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Firefighting Foam or AFFF Lawsuit

Since the 1960s, manufacturers of AFFF, also known as firefighting foam, have incorporated hazardous PFAS chemicals in its production. If you were exposed to firefighting foam on the job and later diagnosed with cancer, you may have a valid claim for compensation through a firefighting foam lawsuit.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits
FAQs

AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), or firefighting foam, is a type of foam used by firefighters to extinguish fires. Its effectiveness in putting out jet fuel and petroleum fires has made it a popular choice since the 1960s, particularly at military bases and airports. However, AFFF is made using hazardous PFAS chemicals.

Firefighters who were exposed to the PFAS chemicals in AFFF regularly are at a heightened risk of developing various forms of cancer. If you suspect that your cancer diagnosis is due to exposure to PFAS, you could be eligible for compensation through a firefighting foam lawsuit.

The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer

AFFF, a firefighting foam that uses chemicals, has been sold for many years. Regrettably, the fatal side effects of the chemicals are now widely acknowledged.

Firefighters who have been exposed to PFAS-based firefighting foam may develop the following:At particular risk of PFAS exposure are:
  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
  • Leukemia
  • Liver cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Renal or kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer and disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • Uterine or endometrial cancer
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

Selecting the right legal team is critical when filing a firefighting foam lawsuit. Not all lawyers who specialize in AFFF cases can offer the same level of expertise and support.

Here are the things you should look for when choosing an AFFF lawyer:At particular risk of PFAS exposure are:
At particular risk of PFAS exposure are:
Free Consultations:

We offer free, no-commitment consultations to evaluate your case and determine if you have a legal claim.

Proven Track Record:

Our law firm has secured over $8.9 billion in compensation for our clients over the years.

National Coverage:

We have clients in all 50 states and have established offices in almost every state.

Years of Experience:

For over four decades, we have helped clients throughout the country obtain the compensation they are entitled to.

No Fees Upfront:

Our AFFF lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you won't pay anything unless we win.

If you have cancer as a result of exposure to AFFF while working as a firefighter, our firefighting foam cancer lawyers may be able to assist you in pursuing financial compensation through a lawsuit.

How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?

Although each case is unique, firefighter foam litigation typically follows a similar process that AMMS Law's legal team can handle on your behalf.

By partnering with AMMS Law, your legal team will:
  • Evaluate your qualifications to pursue an AFFF lawsuit
  • Collect evidence from your medical and employment histories that demonstrates your exposure to PFAS
  • File your AFFF lawsuit within the specified deadlines or statutes of limitations
  • Negotiate a settlement for firefighter foam litigation
  • Advocate for you in court before a jury if a settlement is not reached

After your complimentary consultation with Sokolove Law, our knowledgeable legal team can handle each phase of the AFFF cancer lawsuit process, allowing you to concentrate on your well-being and your family.

What Is AFFF?

Firefighting foam, also known as aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), creates a barrier that deprives the fire of oxygen by smothering the fuel.

Regrettably, one of the primary components of firefighting foam is hazardous chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) employs the term PFAS as a general description for a group of toxic chemicals, including:
  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8)
  • Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
  • Other PFA substances

PFAS chemicals have been classified by the EPA as "emerging pollutants," implying that PFAS exposure can pose a significant risk to human health.

Toxic Firefighting Foam Dangers
FAQs

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and the American Cancer Society (ACS) are among the prominent health organizations that have acknowledged a possible association between specific PFAS chemicals and an increased risk of cancer and other health issues among firefighters.

Exposure to firefighting foam that contains PFAS has been linked to the following types of cancer:
  • Bladder cancer
  • Breast cancer
  • Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
  • Leukemia
  • Liver cancer
  • Lymphoma
  • Ovarian cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Prostate cancer
  • Renal or kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Uterine or endometrial cancer

PFAS exposure can also cause thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis, an inflammatory bowel disease.

PFAS may remain in the body for an extended period, accumulating over time and increasing the likelihood of various health effects and risks related to firefighting foam.

