Firefighting Foam Lawsuit | AFFF Lawsuit Lawyers
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Firefighters exposed to toxic chemicals in AFFF, used to fight fires, face serious health risks, including cancer. Grimes Teich Anderson is helping victims seek justice and compensation through class action lawsuits against negligent manufacturers.
Our Lawyers Are Actively Investigating the Firefighting Foam Class Action Lawsuit
Armed with training to safeguard yourself and others, when you commit to becoming a firefighter you understand and accept the inherent risks involved. However, recent studies have uncovered a new threat to the health and safety of firefighters: aqueous film-forming foams (AFFF). These foams, used to combat flammable liquid fires, contain per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) that, when released, emit toxic chemicals linked to cancer and various other serious health complications.
Despite awareness of these risks, the chemical industry continued to market and distribute AFFF to fire departments nationwide. This negligence has led to widespread exposure among firefighters, who now find themselves grappling with unforeseen health challenges as a result. In response, victims of AFFF exposure are coming together to seek justice and compensation through a class action lawsuit. This legal action aims to hold accountable those responsible for manufacturing, promoting, and profiting from a product known to endanger the very lives it was meant to protect.
If you or a loved one has been affected by AFFF exposure, it's crucial to seek legal guidance to understand your rights and help ensure you receive the maximum compensation you could be entitled to by law. You have worked hard to serve your community; our AFFF injury lawyers are ready to serve you at Grimes Teich Anderson.
Experienced Toxic Exposure Legal Representation That Makes a Difference
At Grimes Teich Anderson, we have been dedicated to safeguarding the rights of toxic exposure victims for over four decades. Since 1979, our firm has consistently delivered exceptional legal representation, helping ensure our clients receive the maximum compensation they deserve under the law. We understand how complex toxic exposure cases are and are committed to advocating vigorously on behalf of our clients.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and provide a thorough assessment of your legal options. Importantly, we operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don't pay us unless and until we win your case. This approach underscores our confidence in achieving positive outcomes for our clients.
You can depend on the firefighting foam lawsuit lawyers at Grimes Teich Anderson for experienced legal representation that protects and defends your rights while prioritizing your health and well-being.
AFFF Firefighting Foam Linked With Cancers and Other Illnesses
Studies have linked PFAS in firefighting foam to the following cancers:
Lymphoma: A type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body's immune system. It includes Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma, affecting lymph nodes and lymphatic tissues.
Testicular Cancer: Cancer that develops in the testicles, which are part of the male reproductive system. It typically affects younger men and is highly treatable, especially when detected early.
Prostate Cancer: Cancer that begins in the prostate gland, a small walnut-shaped gland in males that produces seminal fluid. It is one of the most common cancers in men and tends to grow slowly.
Lung Cancer: Cancer that starts in the lungs, usually in the cells lining the air passages. It is strongly linked to smoking but can also occur in non-smokers due to other factors like exposure to radon or secondhand smoke.
Brain Cancer: Cancerous growths in the brain or nearby structures. There are many types of brain tumors, each with different symptoms and treatments.
Thyroid Cancer: Cancer that begins in the thyroid gland at the base of the throat. It is often treatable with surgery, radiation, and sometimes hormone therapy.
Bladder Cancer: Cancer that begins in the bladder, the organ that stores urine. It is more common in older adults and may cause blood in the urine or changes in urinary habits.
Breast Cancer: Cancer that forms in the cells of the breast. It is the most common cancer among women worldwide and can also affect men.
Digestive Cancers: Cancers that affect the digestive system, including cancers of the esophagus, stomach, liver, pancreas, colon, and rectum.
Multiple Myeloma: Cancer that develops in plasma cells, a type of white blood cell in the bone marrow. It affects the immune system and can lead to weakened bones and impaired kidney function.
In addition, the following health complications linked to the PFAS in AFFF have been reported:
Sex Hormone Disruption: The interference or imbalance in the normal production, regulation, or function of sex hormones such as estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone. This disruption can lead to a range of health issues, including reproductive problems and menstrual irregularities, and potentially affect sexual development and function.
Ulcerative Colitis: A type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) characterized by chronic inflammation and ulcers (sores) in the inner lining of the colon and rectum. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, diarrhea (often bloody), weight loss, and fatigue. It is a chronic condition with periods of flare-ups and remission.
Liver Function Disruption: Disruptions to liver function can result from various causes such as viral infections (e.g., hepatitis), excessive alcohol consumption, fatty liver disease, autoimmune disorders, genetic conditions, or exposure to toxins. Symptoms may include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, fatigue, swelling of the abdomen, and altered mental function.
