Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam, has been used by firefighters, military and airport personnel for several decades. This Class B firefighting foam has been a critical tool in combating oil, gasoline and other fuel-based fires, as it has a unique ability to quickly smother flames.

The problem is that these foams contain forever chemicals that have been linked to various forms of cancer. Thousands of lawsuits have been filed against companies like 3M, DuPont, Chemours and others for supplying these firefighting foams.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF, Lynch Law Firm, PC is available to help you explore potential legal options. Product manufacturers may have breached their duty of care in supplying cancer-causing foam. You may be eligible to secure compensation for medical care and other damages.

Contact the defective product lawyers at our firm to discuss a potential AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit. There are no upfront fees, and the initial legal consultation is free of charge.

Lynch Law Firm, PC. Experienced Lawyers. Millions Recovered. Phone: (800) 518-0508.

The Dangers of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam

Unfortunately, the use of AFFF foams has come at a great cost, as they contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to several forms of cancer, including:

• Testicular cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Leukemia
• Rectal cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Lymphoma

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with any of these forms of cancer and have a history of AFFF exposure, you may be eligible to seek legal compensation. Lynch Law Firm, PC can evaluate your situation to determine if you may be able to file an AFFF lawsuit against the companies that produced the dangerous chemicals.

Some of these companies include:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Tyco Fire Products
• ChemDesign Inc.
• Chemguard Inc
• Chemours
• Corteva

How Can These Companies Be Held Liable?

Companies have a legal obligation to produce safe products that do not have an unreasonable risk of harm. If they later find out some of their products are dangerous, they have an obligation to stop using them and warn the public about the risks.

However, companies often continue producing dangerous products long after they learn about the risks. They may also fail to warn the public about what is going on.

In the case of firefighting foams and forever chemicals (PFAS), manufacturers like DuPont and 3M have known about the dangers for decades. There is evidence that as far back as 1979, 3M knew forever chemicals put people at risk of cancer. However, 3M did not publish this research. In fact, they worked to suppress research.

Some of the AFFF lawsuits that have been filed claim 3M worked to influence academic research to prevent the spread of unfavorable information about forever chemicals.

Who Can File an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

Anyone who was diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to forever chemicals in AFFF firefighting foams may be eligible to file a lawsuit. However, people who worked in certain industries or lived near these industries may have a higher risk of ingesting forever chemicals and developing health problems:

• Firefighters and first responders: The primary group affected are firefighters and first responders who used AFFF during training exercises or while extinguishing fires.
• Military personnel: Many military branches have used AFFF for firefighting purposes, especially on naval ships and military bases. Veterans or active-duty members who were exposed to AFFF and subsequently diagnosed with cancer should consider legal action.
• Airport personnel: Airports use AFFF for emergency responses to aircraft fires. That means airport firefighters or other workers may have had significant exposure to AFFF.
• Industrial workers: Employees in certain industries where AFFF is used, such as oil refineries or chemical plants, may also be at risk.
• Residents near contaminated sites: Individuals living near military bases, airports or industrial sites where AFFF was extensively used and has leached into the water supply may also be at risk. The Washington State Department of Ecology 43 states have drinking water that has been contaminated with PFAS, and a majority of Americans have PFAS in their blood.
• Families of exposed individuals: In some cases, family members of those directly exposed to AFFF might also be affected, particularly if AFFF contaminants were inadvertently brought into the home on clothing or equipment.

If you fall into any of these categories and have been diagnosed with cancer, we encourage you to reach out to us to explore legal options. If a family member has fallen ill and is not healthy enough to pursue legal action, you may be able to do so on their behalf.

At Lynch Law Firm, PC, we understand that each case is unique. We offer personalized consultations to assess your specific situation and advise on the best course of action.

Contact Lynch Law Firm, PC today. Phone: (800) 518-0508.

Compensation For Victims of AFFF Firefighting Foam

If you have been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages, such as:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• And more

The value of each case depends on numerous factors that our experienced lawyers can carefully evaluate, including:

• Your or your loved one’s diagnosis
• The ways the illness has affected you
• The long-term prognosis
• How long you were exposed to AFFF foam
• And more

By hiring an experienced attorney, you can rest assured all your damages will be carefully evaluated to determine what your claim may be worth. An experienced lawyer will also have the resources and legal knowledge to build you a robust case to pursue full compensation.

How Much Time is There to File an AFFF Lawsuit?

Statutes of limitations apply to AFFF lawsuits, meaning there is a limited time to file a claim. Delaying action could jeopardize your right to compensation.

If you are unsure about the merits of your claim, call Lynch Law Firm, PC to discuss your situation. Sometimes victims wrongly assume they do not have a case. You should not make this determination without first having a conversation with an experienced lawyer.

Our firm operates on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if you do.

Other Health Issues Associated With Forever Chemicals

PFAS are called forever chemicals because they do not break down and can accumulate in the water, air and soil. According to the U.S. Department of Veteran’s Affairs, these chemicals can also accumulate in the human body. The presence of these chemicals in the body increases the risk of serious illnesses, like cancer and the following health problems:

• Impaired immune system: Having an impaired immune system can make vaccines less effective and make you more vulnerable to infections
• Reproductive and developmental issues: There may be links to infertility, pregnancy complications, like preeclampsia and developmental delays in children.
• Endocrine disruption: PFAS are believed to disrupt the endocrine system, potentially leading to hormonal imbalances, thyroid disease and other related health issues.
• Liver damage: Exposure to PFAS has been associated with changes in liver function and an increased risk of liver disease.
• Increased cholesterol levels: High cholesterol levels are a known risk factor for heart disease.

There is ongoing research into the full spectrum of health risks associated with PFAS, including respiratory problems and skin conditions.

The environmental impact of AFFF is also a major concern. PFAS can seep into the soil and contaminate local water systems. This widespread contamination means that not only firefighters but also residents in nearby areas can be exposed to these harmful chemicals. Studies have shown that PFAS contamination can lead to a variety of ecological harms, including by affecting wildlife and plant life and entering the human food chain.

In response to these concerns, various regulatory bodies, including the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), have taken steps to investigate and limit the use of PFAS. The EPA’s PFAS Action Plan, for instance, outlines measures for researching, monitoring, and mitigating the risks associated with PFAS exposure.

Current Lawsuits Involving AFFF Firefighting Foam

Victims started filing lawsuits in 2017, and there were so many of them that they were consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the U.S. District Court for South Carolina. As of January 2, 2024, there were a total of 6,715 lawsuits pending in the MDL.

An MDL consolidates a significant number of lawsuits against the same defendant or defendants that have the same questions of fact. The purpose of consolidating cases in this way is to make the legal process more efficient and less costly. Consolidating lawsuits into an MDL also prevents inconsistent pretrial rulings.

As of early 2024, the parties involved are still selecting bellwether trial cases. Bellwether trial cases are the first to be tried in the MDL. These cases are seen as representative of the other cases in the MDL.

The results of these cases give both sides a better idea of how the court is likely to rule in future cases. This may incentivize the defendants to settle.

Call Lynch Law Firm, PC To Discuss a Potential AFFF Lawsuit

Your fight against cancer is challenging enough without the added burden of the legal process. Lynch Law Firm, PC guides injured victims through the legal process, pursuing the justice and compensation they are seeking.

Our firm has been advocating for victims of negligence for decades, and we have a proven record of success, recovering millions for our clients.

If you or a loved one has been affected by AFFF-related cancer, contact Lynch Law Firm, PC, today for a free consultation. There are no upfront costs for our services, and we do not get paid unless we secure compensation for you.

Have questions about an AFFF lawsuit? Call today: (800) 518-0508.