When people are harmed by dangerous products, including aqueous film-forming foam (firefoam), they may file an AFFF lawsuit to seek compensation. AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits encompass various legal proceedings, including eligibility criteria, damages assessment, and settlement predictions. Every individual firefoam lawsuit is different, but victims typically have the right to seek similar damages.
Firefoam lawsuits can also be part of a class action lawsuit, which allows multiple plaintiffs to combine their claims against the responsible parties.
If you were injured due to exposure to firefoam, it’s time to speak with qualified legal counsel.Rueb Stoller Daniel is ready to help you.
What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized firefighting foam designed to combat flammable liquid fires, commonly referred to as Class B fires. AFFF works by creating a film on the surface of the burning liquid, effectively cutting off the fire’s oxygen supply and cooling the fuel, which helps to extinguish the flames quickly. This unique firefighting agent is particularly valuable in scenarios involving fuel spills, industrial fires, and aviation accidents, where traditional water-based firefighting methods may be ineffective.
AFFF contains a blend of water, foam concentrate, and various toxic chemicals, including per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). PFAS are synthetic chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, making them effective in creating the foam’s film-forming properties. However, the inclusion of PFAS has raised significant environmental and health concerns. Toxic firefighting foam, such as AFFF, has been linked to cancer risks, including testicular and kidney cancer, due to PFAS contamination.
PFAS are highly persistent in the environment and the human body, leading to potential long-term health effects such as cancer, liver damage, and immune system disruption. Despite its efficacy in firefighting, the growing awareness of these risks has sparked debates and legal actions, pushing for the development and adoption of safer alternatives to AFFF.
The Environmental Protection Agency has been actively involved in addressing PFAS-related health concerns, recognizing the increased risks and developing a roadmap to mitigate these issues.
What You Need to Know About AFFF Firefighting Foam Damages
When a civil lawsuit is filed, it is usually because someone has been injured in some way by someone else. AFFF lawsuits involve numerous personal injury lawsuits filed by individuals who have suffered health issues due to exposure to firefoam.
Firefoam has been alleged to cause numerous medical conditions and physical injuries. This has forced victims to incur personal expenses related to their ailments. Filing a lawsuit is how the courts allow these individuals to force the responsible party to compensate them. That compensation is known as damages.
Damages are usually designed to compensate victims for their losses (known as compensatory damages). But in some cases, they can be used to punish the at-fault party.
These are known as punitive damages, but they are not available in every lawsuit. In general, they are only an option if the at-fault party was particularly wrongful in its conduct. Your attorney can advise as to whether punitive damages can be requested in your particular case.
The type and amount of damages will vary from one firefoam case to another. Such factors as how long you were exposed to firefoam chemicals, and the injuries you suffered, will affect your claim. Your attorney’s level of skill and experience will also impact how much compensation you win.
Which Damages Might I Be Able to Seek in a Firefoam Lawsuit?
In an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit, you may be able to seek the following damages, among others, based on the individual facts of your case.
Medical Expenses Due to AFFF Exposure
Firefoam is known to cause several serious diseases and health risks, including various cancers such as kidney cancer, due to AFFF exposure. Victims will usually need long-term treatment to address their medical issues. Some may develop depression and anxiety. Medications, surgeries, and adaptive medical equipment may be needed.
Lost Wages and Lost Future Wages
While a victim is recovering from or being treated for illness, he or she will miss work. The victim might also miss work, and lose money, to attend court and address related legal matters. In addition, there are cases in which serious illnesses and diseases cut short a once-promising career. If this applies, then the victim will miss out on future income, bonuses, promotions, benefits, and more.
Courts can award damages for lost earnings, both now and in the future. Victims seek financial compensation to cover these lost earnings and ensure their financial stability during recovery.
Non-Economic Damages
There are certain kinds of damages that are subjective and therefore more difficult to calculate. These are broadly known as non-economic damages. Firefighting foam cancer lawsuits often seek non-economic damages for the emotional distress and psychological impact of cancer diagnoses, including prostate cancer. Included in this category are pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and more.
Take notes about how firefoam has harmed your life, your mental health, and your emotional well-being. Your lawyer can then assess the non-economic damages that may be available.
Wrongful Death Damages
If the victim dies from his or her injuries, certain survivors can claim wrongful death damages. Firefighting foam cancer lawsuits often include wrongful death claims when victims succumb to their illnesses. Similarly, firefighting foam class action lawsuits frequently involve wrongful death claims due to the severe health impacts of AFFF exposure. These are similar but not identical to the damages listed above. For instance, the family can seek compensation for the victim’s final medical expenses and funeral costs.
Securing experienced legal representation is crucial for families seeking justice and compensation for wrongful death claims.
AFFF Exposure Symptoms and Side Effects
Exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), particularly the chemicals it contains, can lead to various symptoms and health effects. The primary concern with AFFF exposure stems from its inclusion of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are known to have significant health risks. Understanding these symptoms and side effects is crucial for individuals who might be exposed to AFFF, such as firefighters, industrial workers, and military personnel.
