San Diego AFFF Lawsuit Attorney | Help for PFAS Cancer and Water Contamination Claims
If you or a loved one in San Diego has been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness, you may be entitled to financial compensation. A San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney can help you file a claim against manufacturers responsible for PFAS contamination in water systems, military bases, and firefighting environments.
With mounting evidence linking AFFF to long-term health risks, legal action offers a path to justice and recovery.
What Is AFFF and Why It’s Dangerous
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is used to suppress fuel-based fires. While effective for fire suppression, it contains toxic chemicals linked to serious health risks and environmental damage.
What Is AFFF?
AFFF stands for Aqueous Film Forming Foam. It is a synthetic firefighting foam designed for Class B fires, which involve flammable liquids such as gasoline, jet fuel, and oil. Firefighters, military personnel, and airport crews have used AFFF for decades. The foam creates a thin film that blocks oxygen and prevents re-ignition.
PFAS in Firefighting Foam
AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” These include compounds like perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. They build up over time and have been found in soil, water systems, and blood samples.
Health Risks of AFFF Exposure
Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to several types of cancer, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and liver cancer. Other health conditions include thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and immune system problems. People most at risk are firefighters and individuals exposed to PFAS-contaminated drinking water.
Environmental Impact of PFAS
AFFF has caused widespread PFAS contamination in water supplies. This affects both public health and ecosystems. San Diego has identified PFAS in local water systems, increasing concern over long-term exposure. These chemicals move easily through soil and groundwater, making cleanup difficult and expensive.
Why It Matters
Understanding what AFFF is and why it’s dangerous helps victims of PFAS exposure take legal steps. If you or a loved one has suffered health issues linked to AFFF, a San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney can help you seek compensation.
PFAS Exposure in San Diego
PFAS exposure is a growing concern, especially in communities near military sites, airports, and areas with known firefighting foam use.
Sources of PFAS in San Diego
The main sources of PFAS contamination in San Diego are firefighting foam (AFFF), industrial discharge, and waste from military and airport operations. Facilities that used AFFF regularly include Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, Naval Base San Diego, and San Diego International Airport. These locations have a history of using AFFF for fire suppression training and emergency response.
Drinking Water Contamination
PFAS chemicals from AFFF can seep into groundwater and contaminate public water systems. The California State Water Resources Control Board has monitored PFAS levels in San Diego’s drinking water. Several wells have tested above advisory levels for PFOS and PFOA. Residents living near affected sites face a higher risk of long-term PFAS exposure through daily water use.
Impacted Communities
Neighborhoods close to military bases and industrial areas are more likely to be affected. People who rely on private wells may also face increased risks. San Diego’s geography and history of military presence make it a key region for AFFF-related health and environmental concerns.
Public Health Implications
Exposure to PFAS from AFFF can lead to serious health issues including thyroid disease, testicular cancer, kidney cancer, and ulcerative colitis. These health risks may take years to appear, and many residents may be unaware of their exposure. The persistence of PFAS in the environment increases the danger of ongoing contamination.
Legal Action for AFFF Exposure
If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF or contaminated water in San Diego, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit. Legal action can help you seek compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages. An experienced AFFF lawsuit attorney can guide you through the process.
Health Risks Linked to AFFF Exposure
AFFF exposure has been linked to serious health problems, many of which are supported by medical studies and government findings.
Cancer Linked to AFFF Exposure
Several types of cancer have been connected to exposure to AFFF firefighting foam. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, liver cancer, bladder cancer, and thyroid cancer. The toxic PFAS chemicals in AFFF are believed to disrupt normal cell function and may trigger cancer growth. Firefighters and military personnel who handled AFFF directly face the highest risk. Civilians exposed through drinking water are also at risk.
Other Health Conditions
AFFF exposure is not limited to cancer. PFAS chemicals have also been linked to thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, high cholesterol, and immune system disorders. Some studies suggest PFAS may affect hormone balance and liver function. Long-term exposure increases the likelihood of developing one or more of these conditions.
Health Risks from Contaminated Water
Many people are exposed to PFAS through contaminated water systems. AFFF chemicals can move from training grounds or airports into nearby soil and water. Ingesting contaminated water over time may cause permanent damage to internal organs. The risk is greater for young children, pregnant women, and people with preexisting health conditions.
