Firefighters, those remarkable individuals who often put their lives on the line to protect us, face a multitude of challenges. Among them, exposure to hazardous substances, including cancer-causing agents, is a significant concern. In recent times, we’ve witnessed a surge in lawsuits initiated by firefighters against manufacturers of firefighting foam, like 3M and Tyco. These legal actions are prompted by the harmful components found in the foam. Let’s delve into the types of cancer associated with AFFF, AFFF lawsuit settlements, and the growing number of lawsuits filed by firefighters.
AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, lawsuits involves a range of players, including the manufacturers, distributors, and users of this firefighting foam. Some notable AFFF defendants include:
- 3M Company: A prominent manufacturer of AFFF foam, embroiled in several lawsuits.
- Chemours Company: A spinoff of DuPont, a significant AFFF producer, also facing multiple AFFF lawsuits.
- DuPont: A leading manufacturer of AFFF foam before its separation from Chemours in 2015, implicated in numerous AFFF lawsuits.
- Tyco Fire Products LP: A subsidiary of Johnson Controls International, one of the primary AFFF foam producers, also named in several AFFF lawsuits.
- National Foam, Inc.: A key manufacturer of firefighting foam and equipment, also facing allegations in several AFFF lawsuits.
Notably, the 3M Company and Tyco Fire Products LP are among the most significant AFFF defendants, given their status as leading firefighting foam manufacturers. It’s essential to recognize that there are many other defendants listed in AFFF lawsuits, including fire departments, airports, and military bases that have used this foam.
Cancer Types Linked to AFFF Firefighting Foam:
Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) has been in use for decades to combat fires involving flammable liquids. However, recent research suggests that exposure to AFFF foam may elevate the risk of specific cancers among firefighters and individuals exposed to this foam.
The primary concern with AFFF centers on its chemical composition, specifically per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), known for their toxicity and long-lasting presence in the environment. PFAS are associated with various health issues, including cancer, immune system irregularities, and hormonal disruption. Firefighters are at heightened risk of AFFF exposure, primarily as they use the foam to extinguish fires involving flammable liquids. Moreover, the foam can lead to air, water, and soil contamination, posing a risk to nearby residents and workers.
If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with cancer following exposure to AFFF foam, there may be an opportunity to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for the associated damages. It’s crucial to consult with a qualified attorney from All Lawsuit Expert, a platform connecting those in need with experienced legal professionals specializing in AFFF lawsuits, to explore your legal avenues.
The cancer types potentially linked to AFFF exposure encompass:
- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
If you’ve received a cancer diagnosis from any of these types after AFFF exposure, you may be eligible for compensation. Reach out to a proficient attorney through All Lawsuit Expert to discuss your legal options.
The AFFF Lawsuit: What's It About?
Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has served as a firefighting foam to extinguish fuel fires for decades. However, it contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to an array of health issues, including cancer. In response to this, firefighters have initiated lawsuits against foam manufacturers, claiming they weren’t adequately informed about the dangers of PFAS exposure.
Settlement Amounts in AFFF Lawsuits:
The settlement amounts in AFFF lawsuits vary significantly, with some firefighters receiving substantial compensation. For example, in one case, a group of New Hampshire firefighters obtained a $46 million settlement from 3M and Tyco following PFAS exposure in the foam. In another instance, a group of Colorado firefighters secured a $7 million settlement from the same company.
Firefighter Cancer Lawsuits:
In addition to AFFF lawsuits, we’ve witnessed a surge in firefighter cancer lawsuits. Firefighters are at an elevated risk of developing cancer due to exposure to harmful substances. According to the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), firefighters face a 9% higher risk of cancer compared to the general population.
All Lawsuit Expert and Firefighter Lawsuits:
If you’re a firefighter or know someone in this profession who has been diagnosed with cancer or suffered harm due to AFFF exposure, it’s crucial to seek legal representation. All Lawsuit Expert specializes in representing individuals harmed due to the negligence of others, including firefighters who’ve developed cancer following Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure.
All Lawsuit Expert is actively collaborating with firefighters diagnosed with cancer, helping them seek compensation for their injuries. The law firm has extensive experience in handling complex litigation cases and a proven track record of achieving substantial settlements for its clients.
If you’re a firefighter facing a cancer diagnosis after AFFF exposure, All Lawsuit Expert is here to assist you. The law firm offers free consultations and operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t incur fees unless they win your case.
