Aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF) are synthetic foams containing PFAS, designed for fighting flammable liquid fires, also known as Class B fires. PFAS act as surfactants, helping the foam spread to cool and extinguish the fire effectively. Although highly effective, these foams are a significant source of PFAS contamination, known as “forever chemicals,” and connected to several cancers.
Firefighters, military personnel, industrial workers, airport workers and others who were exposed to AFFF and later developed cancer should consider their legal options. Roden Law firm’s class action lawyers are investigating lawsuits against companies like DuPont and 3M that produced and distributed AFFF firefighting foam. Thousands of victims have already filed suit accusing these companies of knowingly producing and distributing a dangerous product.
If you or one of your loved ones have been diagnosed with cancer, call us to learn more about how we may be able to assist you. There are no upfront costs or legal obligations. The initial legal consultation is also free of charge.
Call Roden Law today: 1-844-RESULTS
Eligibility for an AFFF/PFAS Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
If you believe you were exposed to AFFF/PFAS and have been diagnosed with a form of cancer linked to these contaminants, you may have a case and may be eligible to recover compensation.
Cancers linked to the polyfluoroalkyl and perfluoroalkyl chemicals (PFAS) in firefighting foam include:
- Bladder cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Rectal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Breast cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Colorectal cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
How Do I Know If I Was Exposed to PFAS From AFFF?
While there are many groups of people who may have been exposed to PFAS in aqueous film-forming foam, some groups are at much higher risk, including:
- Veterans and current members of the military – The U.S. Military is the largest user of AFFF in the country.
- Airport workers involved in firefighting – Firefighters use AFFF as an effective way of extinguishing aircraft fires.
- People who are or were employed at chemical plants or oil refineries.
- Residents living where AFFF was often used, such as people who live close to airports or military bases.
- Firefighters may have absorbed AFFF through their skin, inhaled it in the air, as well as through contaminated water.
- Family members may have been exposed to AFFF/PFAS that was lingering on the clothing of exposed workers.
Who May Be Eligible To File a Lawsuit for AFFF/PFAS Exposure?
To find out if you have a valid case, you will need to speak about your situation with an knowledgeable attorney. You can do this through a completely free consultation. A lawyer will need to get details about how you may have been exposed. He or she will also need to review other factors to evaluate whether you may have a case, such as:
- When you were diagnosed
- How and when you may have been exposed to AFFF/PFAS
- Activities at your job that may have put you at risk for exposure
- Other factors that could explain your cancer diagnosis
- Documentation of your medical diagnosis and treatment
- Employment records
If a loved one passed away from cancer due to AFFF/PFAS exposure, you may be able to file legal action on their behalf. You may be able to claim wrongful death damages.
Who Would You Be Filing a Lawsuit Against?
When companies knowingly put workers and others in harm’s way, they may be held liable for the resulting damages. For instance, they may be held liable for the cost of cancer treatment and the pain and suffering that victims experience.
Companies have a duty to avoid creating or distributing products that are unreasonably dangerous. When they discover their products are dangerous, they should pull these products from the market and warn consumers and other at-risk parties of the danger.
In the case of AFFF firefighting foam, evidence suggests 3M, Dupont and the other companies listed below knew of the danger for decades:
- Chemours
- Tyco Fire Products
- Corteva
- ChemDesign Inc.
- Chemguard Inc.
- And several other companies
If our class action lawyers determine you may have a valid case, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the company that manufactured the AFFF that made you sick.
Unsure if you can file an AFFF/PFAS lawsuit? Call us at 1-844-RESULTS or complete a FREE case evaluation form.
What Compensation Can I Include in an AFFF/PFAS Lawsuit?
AFFF victims may be able to file a lawsuit to attempt to secure compensation for damages caused by their cancer diagnosis. While every case is unique, and the value of victims’ damages is based on many factors, these are some of the damages you may be able to claim in a lawsuit:
- Medical Expenses: Victims can seek compensation for all medical costs, past and future. This includes the cost of testing, surgeries, chemotherapy, in-home caregiving, radiation, medications, medical equipment and follow-up visits with doctors.