Ongoing Medical Research
Research continues into the full impact of PFAS exposure. Agencies such as the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Institutes of Health have ongoing studies. Early findings confirm that AFFF exposure is harmful and can lead to long-term health risks. Public awareness and legal action are increasing as more cases are confirmed.
Legal Rights for Affected Individuals
Anyone suffering from health issues linked to AFFF exposure should consider speaking with an AFFF lawsuit attorney. Filing a personal injury claim may lead to financial compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. AFFF litigation is active, and new claims are still being accepted.
Legal Basis for the AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuit in San Diego
The legal foundation for filing an AFFF lawsuit in San Diego rests on product liability, personal injury law, and environmental statutes related to PFAS contamination.
AFFF Lawsuit and Federal Multidistrict Litigation
AFFF lawsuits from across the country have been consolidated into a federal multidistrict litigation in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina. This centralized case, known as MDL 2873, includes claims from individuals and municipalities. Plaintiffs allege that companies such as 3M Company and DuPont de Nemours knowingly sold firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals. Victims are seeking compensation for health problems and environmental damage caused by AFFF.
California Legal Grounds for Filing
In San Diego, victims can file an AFFF fire foam lawsuit under California personal injury laws. California Civil Code § 1431.2 allows for comparative fault, meaning multiple parties may be held responsible. Product liability claims focus on the failure to warn users about the health risks of AFFF. California’s Health and Safety Code § 116378 also mandates testing and reporting for PFAS in drinking water. These laws support legal action for people exposed to AFFF through contaminated water or direct use.
Who Can File in San Diego
Individuals who may qualify to file an AFFF fire foam lawsuit include firefighters, airport workers, military personnel, and civilians who lived near contaminated areas. People must show that they were exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with a related health condition. Those who lost a loved one to cancer or other PFAS-linked diseases may also file a wrongful death claim.
Holding Manufacturers Accountable
Lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for failing to disclose the dangers of AFFF foam. Evidence shows these companies may have known about PFAS risks but continued to sell the products. Legal claims seek damages for medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering. Some lawsuits may also include claims for punitive damages.
Filing an AFFF Lawsuit in San Diego
If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in San Diego and developed a serious health condition, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit. A qualified AFFF lawsuit attorney can review your case, gather documentation, and file your claim. Legal deadlines apply, so acting soon is important.
Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit?
People who have been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with a related health condition may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit and seek compensation.
Firefighters and Military Personnel
Firefighters who used AFFF foam during training or fire suppression may file a claim. This includes municipal, volunteer, and airport firefighters. Military personnel who used AFFF on bases, ships, or during active duty are also eligible. Many of these individuals had repeated contact with AFFF over long periods and were not warned about the health risks.
Residents Near Contaminated Areas
Civilians who lived or worked near military bases, airports, or industrial sites in San Diego may have been exposed through PFAS-contaminated water systems. These individuals may qualify to file a firefighting foam lawsuit if they developed cancer or other PFAS-linked health problems. People using private wells in high-risk areas may also be affected.
Individuals Diagnosed with Related Health Conditions
Anyone who was exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with a qualifying illness may be eligible to file. Conditions linked to PFAS exposure include testicular cancer, kidney cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, liver cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis. Medical records and exposure history are important to support the claim.
Family Members Filing for Wrongful Death
Family members who lost a loved one due to AFFF-related health conditions may file a wrongful death lawsuit. These claims can cover funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and emotional suffering. A wrongful death claim must show a connection between PFAS exposure and the illness that caused the death.
Time Limits to File
California’s statute of limitations generally allows two years from the date a person knew or should have known about the injury. In some cases, deadlines may be extended based on new medical findings or evidence. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can review the timeline and help determine eligibility.
Why Choose a San Diego AFFF Lawsuit Attorney
Hiring a AFFF lawsuit attorney gives you legal support from someone who understands local PFAS contamination issues and national litigation standards.
Local Knowledge of San Diego Exposure Sites
A local attorney is familiar with known PFAS exposure areas in San Diego. These include military bases, airports, industrial sites, and surrounding neighborhoods. Understanding the specific history of AFFF use in these locations helps build a strong case. A local legal team also knows how San Diego’s water systems have been affected by firefighting foam.
