Firefighting Foam AFFF Attorney

Firefighters usually deal with a product referred to as AFFF, which is also known as a firefighters foam. This foam is used in putting out fires. Not only is it used in homes and buildings, but firefighters also use this foam when training. This type of foam is used throughout various states all across the country, including California. Although firefighter foam is very beneficial and is still in use today to put out fires, this type of foam could be very toxic, even deadly.

AFFF contains artificial chemical compounds that are considered to be forever chemicals, similar to a human carcinogen that may cause cancers in the future.

What is the AFFF lawsuit?

Several different companies that manufactured firefighter foam, including manufacturers like 3M and Dupont were held responsible for injuries that the foam had caused. Some lawsuits even alleged that manufacturers, including 3M, were aware of the risks associated with the firefighter foam, yet chose to put the item on the market anyway. 

AFFF foam was initially used in the 1960s by the airport and military firefighters who tried to put out jet fuel fires. Exposure to firefighter foam could occur by skin contact, inhalation, or by ingesting the foam. 

Is firefighter foam banned?

Currently, Class B firefighter foam is banned for several different purposes because of the effects that it may have. Currently, firefighters still use AFFF foam, but only in certain fires, including hydrocarbon fires and aviation accident fires. Firefighters are more likely to use water instead of firefighter foam. 

Firefighter Foam Injuries

Long-term exposure to this foam could cause several different types of illnesses and injuries,  with some examples being:

• Testicular cancer
• Breast cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Stomach cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative colitis
• Prostate cancer
• Blindness

Our attorneys have experience filing mass tort product defect lawsuits. in the event that you have been exposed to firefighter foam, you have the right to file a lawsuit for the injuries that you have suffered. Usually, exposure could result in thousands of dollars in medical bills and treatments needed not only for past treatments but also for the future. When you file a lawsuit, you are entitled to compensation for past medical bills and for future medical treatment that you may need.

Our attorneys offer one-on-one complimentary consultations to discuss your specific firefighter foam lawsuit. Give us a call today to discuss your options.

What type of compensation can I recover from my firefighter foam lawsuit?

• Past medical bills
• Future medical bills
• Past lost earnings
• Future lost earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress

This all depends on the specific details of your case. If you have suffered permanent injuries, you are likely to get compensated more. 

Am I qualified to file a firefighter foam lawsuit?

If you were exposed to firefighter foam at any point, and you then suffered injuries or illnesses like cancer, you may be eligible for filing a lawsuit. You are eligible for seeking compensation for your injuries.

Do I have a valid case?

In order to determine if you have a valid firefighter foam lawsuit, contact our experienced AFFF lawsuit attorneys today for more information. Our attorneys are available to assist you every step of the way and hold one-on-one consultations to review the circumstances of your injuries. 

Can I afford a firefighter foam attorney?

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which essentially means that you owe our attorneys $0. Our attorneys will only get a portion of the amount we receive in compensation for you. This portion is determined through our contract when taking you on as a client. 

What are the criteria for filing an AFFF foam lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a foam lawsuit if you meet the below criteria:

•  You had occupational exposure. This means that at any point throughout your job, whether you were a firefighter, airport employee, or a military member, you were exposed to firefighter foam. 
• You then suffered cancer after being exposed to the foam.

What will our AFFF foam lawyers do for you?

• Our attorneys will gather all information regarding the circumstances of your illness to determine if it is in fact the foam that caused the illness. Usually, in circumstances like these, it takes a highly experienced attorney to prove that it is the form that caused the cancer. Or else, the defendants, which are the manufacturers of the foam, may point to different circumstances other than the foam that causes cancer.
• We will file all the necessary legal paperwork needed throughout the legal process. There are several different types of paperwork that have a time limit on when it should be filed, our attorneys will stay on top of it every step of the way.
• In the event that your case goes to trial, we will fight for you aggressively in court.
• Negotiate with the third-party defendants, attorneys, and insurance companies to make sure that all your rights are represented and you get the maximum settlement possible. 

What can I expect from a foam lawsuit settlement?

The settlement amount differs from $50,000 to a couple hundred thousand dollars. This depends on the circumstances of the illness, and the exposure that you have had to the firefighter foam. For example, if you had heavy exposure to the foam throughout your life, and now have permanent illnesses such as cancer, you may receive a higher compensation amount.

The different factors that determine the amount of compensation are:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical bills
• The future medical assistance you may need
• The liability of the foam manufacturer
• Exposure to the foam

Who are the responsible parties in a foam lawsuit?

The responsible party in a firefighter foam lawsuit is the manufacturer of the foam. The most common manufacturers of firefighter foam include:

• DuPont
• Tyco Fire
• 3M

Current Lawsuits

Currently, there is a pending AFFF lawsuit filed in 2018 in the South Carolina Federal court. As of right now, there are around 2,500 plaintiffs in this lawsuit. If you believe that you have been exposed to firefighter foam and have suffered injuries, contact us today to see how you can join in on this lawsuit. This is known as a mass tort lawsuit since it involves several different types of plaintiffs.

Current State Legislation

Currently, several states have passed laws that have outlawed AFFF foam when it comes to putting out fire. But, there is no federal law that has outlawed this foam. This means that until Congress has passed this law, any state could still use this foam. Currently, there’s a lot of push from the United States Environmental Protection Agency to prohibit the manufacturing of firefighter foam.