Immediate Symptoms of AFFF Exposure
Short-term exposure to AFFF can cause immediate symptoms, particularly if the foam comes into direct contact with the skin or is inhaled. These symptoms can include:
- Skin Irritation: Contact with AFFF can cause skin rashes, redness, and itching. In some cases, more severe skin reactions, such as blistering, can occur.
- Eye Irritation: If AFFF splashes into the eyes, it can cause burning sensations, redness, and watering.
- Respiratory Issues: Inhalation of AFFF fumes can lead to respiratory discomfort, including coughing, shortness of breath, and throat irritation.
Long-Term Side Effects of AFFF Exposure
The most concerning effects of AFFF exposure are the potential long-term health risks associated with PFAS. These substances are known to accumulate in the body over time, leading to various chronic health issues:
- Cancer: PFAS exposure has been linked to an increased risk of several types of cancer, including kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer.
- Liver Damage: Long-term exposure to PFAS can result in liver damage, evidenced by elevated liver enzymes and liver function abnormalities.
- Immune System Impairment: PFAS can weaken the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections and reducing the effectiveness of vaccines.
- Reproductive and Developmental Issues: PFAS exposure has been associated with reproductive and developmental problems, such as reduced fertility, developmental delays in children, and low birth weight.
- Endocrine Disruption: PFAS can interfere with hormonal functions, potentially leading to thyroid disorders and other endocrine-related issues.
Given these significant health risks, it is crucial for individuals exposed to AFFF to take preventive measures, such as wearing appropriate protective gear, and for those experiencing symptoms to seek medical advice promptly. Awareness and understanding of the potential side effects of AFFF exposure are essential for safeguarding health and advocating for safer alternatives in firefighting and other industries.
Firefighting Foam Linked to Cancer
Firefighting foam, specifically Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), has been widely used for decades to combat flammable liquid fires. However, recent studies and lawsuits have revealed a disturbing link between AFFF and cancer.
The primary concern revolves around per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) present in AFFF, often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body. These chemicals have been shown to accumulate over time, leading to significant health risks. Among these risks, various cancers, including kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer, have been increasingly associated with PFAS exposure.
The environmental contamination caused by PFAS has led to widespread concerns about the safety of water supplies and the long-term health impacts on communities.
The mechanism behind this connection lies in the bioaccumulative nature of PFAS, which can infiltrate water supplies and enter the human body through drinking water and other exposure routes. Firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers who have been regularly exposed to AFFF are particularly at risk. As awareness grows, numerous AFFF cancer lawsuits have been filed against manufacturers of AFFF, alleging that they failed to warn users about the carcinogenic risks.
These legal actions aim to secure compensation for affected individuals and push for stricter regulations on the use of PFAS in firefighting foams. The growing body of evidence linking AFFF to cancer underscores the urgent need for safer alternatives and comprehensive regulatory oversight to protect those who risk their lives to protect others.
Latest AFFF Class Action Lawsuit Update
The Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) class action lawsuits have garnered significant attention recently as more plaintiffs come forward with claims of serious health issues linked to exposure to this firefighting foam, leading to extensive legal proceedings. AFFF, used extensively by military and civilian fire departments for its effectiveness in suppressing fuel fires, contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and human body.
Recent updates in the AFFF litigation highlight increasing momentum as new studies and expert testimonies bolster the plaintiffs’ claims of adverse health effects, including cancer, thyroid disease, and immune system disruptions. The AFFF firefighting foam MDL plays a crucial role in consolidating individual lawsuits, streamlining the legal process and ensuring a more efficient handling of the numerous claims.
In recent developments, several key rulings have favored plaintiffs, allowing the cases to proceed through the legal system. Judges have denied motions to dismiss by the defense, citing sufficient scientific evidence linking PFAS exposure from AFFF to serious health conditions. Additionally, the court has mandated the disclosure of extensive internal documents from chemical manufacturers, which could provide further insight into the knowledge and actions of these companies regarding the dangers of AFFF.
As the litigation progresses, more affected individuals are encouraged to join the class action, seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from PFAS exposure. Legal experts anticipate that these lawsuits could lead to substantial settlements or verdicts, prompting further regulatory scrutiny and potential reform in the use of PFAS-containing products.
Let Us Help You Claim the Maximum Compensation For Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Injuries
You deserve to get your life back on track, as much as possible, after suffering an injury caused by someone else. Let us help you file an AFFF lawsuit to seek the compensation you deserve. Obtaining professional legal advice is essential to navigate the complexities of AFFF lawsuits and maximize your compensation.
Experienced firefighting foam lawyers can assess your damages, review your situation, and determine your eligibility for filing a lawsuit. Monetary damages help you to do this. Let Rueb Stoller Daniel assist with claiming the most damages possible in your firefoam lawsuit. Reach out to us today to get started.