Kidney Function Disruption: Disruptions to kidney function can occur due to conditions like chronic kidney disease, acute kidney injury (often from infections or toxins), diabetes, high blood pressure, autoimmune diseases affecting the kidneys, urinary tract obstructions, or certain medications. Symptoms may include swelling in the legs, ankles, or around the eyes, decreased urine output, fatigue, shortness of breath, nausea, and confusion.
Asthma: Asthma is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing. It often occurs in response to triggers such as allergens, pollutants, respiratory infections, or exercise. Asthma symptoms can vary in severity from mild to severe, and management typically involves medication to control inflammation and bronchodilators to relieve symptoms during flare-ups.
Changes in Fetal and Child Development: Exposure to specific environmental contaminants or toxins can impact fetal development during pregnancy and child development post-birth. These changes can affect various aspects, such as physical growth, neurological development, cognitive function, and behavior. Factors contributing to developmental changes may include
Fertility Issues: Environmental contaminants and toxins can affect fertility in both men and women. In males, exposure to certain chemicals or pollutants may impair sperm production, motility, or morphology, leading to male infertility. In females, exposure to environmental factors may disrupt hormonal balance, ovulation, or reproductive function, impacting fertility and conception.
Liver Damage: Environmental exposures, such as toxins, chemicals, alcohol, or certain medications, can cause liver damage or liver disease. Liver damage may manifest as inflammation (hepatitis), fatty liver disease, fibrosis, cirrhosis (scarring of the liver), or liver cancer. Symptoms of liver damage can include jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes), abdominal pain, swelling, fatigue, and altered mental function.
Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension/Preeclampsia: Environmental factors and exposures can contribute to pregnancy-induced hypertension (high blood pressure) and preeclampsia, a severe condition characterized by high blood pressure and protein in the urine during pregnancy. Preeclampsia can lead to complications for both the mother and baby if not managed promptly.
Thyroid Disease: Environmental contaminants, such as certain chemicals or pollutants, may disrupt thyroid function or hormone production. This disruption can lead to thyroid disorders such as hypothyroidism (underactive thyroid) or hyperthyroidism (overactive thyroid), affecting metabolism, energy levels, and overall health.
How AFFF Exposure Affects the Body
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can be highly toxic, mainly when it contains perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). At low levels, these chemicals are generally considered safe for most individuals.
However, prolonged exposure can be harmful, as the U.S. Fire Administration notes. PFOS and PFOA accumulate in the body over time, potentially leading to adverse health effects, including an increased risk of cancer.
Laboratory studies have shown that PFOS and PFOA are toxic to animals. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has also identified evidence suggesting these substances may be carcinogenic. While PFOS and PFOA may not pose an immediate threat in small amounts, their long-term presence and buildup in the body have been linked to serious health concerns, highlighting the importance of minimizing exposure to these chemicals.
Long-Term Effects of AFFF Exposure
Long-term exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), particularly containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), can lead to several serious health effects:
- Increased Risk of Cancer: Studies have linked PFAS exposure to an elevated risk of various cancers, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and others. These chemicals can accumulate in the body over time, potentially causing DNA damage and promoting cancerous cell growth.
- Liver Damage: PFAS have been associated with liver toxicity and damage. Prolonged exposure may lead to inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), fatty liver disease, fibrosis, or even cirrhosis (scarring of the liver).
- Immune System Disruption: Long-term exposure to PFAS can impair the immune system's ability to function correctly, increasing susceptibility to infections, autoimmune diseases, and other immune-related disorders.
- Reproductive and Developmental Effects: PFAS exposure has been linked to fertility issues, including reduced semen quality in men and hormonal disruptions that can affect reproductive health in both men and women. It may also impact fetal development during pregnancy.
- Chronic Health Conditions: Continued exposure to PFAS through AFFF has been associated with chronic health conditions such as thyroid disease, where PFAS can interfere with thyroid hormone production and function.
- Cardiovascular Effects: Some studies suggest that PFAS exposure may contribute to cardiovascular diseases, including elevated cholesterol levels and increased risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Neurological Effects: There is emerging evidence linking PFAS exposure to neurological effects, including changes in behavior, cognitive function, and neurodevelopmental disorders.
Due to these potential long-term health effects, there is a growing concern and increased regulatory scrutiny over the use and environmental impact of AFFF-containing PFAS. Efforts are underway to develop safer alternatives and mitigate the health risks associated with these chemicals. Individuals who have been exposed to AFFF should seek medical evaluation, consider legal options to address any health issues, and seek compensation for damages incurred.