In conclusion, AFFF lawsuit settlements and firefighter cancer lawsuits are significant issues affecting the brave men and women who serve our communities. If you or a loved one in the firefighting profession has been impacted by AFFF or other harmful substances, seeking legal representation is crucial.
Latest Updates
November 1, 2023: Selection of Bellwether Candidate Cases
The deadline for compiling a list of potential bellwether trial cases among AFFF personal injury plaintiffs is approaching at the end of this month. These individuals will undergo a brief fact-discovery process to understand the particulars of their cases. Subsequently, a few cases will be selected for the initial round of bellwether trials, potentially taking place late next year.
October 24, 2023: New Study on PFAS and Thyroid Cancer
A recent study slated for publication in biomedicine, a Lancet journal, highlights that individuals with higher concentrations of linear perfluoro octane sulfonic acid (PFOS), a specific PFAS, face a 56% increased risk of developing thyroid cancer. This study underscores the link between PFAS and thyroid cancer.
October 17, 2023: Over 6,000 in MDL
In the past month, 111 new cases have been added to the AFFF firefighting foam class action MDL, bringing the total to 6,049 pending cases. However, a significant portion of these cases pertain to municipal water contamination claims, which have already been resolved through a global settlement.
October 2, 2023: Recent MDL Filings Summary
Following the global settlement regarding water contamination cases in the summer, the last month has witnessed relatively subdued activity in the AFFF class action MDL. This week, the MDL Judge granted a joint extension request for specific discovery deadlines. Earlier in the month, two insurance companies filed motions for dismissal based on jurisdictional grounds.
September 18, 2023: Naming of Bellwether
Trial Cases Last week, Judge Gergel communicated that four lawsuits against water utilities in California, New Jersey, New York, and South Dakota would form the pool for forthcoming bellwether cases. Claims against 3M, DuPont, and Chemours are temporarily on hold as settlements with these defendants undergo approval processes. However, companies such as Tyco and Chemguard remain unresolved, and plaintiff attorneys are now focusing on these cases.
What about personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to AFFF? We anticipate the scheduling of bellwether trials for these cases this month, a crucial step in exerting pressure on defendants to offer reasonable AFFF foam settlements. These trials are vital as they serve as benchmarks, offering insights into potential outcomes for similar cases and potentially streamlining settlement negotiations.
September 14, 2023: Bellwether Schedule in Telomer AFFF Cases
A new Case Management Order, issued by the Judge in the AFFF class action, has established a schedule for a new series of bellwether trials involving Telomer water contamination cases. These cases were excluded from the recent water provider settlement due to the distinct chemical composition of Telomer-based firefighting foam. The CMO prescribes a presumptive trial date for the initial Telomer AFFF bellwether trial on August 23, 2024. It remains uncertain how this will impact the bellwether trial schedule for individual AFFF occupational exposure cases.
August 22, 2023: PFAS Settlement Fairness Hearing
The court has granted preliminary approval for the settlement agreement in some municipality cases. A Final Fairness Hearing is scheduled for December 14, 2023, which is expected to be a procedural formality.
August 21, 2023: Testicular Cancer
A recent study published in Environmental Health Perspectives underscores the potential risk of testicular cancer associated with AFFF exposure.
August 19, 2023: Case Count
The AFFF firefighting foam class action MDL currently comprises 5,614 pending cases, an increase of nearly 1,000 cases since June when there were 4,793. Many of these pending cases involve water contamination claims that were largely resolved through the recent settlement.”
FAQs
A: Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam used to combat fires involving flammable liquids. Lawsuits have arisen due to the presence of harmful components in AFFF, particularly per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to health issues, including cancer. Firefighters and others exposed to AFFF have initiated legal actions against foam manufacturers, alleging inadequate warning about PFAS dangers.
A: AFFF lawsuits involve multiple defendants, including manufacturers, distributors, and users of the foam. Some prominent defendants include the 3M Company, Chemours Company, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products LP, and National Foam, Inc. These companies have faced allegations in numerous AFFF lawsuits.
A: Exposure to AFFF has been linked to an increased risk of various cancers, including testicular cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, prostate cancer, pancreatic cancer, leukemia, and lymphoma. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with these types of cancer after AFFF exposure, legal action may be possible.
