AFFF Lawsuit
AFFF Lawsuit
Firefighting Foam or AFFF Lawsuit
The manufacturers of AFFF (aka firefighting foam) have used dangerous chemicals (known as PFAS) to make the foam since the 1960s.
If you or a loved one was exposed to firefighting foam on the job and were diagnosed with cancer, you may be able to seek compensation through a firefighting foam lawsuit.
The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer
Chemical-free firefighting foam called AFFF has been developed as a safer alternative to traditional foam, which can have dangerous side effects.
- Cancer
- Kidney and liver damage
- Thyroid dysfunction
- Immune system dysfunction
- Increased cholesterol levels
- Developmental issues in children
- Other health problems
PFAS-based firefighting foam exposure may cause firefighters to develop:
At particular risk of PFAS exposure are:
U.S. Military Firefighters - The U.S. military used the firefighting carcinogen for roughly 60 years.
Firefighters Assigned to Airports -Airports required the use of this foam until 2018.
What to Look for in Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a difficult process without the help of a skilled and experienced legal team — but not all medical malpractice lawyers can offer you the same advantages.
Here are some qualities to look for when choosing an AFFF lawyer:
- Experience in AFFF cases
- Knowledge of applicable laws
- Effective communication skills
- A commitment to client satisfaction
Filing a medical malpractice lawsuit can be a difficult process without the help of a skilled and experienced legal team — but not all medical malpractice lawyers can offer you the same advantages.
How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?
Though every case is different, TDMS Law is here to help you with your firefighter foam lawsuit. Our experienced legal team is dedicated to getting you the justice and compensation you deserve.
- Investigating your case
- Negotiating with the other party
- Representing you in court
- Advising you on the best course of action
- Explaining the legal process
- Keeping you informed of developments in your case
When you work with TDMS Law, your legal team handles:
After your free case review with TDMS Law, our experienced legal team can handle every step of the AFFF cancer lawsuit process, allowing you to focus on your health and your family.
What Is AFFF?
Known officially as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), firefighting foam creates a barrier that prevents the fuel from accessing the oxygen it needs to burn, effectively extinguishing the fire.
One of the main ingredients of firefighter foam is a group of dangerous chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8)
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
- Other PFA substances
The EPA uses PFAS as an umbrella term to refer to a group of toxic chemicals that includes:
The EPA has identified PFAS chemicals as “emerging contaminants,” which can be hazardous to human health if exposed.
Toxic Firefighting Foam Dangers
Major health organizations such as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have indicated that certain PFAS chemicals have the potential to increase the risk of cancer and other health issues in firefighters.
The following types of cancers have been linked to exposure to firefighting foam that contains PFAS:
- Urinary tract cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
In addition to multiple types of cancer, PFAS exposure has also been linked to thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease), and other health issues. Because of this, PFAS may remain in the body for years, building up over time and causing numerous firefighting foam health effects and risks.
AFFF Cancer High-Risk Occupations
Any firefighter may be at an increased risk of developing cancer if they’ve been exposed to AFFF. Airport and military firefighters may be more likely to develop certain types of cancer due to more frequent exposure to the foam.
Firefighters Stationed at Airports
The Federal Airport Administration (FAA) no longer requires airports to use PFAS-containing firefighter foam following U.S. Navy guidelines. This change helps protect the health of airport firefighters.
Military Firefighters
The U.S. Navy and other branches of the military have been using firefighting foam since the 1960s, even during training exercises and non-critical missions. It was particularly favored by military fire departments due to its ability to quickly extinguish jet fuel fires.
The Department of Defense (DOD) is phasing out the use of certain PFAS, and is looking into viable PFAS-free firefighting foam alternatives to curb PFAS contamination.
Find an AFFF Lawyer Near You
TDMS Law is currently investigating cases involving serious injuries caused by defective products.
You may be able to file an AFFF lawsuit if you or your loved one:
- Worked as a firefighter
- Have been exposed to toxic firefighting foams
- Were later diagnosed with pancreatic, kidney, testicular, thyroid, bladder, breast, colon, liver, or prostate cancer as well as leukemia or lymphoma
If you have been injured due to exposure to PFAS, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation through a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit. We are here to listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Firefighter Foam Lawsuit FAQs
- Numerous studies show that PFAS in AFFF may cause cancer, particularly in the:
● Bladder
● Blood cells
● Breasts
● Colon
● Kidneys
● Liver
● Lymphatic system
● Ovaries
● Pancreas
● Rectum
● Testicles
● Thyroid
● Uterus
- If you’ve been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with one of these cancers, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a firefighter foam lawsuit.
- AFFF stands for aqueous film-forming foam. AFFF is a fluorochemical surfactant that contains potentially hazardous chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS). Exposure to PFAS chemicals may have a variety of adverse health effects, including certain types of cancer.
- AFFF is a foam concentrate and surfactant used by firefighters to extinguish fuel fires. However, exposure to the dangerous PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam may put firefighters at risk of developing certain types of cancer.
- Foam fire extinguishers are more effective than water at putting out certain kinds of fires because foam is heavier than most fuels and it can smother the flames. Foam also creates a barrier between the fire and the oxygen it needs to burn, which helps to put out the fire quickly.
- AFFF (firefighting foam), however, is lighter and acts as a blanket atop the fuel, cutting the fire off from the oxygen it needs to continue to burn, which smothers the fire.
- Sadly, hazardous PFAS-containing firefighting foam is still being applied at many airports throughout the nation, both for military and civilian purposes.
- The Department of Defense is actively researching PFAS-free foam alternatives and has only authorized AFFF for emergency situations.
- The easiest way to find out if you have a case is to get a free case review from a nationwide law firm like TDMS Law.
- If you’ve been exposed to AFFF and have been diagnosed with cancer, you may be eligible to pursue compensation through an AFFF cancer lawsuit.
- Absolutely — the best AFFF lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you won’t be charged any upfront fees. Our lawyers will only get paid if you do.
- By working with a law firm like TDMS Law, you can put the legal process in the hands of skilled and experienced firefighting foam lawyers, so you can focus on your health.
- AFFF lawyers can help you with every step of the legal process, including:
● Determining your legal options during a free case evaluation
● Finding the evidence needed to prove your case
● Filing your AFFF lawsuit
● Reaching a firefighting foam cash settlement
● If a settlement is not reached, arguing your case in court before a judge
- It’s difficult to predict how much a firefighting foam lawsuit settlement may be worth because every case is different.
- Firefighting foam cash settlements vary according to a number of different factors in each case, including:
● The severity of injuries
● The extent of the AFFF exposure
● The cost of current and future medical expenses
● Any wages lost because of the illness