Types of Compensation You May Be Entitled to After AFFF Exposure
As a toxic exposure victim, the types of compensation you may be entitled to can vary depending on the specific circumstances of your case and the laws of your jurisdiction. Here are some common types of compensation that toxic exposure victims may seek:
- Medical Expenses: This includes current and future medical costs related to treating illnesses or injuries resulting from the toxic exposure.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work because of the illness or injury caused by the toxic exposure.
- Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages meant to compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life resulting from the toxic exposure.
- Punitive Damages: In cases where the responsible party's actions were particularly egregious or reckless, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct in the future.
- Loss of Consortium: This compensates the victim's spouse or family for the loss of companionship, affection, and support resulting from the victim's injuries or illness.
- Property Damage: If the toxic exposure caused damage to your property (e.g., contamination of land or belongings), you may be entitled to compensation for repairs or replacement.
- Wrongful Death: In cases where toxic exposure leads to death, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
It's important to note that the availability and amount of compensation can depend on various factors, including the severity of the illness, the duration of exposure, the extent of liability of the responsible parties, and applicable laws in your jurisdiction. Consulting with an experienced toxic exposure attorney can help you understand your rights and potential compensation options.
Understanding Your Rights as an AFFF Toxic Exposure Victim
As a victim of toxic exposure, your rights can vary depending on several factors, including where the exposure occurred, the nature of the toxins involved, and local laws. However, here are some general rights and steps you may have:
- Right to Information: You have the right to know what toxins you were exposed to, how the exposure occurred, and who may be responsible for the exposure.
- Right to Medical Care: You are entitled to medical care to treat any health issues resulting from the toxic exposure. This may include ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and monitoring.
- Right to Compensation: In many cases, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by the toxic exposure.
- Legal Recourse: You have the right to seek legal recourse against those responsible for the exposure. This could involve filing a lawsuit or participating in a class-action lawsuit if others were similarly affected.
- Environmental Protection: Depending on the circumstances, you may have rights related to environmental protection, such as advocating for cleanup efforts or stricter regulations to prevent future exposures.
- Workers' Rights: If the exposure occurred in a workplace, you may have specific rights under occupational health and safety laws, including the right to a safe work environment and protections against retaliation for reporting unsafe conditions.
- Privacy and Confidentiality: Your medical information related to the exposure should be kept confidential and not disclosed without your consent, except as required by law.
To effectively assert these rights, consider consulting with a lawyer experienced ih toxic torts or environmental law. They can provide guidance tailored to your situation and help you navigate the legal process to seek justice and compensation for the harm caused by the toxic exposure.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Attorneys
Are you or a loved one suffering from cancer or other health complications linked to AFFF exposure? You don't have to face this challenge alone. At Grimes Teich Anderson, we take pride in assisting victims of toxic exposure to navigate their legal rights and seek the compensation they deserve. We understand the nuances of AFFF exposure cases and are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal representation.
We offer free consultations to discuss your case and assess your options. During your consultation, you'll have the opportunity to speak directly with one of our experienced toxic exposure attorneys, who will listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide clear guidance on how to proceed.
Our firm has a proven track record of success in handling toxic exposure cases, and we are dedicated to holding responsible parties accountable for their negligence or misconduct. We strive to achieve fair compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages caused by toxic exposure. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life and ensure that justice is served.
Don't hesitate to contact Grimes Teich Anderson for a free consultation. Schedule your consultation today, and take the first step towards seeking justice and securing your future. Let us fight for your rights while you focus on your health and recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there alternatives to firefighting foam?
Fluorine-free foams do not contain PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances) and may be an alternative to AFFF. Both make a blanket over liquid fuel fires, smothering the flames and acting as a barrier that prevents flammable vapors from escaping fluid. This helps to simultaneously extinguish the fire and prevent further ignition of the vapors. However, PFAS-containing foams are more effective than their fluorine-free counterparts. Efforts to find effective alternatives to AFFF are ongoing.
Is AFFF still used today?
Despite increased awareness of its risks, AFFF remains in active use today. Both military and civilian firefighting units continue to rely on AFFF due to its unparalleled effectiveness in combating fuel fires, particularly in situations demanding swift response. Nonetheless, there is a concerted effort through legislation and regulations to discontinue the use of PFAS-containing foams. Several states in the U.S. have implemented laws to limit the use of AFFF containing PFAS, urging the adoption of safer, environmentally friendly alternatives whenever feasible. Furthermore, the National Defense Authorization Act mandates that the Department of Defense phase out PFAS-based firefighting foams by 2024, marking a significant departure from AFFF in military operations.
