Fires are a constant threat on military bases, aircraft carriers, and on airstrips. The risk is potentially severe from fuel-based fires which are not easily extinguished. Water alone cannot effectively put these out, but a substance known as firefighting foam can. Despite the effectiveness of firefoam (also called AFFF), it contains dangerous chemicals known as PFAS. These have sickened veterans, service members, and numerous others.
Our law firm represents AFFF firefighting foam victims seeking compensation for an array of damages. If you came in contact with firefoam during your time serving in the military, Rueb Stoller Daniel can assist you.
Why Is Firefighting Foam So Dangerous?
Firefoam is technically known as aqueous form filming foam (AFFF). It acts as a fire suppressant and is particularly effective at putting out fuel-based fires that water cannot. For several decades, the military used firefighting foam in various capacities.
The use of AFFF foam in the military made sense. Combustible agents such as fuels are everywhere on bases, aircraft carriers, and in other locations. A large fire could cost dozens or hundreds of lives and destroy valuable equipment.
While firefoam prevented deadly and destructive fires, it also caused significant health problems. That’s because AFFF foam contains carcinogenic chemicals known as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances). These chemicals are almost like preservatives, ensuring a longer shelf life for firefighting foam.
But PFAS stay in the natural environment and human body, which is why they have been coined “forever chemicals.” They are linked to several cancers and illnesses, including:
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid disease (hypo- and hyperthyroidism)
- Hashimoto’s disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Bladder cancer
- Blood cancer (including leukemia, multiple myeloma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and Hodgkin’s lymphoma)
- Breast cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
Military veterans, service members, personnel, and others who have come in contact with PFAS may have developed the above illnesses. They, in turn, have incurred substantial medical bills, lost wages, and other legal damages.
Where in the Military Has Firefoam Been Used?
Firefighting foam has been used for decades on hundreds of military bases and at other installations. Crash or fire training was conducted at many of these sites, with AFFF foam used to extinguish the fires. Firefoam is also commonly used at airstrips and on Navy aircraft carriers.
Because of the high use of firefighting foam at military installations, PFAS leaked into the ground and contaminated the water. This put servicemembers at risk, along with civilians who lived nearby. If you lived on or even near a base, you may have been sickened by AFFF foam.
Steps have been taken to phase out the use of PFAS-based firefighting foam. Eventually, firefoam used by the Department of Defense will have to be certified as having no intentionally added PFAS. These regulations will go into effect in 2023 and 2024. And while that’s good news for those serving, many service members and veterans have already been harmed by AFFF firefighting foam.
What Are Your Legal Options?
If you’re in the military or you’re a veteran, you can file a legal claim for damages related to firefoam exposure. Our firm is actively recruiting clients who have been made sick because of toxic PFAS in firefighting foam.
We seek compensation to cover a number of damages related to these chemicals, including:
- Cancer treatments
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Other related losses and expenses
It’s unclear how much the firefoam lawsuits will ultimately be worth. Each case is different, with different types and amounts of damages. Class action lawsuits are also possible. Some cases will be tried while others will settle. Regardless, we work hard to win the most amount of compensation available.
Let Us Represent You in a Firefoam Lawsuit
Are you a military servicemember or veteran who was exposed to firefighting foam? Do you have a loved one who is? If so, and if you’ve become sick, our law firm can seek compensation for you. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on getting the treatment you need. Give Rueb Stoller Daniel a call today for a free consultation.