If you have been diagnosed with cancer caused by PFAS exposure, you may be eligible to collaborate with a law firm to file an AFFF lawsuit and receive financial compensation to cover your medical costs and other damages.

AFFF Cancer High-Risk Occupations

Firefighters who have been exposed to AFFF may be at an elevated risk of cancer. Airport and military firefighters may be particularly susceptible to certain cancers due to frequent exposure to the foam.

Firefighters at Airports

Until 2018, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandated the use of PFAS-containing firefighting foam at airports, based on guidelines from the U.S. Navy, putting the health of airport firefighters in danger.

Military Firefighters

The U.S. Navy and other branches of the military have used firefighting foam containing PFAS since the 1960s, including during training exercises and non-critical missions. Military fire departments favored the foam because it could extinguish jet fuel fires.

The military is currently phasing out the use of specific PFAS, while the Department of Defense (DOD) is exploring potential alternatives to PFAS-containing firefighting foam to prevent PFAS contamination.

Find an AFFF Lawyer Near You
FAQs

Sokolove Law's firefighting foam attorneys are currently investigating cases involving cancer resulting from occupational exposure to firefighting foam.

You may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit if you:
  • Worked as a firefighter
  • Have been exposed to toxic firefighting foams
  • Were later diagnosed with bladder, breast, colon, kidney, liver, pancreatic, prostate, testicular, or thyroid cancer, as well as leukemia or lymphoma

Through a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit, you may be able to receive financial compensation for your injuries caused by PFAS exposure. We will listen to your account and assist you in comprehending your legal alternatives.

To find out more, contact the firefighting foam lawyers at AMMS Law today by beginning a free legal case review.

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
  • Prostate
  • Rectum
  • Testicles
  • Thyroid
  • Uterus

AFFF, which stands for aqueous film-forming foam, is a fluorochemical surfactant that includes perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), hazardous chemicals that have been linked to various types of cancer.

    Firefighters use AFFF, a foam concentrate and surfactant, to put out fuel fires. However, the PFAS chemicals found in AFFF have been linked to various types of cancer, putting firefighters who have been exposed to the foam at risk.

      Water is not always effective in extinguishing fuel fires as it is heavier than most fuels. When water is used on a fuel fire, it can fall beneath the flames and spread the fire, which can make the situation worse. AFFF or firefighting foam is a specialized foam concentrate and surfactant that is used to combat fuel fires.

      AFFF is lighter than water and, when sprayed on a fire, it creates a blanket that separates the fire from the oxygen it needs to continue to burn. This blanket effectively smothers the fire, extinguishing it quickly and efficiently.

        Regrettably, despite the known risks associated with toxic PFAS-based firefighting foam, it continues to be used in a variety of airports throughout the country, including for both military and commercial use.

        However, the Department of Defense is currently working to research and develop safe, PFAS-free alternatives to AFFF, and the use of AFFF is now limited to emergency responses only.

          If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer due to exposure to firefighting foam, contact a national law firm like AMMS Law for a no-cost case assessment to explore your legal options.

            Definitely. The most qualified AFFF lawyers operate on a contingency basis, which means that you wont be charged any fees upfront. Our attorneys will only receive payment if your case is successful.

              Working with a law firm specializing in AFFF cases can alleviate the legal burden and allow you to prioritize your health. An AFFF lawyer can assist you throughout the legal process by:

              • Conducting a free case evaluation to determine your legal options
              • Gathering evidence to support your case
              • Filing your AFFF lawsuit on your behalf
              • Negotiating a firefighting foam settlement agreement
              • Litigating your case in court if a settlement cannot be reached

              It is difficult to estimate the potential value of a firefighting foam lawsuit settlement because the circumstances of each case vary widely.

              Numerous factors will be considered when determining a firefighting foam cash settlement, such as:

              • The severity and type of cancer or other illness caused by exposure to AFFF
              • The duration and intensity of the exposure
              • The cost of current and future medical treatment
              • Any wages lost as a result of the illness

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