What are the forever chemicals in firefighting foam?
Extremely harmful PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), known to cause cancer, are incorporated into firefighting foam and pose risks of cancer and other illnesses to firefighters nationwide.
How toxic is AFFF foam?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can be highly toxic, particularly when it contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals persist in the environment and bioaccumulate in the body over time. Studies have shown that long-term exposure to PFAS through AFFF can lead to serious health risks, including an increased likelihood of cancer, liver damage, immune system disruption, and other adverse effects. The toxicity of AFFF foam depends on the concentration and types of PFAS present and the duration and frequency of exposure.
Does all firefighting foam have PFAS?
Not all firefighting foam contains PFAS, but many traditional AFFF formulations include these substances due to their effectiveness in combating flammable liquid fires. PFAS are valued for their ability to create a film on the surface of the fire, preventing the spread of flames. However, due to the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS, efforts are underway to develop alternative, effective, yet less harmful firefighting foams. Some newer formulations of firefighting foam aim to minimize or eliminate the use of PFAS while maintaining effectiveness, emphasizing safety for both firefighters and the environment.
Filing a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit for AFFF Exposure
Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit?
Individuals who have been adversely affected by exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), particularly containing harmful substances like perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), may qualify to file a lawsuit. This includes firefighters, military personnel, and others exposed to AFFF during training exercises, firefighting operations, or other occupational settings where these foams were used.
What is the Statute of Limitations for the AFFF Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations refers to the timeframe individuals can file a firefighting foam lawsuit after experiencing harm. The specific statute of limitations for AFFF lawsuits can vary depending on the state and circumstances of exposure but is typically 2 to 3 years. It is crucial to consult a qualified attorney well-versed in toxic exposure cases to determine the applicable statute of limitations and ensure the timely filing of your claim.
Are the Firefighting Foam Lawsuits a Class Action?
Yes, many lawsuits related to AFFF exposure have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL) or class action lawsuits. In class actions, plaintiffs with similar claims are grouped to streamline legal proceedings and ensure consistent adjudication. This allows individuals who have suffered similar harm from AFFF exposure to collectively seek compensation for damages, medical expenses, and other losses caused by exposure to these toxic chemicals.
It's important for individuals considering legal action for AFFF exposure to seek guidance from experienced attorneys who can provide personalized advice and representation tailored to their specific circumstances. A qualified attorney can assess eligibility, explain legal options, and navigate the complexities of AFFF litigation to pursue fair compensation and justice for those affected.
Protecting Those Who Serve Our Community Since 1979
At Grimes Teich Anderson, we have dedicated ourselves to protecting the rights and health of those who selflessly serve our communities, including firefighters and military personnel affected by Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure. Since our founding in 1979, we have championed the cause of individuals harmed by negligent practices and dangerous products.
Our experienced team understands the complexities of AFFF litigation and is committed to securing justice and compensation for our clients.
With a deep understanding of the devastating impact that AFFF exposure can have on individuals and their families, we provide compassionate and personalized legal representation.
We stand alongside our clients, fighting tirelessly to hold responsible parties accountable for their actions. Whether through negotiating settlements or litigating in court, we strive to achieve the best possible outcomes for those affected by AFFF contamination.
If you or a loved one has suffered due to AFFF exposure, contact Grimes Teich Anderson today to discuss your legal options. Let us help you navigate the recovery path and ensure your voice is heard. Your health and well-being are our priority, and we are here to advocate for you every step of the way.
Contact us today by submitting a form online or calling our office at 800-533-6845 for a free consultation.
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*Each case is different, so not all information on this website, as well as some which may not be provided, will apply to every case. Because the facts and relevant laws are different from case to case, Grimes Teich Anderson does not guarantee that the outcome, results, or experiences with one lawyer or one case will be similar to another.
Except for Employment Law Cases, Attorney's fees are a percentage of the entire recovery and will be deducted before other expenses. In addition to the fee in these cases, Client will be responsible for litigation expenses, which will either be deducted from the recovery or paid by the client. Some Employment Law Cases may be handled on a contingency fee basis and others handled on an hourly basis, where the client is billed for the hours spent on the case. Based on our experience, we will advise you of the most appropriate fee arrangement in Employment Law cases.
Material on this website is for information purposes and is not legal advice.