Experience with AFFF Lawsuit Claims
A qualified AFFF lawsuit attorney has experience handling toxic exposure and product liability cases. They understand how to gather evidence, work with medical records, and prove the link between AFFF exposure and serious health problems. This includes working within the larger AFFF litigation taking place in the District of South Carolina.
Personal Injury and Wrongful Death Support
Legal claims may involve complex health issues such as testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, kidney cancer, or wrongful death. A San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney can manage these claims with the focus and care they require. This includes seeking compensation for pain and suffering, medical bills, lost wages, and punitive damages.
No Upfront Costs and Free Consultation
Most AFFF lawsuit attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means you do not pay unless your case wins. Many offer a free consultation to review your case and explain your legal rights. This allows you to move forward without financial risk.
Focused Legal Representation
An attorney focused on AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits will keep your case organized, meet all deadlines, and deal with large manufacturers and their legal teams. This gives you a better chance at receiving fair compensation for your losses due to PFAS exposure.
Take Action with the Right Legal Help
If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam in San Diego and developed a serious health condition, legal help is available. A San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney can guide you through each step and fight for your rights.
Frequently Asked Questions About the San Diego AFFF Lawsuit and PFAS Exposure
What is the San Diego AFFF lawsuit and who can file a claim?
The San Diego AFFF lawsuit involves legal claims from individuals exposed to Aqueous Film Forming Foam who later developed serious health conditions. Firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and residents near contaminated sites may qualify. If you were exposed to PFAS and diagnosed with cancer or another related illness, you may be eligible to file a claim.
What types of cancer are linked to AFFF firefighting foam exposure?
Exposure to AFFF foam has been linked to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, and liver cancer. These cancers are associated with PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foam. If you developed one of these conditions after PFAS exposure, you may be entitled to file a firefighting foam lawsuit in San Diego.
How do I know if I was exposed to PFAS in San Diego?
You may have been exposed if you worked with AFFF foam, served on a military base, or lived near a contaminated site. San Diego locations like MCAS Miramar and Naval Base San Diego have a history of PFAS use. Testing by state agencies has also found PFAS in local drinking water. An attorney can help review your exposure history.
What compensation is available in an AFFF fire foam lawsuit for San Diego residents?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and possibly punitive damages. If a loved one died from PFAS-related illness, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit. The value of a claim depends on the health condition, level of exposure, and related losses.
Is there a deadline to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit in California?
In California, the statute of limitations is generally two years from when you discovered your illness. Exceptions may apply in some cases. To avoid missing your chance to recover compensation, speak with a San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney as soon as possible.
Additional Resources on AFFF Lawsuits and PFAS Exposure
For more detailed information on firefighting foam litigation, PFAS contamination, and legal rights for affected individuals, explore the resources below. These guides offer updates, expert insights, and practical steps for those impacted by AFFF exposure.
AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuits: Facts and Updates
Get the latest updates on AFFF fire foam lawsuits, including case developments, manufacturer liability, and key information for individuals considering legal action.
Expert Witnesses in Fire Foam Lawsuits
Learn how expert witnesses play a critical role in proving the link between AFFF exposure and health problems in firefighting foam litigation.
AFFF and Water Contamination
Understand how AFFF firefighting foam leads to PFAS water contamination, with details on how affected water systems impact public health and legal claims.
Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure
Explore the range of serious health conditions linked to AFFF exposure, including various cancers and long-term illnesses tied to PFAS chemicals.
AFFF Fire Foam Contamination: Legal Insights
Review key legal insights into AFFF contamination lawsuits, covering liability, legal strategies, and what victims need to know before filing a claim.
Take Action with a San Diego AFFF Fire Foam Lawsuit Attorney Today!
If you’ve been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and are facing serious health issues like cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis, you may have a legal case. Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is currently accepting AFFF claims for individuals and families in San Diego affected by PFAS contamination. We understand the science, the law, and the urgency of these cases.
Contact us today at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free consultation with an experienced San Diego AFFF lawsuit attorney. There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if you win.