- Lost Wages: You can seek reimbursement for income you lost due to your illness, medical care or inability to work.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: Cancer often limits the ability to continue working. Victims may be able to seek compensation for lost earning capacity they suffered, which means the difference between what they are currently able to earn and what they earned in the past.
- Pain and Suffering: This refers to the physical discomfort and emotional distress victims suffer.
- Loss of Consortium: This is compensation for the effect of your medical issues on your marital relationship.
- Other Damages: Additional losses specific to your situation may also be considered.
The value of your case depends on factors like:
- Your diagnosis
- The impact of the illness on your life
- How long you were exposed to AFFF
Why Is AFFF/PFAS Considered Dangerous?
AFFF (firefighting foam) contains PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. While many other chemicals break down over time, PFAS do not. If they get into the water or soil, they may build up. When humans ingest these chemicals, it can build up in the body.
Studies show that when PFAS are absorbed into the human body, they increase the risk of a variety of health issues. These chemicals, once in the body, disrupt various systems.
- Immune System: PFAS can suppress your immune system’s ability to make antibodies and fight off infections.
- Endocrine System: PFAS may disrupt the thyroid system, potentially leading to breast cancer, osteoporosis and other diseases.
- Reproductive System: In the reproductive system, PFAS can lead to fertility issues, pregnancy complications and development issues in children.
- Liver: If PFAS gets into your liver, it significantly increases the risk of chronic liver disease.
- Cholesterol Levels: PFAS can raise your cholesterol making you more susceptible to heart disease.
These are just a few of the reasons why the Environmental Protection Agency wants to limit the use of these substances. Research conducted by the EPA and U.S. Armed Forces have indicated there are links between AFFF/PFAS and certain medical conditions and diseases.
The American Cancer Society and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention consider the forever chemicals in AFFF to be carcinogenic to humans. The International Agency for Research on Cancer has also heavily researched this topic. They concluded that PFAS exposure raises the risk of prostate, testicular and kidney cancer.
Officials from the EPA and Department of Defense c(DOD) concluded in 2001 that AFFF should be phased out. However, it was not until 2016 that the DOD ordered the military to stop uncontrolled release of AFFF/PFAS into the environment.
This information is even more alarming when you consider that the U.S. Army told officials at Fort Carson to discontinue use of AFFF as far back as 1991.
Update on the AFFF/PFAS Firefighting Foam MDL
So many firefighting foam lawsuits were filed that lawyers moved to consolidate these cases into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) to speed up the legal process. As of April 1, 2024, there were 7,738 lawsuits pending in the AFFF/PFAS MDL. In the previous month, 568 more lawsuits were added to this legal action.
Bellwether trials have been set for 2024. These are the first cases in the MDL that will be tried. Bellwether trials give both sides a better idea of how juries will rule on future cases. These cases involve plaintiffs with thyroid or liver cancer.
To date, there have not yet been any settlements for these defective product cases. However, there was a $1.18 billion settlement of a lawsuit against DuPont, Corteva and Chemours over polluted drinking water. The judge in the case granted final approval in early February 2024.
Call Roden Law To Discuss a Potential AFFF/PFAS Lawsuit
When large corporations like 3M produce dangerous products like AFFF firefighting foam, and those products cause serious illnesses, the victims may have legal options.
Roden Law has secured millions on behalf of injured victims, and our services are provided with no upfront costs to you. That means there is no cost to hire our firm and no fees while working on your case.
Contact us today if you have reason to believe your cancer diagnosis was caused by exposure to forever chemicals, or PFAS, in AFFF. Together, we can explore your potential legal options.
Call Roden Law Firm to request a FREE case review today. 1-844-RESULTS