been exposed during emergency response or training drills. These workers face high levels of PFAS exposure due to direct contact and inhalation.
Environmental Exposure Near Contaminated Sites
People living near military installations, airports, and fire training areas may have been exposed through drinking water. PFAS contamination spreads from the foam into soil and groundwater. In Boston, some public water supplies have tested positive for elevated PFAS levels. Residents who developed cancer or other health problems after prolonged exposure may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.
Health Conditions Linked to AFFF
Those who qualify to file must show a link between AFFF exposure and a serious health issue. Conditions include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, and thyroid disease. Other related problems include ulcerative colitis and immune system dysfunction. These illnesses are often supported by medical records and exposure timelines.
Importance of Medical and Exposure Evidence
To build a strong AFFF lawsuit, the person must show proof of exposure and a diagnosis of a related illness. Medical records, work history, and location of residence are key documents. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can help gather this information and determine if a case qualifies for legal action.
Legal Help for Local Residents
Anyone who was exposed to firefighting foam and later diagnosed with a related illness should speak with an AFFF lawsuit attorney. Legal professionals can assess eligibility and file claims in either Massachusetts courts or the ongoing federal AFFF litigation.
Role of a Boston AFFF Lawsuit Attorney
An AFFF lawsuit attorney helps individuals take legal action after exposure to firefighting foam. These legal professionals focus on building strong personal injury claims related to PFAS chemicals.
Legal Experience with AFFF Lawsuits
An AFFF lawsuit attorney understands the science, laws, and litigation process involved in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. They know how to connect PFAS exposure to serious health issues like kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and other related conditions. Their experience with toxic exposure cases helps ensure each claim is supported by clear medical and environmental evidence.
Case Review and Evidence Collection
The attorney starts by reviewing the person’s work history, residence, and medical records. They determine if the exposure to aqueous film-forming foam caused the illness. This includes reviewing documents that show the presence of PFAS contamination, especially in firefighting environments and local water supplies. If the evidence supports a claim, the attorney files the AFFF lawsuit in state or federal court.
Filing in State or Federal Court
Many AFFF lawsuits are now part of a federal case group called multidistrict litigation. An attorney can file the claim in this federal system under MDL No. 2873. Some lawsuits may also be filed in Massachusetts courts, depending on where the exposure happened. The attorney handles all filing procedures and ensures the AFFF lawsuit meets the Massachusetts statute of limitations.
Securing Compensation for Victims
An AFFF lawsuit attorney helps clients pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and long-term healthcare needs. They also push for accountability from manufacturers who allowed toxic PFAS chemicals to harm human health. Legal action may also support public health efforts to reduce PFAS exposure.
Guidance Through the Legal Process
The attorney provides support throughout the case. They explain legal options, answer questions, and keep clients informed as the case moves forward. Victims of AFFF exposure do not have to handle the process alone. A qualified attorney helps them take the next step toward justice and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in Boston
Many people have questions about AFFF lawsuits, PFAS exposure, and their legal rights after developing related health issues.
How do I know if I qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit in Boston?
You may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit if you were exposed to aqueous film forming foam and developed a related illness. Common diagnoses include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and prostate cancer. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can review your medical history and PFAS exposure to determine if you have a valid claim.
What health issues are linked to AFFF firefighting foam and PFAS exposure?
AFFF exposure is linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid cancer, and bladder cancer. PFAS exposure also causes thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and immune system dysfunction. These health risks come from toxic PFAS chemicals used in firefighting foam across fire departments and military sites.
Can residents exposed to PFAS contamination in drinking water file an AFFF lawsuit?
Yes, residents exposed to PFAS in drinking water can file an AFFF lawsuit. If you lived near a contaminated site and developed a related illness, you may qualify. A lawyer can help gather your exposure history and link it to PFAS-related health conditions.
What kind of compensation can I receive from an AFFF lawsuit?
You may receive compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and future health care. If you have cancer or other health problems caused by PFAS exposure, an AFFF lawsuit attorney can file a claim on your behalf and pursue a financial recovery.
How long do I have to file an AFFF lawsuit in Massachusetts?
You have three years to file under Massachusetts law. The deadline starts when you learn that your illness is linked to PFAS exposure. Contact an AFFF lawsuit attorney quickly to avoid missing your chance to file.
Additional Resources on AFFF Lawsuits and PFAS Exposure
Explore these in-depth guides and articles to learn more about AFFF firefighting foam, PFAS contamination, health risks, and legal options available to Boston residents.
Health Risks Associated With AFFF Exposure
Breaks down the serious health issues linked to PFAS exposure, including cancers and immune disorders, with details on how AFFF impacts the human body over time.
AFFF Fire Foam Contamination: Legal Insights
Provides legal context and expert commentary on liability, PFAS contamination claims, and how courts are handling AFFF fire foam lawsuits across different jurisdictions.
AFFF Water Contamination: What You Need to Know
A clear overview of how firefighting foam chemicals contaminate drinking water supplies and what affected communities in Massachusetts should understand about the environmental and health impact.
The Role of Expert Witnesses in Fire Foam Lawsuits
Explains how expert witnesses support AFFF claims by connecting PFAS exposure to serious health risks, and why their testimony is essential in proving liability in court.
AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuits: Facts and Updates
Covers recent legal developments, bellwether trials, and updates on the national AFFF firefighting foam litigation, with insight into what it means for victims.
Contact a Boston AFFF Lawsuit Attorney at Rueb Stoller Daniel
If you have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may have a legal right to seek compensation. The team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is here to help. Our Boston AFFF lawsuit attorneys are experienced in handling PFAS contamination cases and understand what it takes to build a strong personal injury claim.
We offer free consultations to review your case, explain your options, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Contact us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD to protect your rights and pursue the justice you deserve.
