Published by If you or a loved one experienced cancer or other serious health issues following exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to PFAS chemical exposure. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
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Table Of Contents
- Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview
- Latest Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- Firefighting Foam Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
- Statute of Limitations for Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
- Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Alabama
- Frequently Asked Questions
- 1. What are the legal grounds for filing a firefighter foam lawsuit in Alabama?
- 2. How can Alabama residents start a firefighter foam lawsuit?
- 3. What are the key factors affecting firefighter foam lawsuit outcomes in Alabama?
- 4. Who are the defendants in AFFF lawsuits in Alabama?
- 5. What is AFFF and why is it harmful?
- 6. What types of cancer are linked to firefighting foam exposure?
- 7. How does the compensation process work for firefighting foam lawsuits?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
- References
Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview
The Alabama firefighter foam lawsuit alleges harmful exposure to PFAS chemicals from aqueous film forming foam (AFFF). These firefighting foam lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for injuries and damages resulting from PFAS exposure. Currently, there are over 6,700 pending AFFF firefighting foam class action cases in the multidistrict litigation (MDL), with lawsuits initiated against 14 companies including 3M, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products, Chemours, and Chemguard.
Latest Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Updates
The litigation has predominantly focused on municipal cases, which comprise over half of the 6,400 claims. Individual personal injury claims are projected to progress further into 2024, with bellwether trials serving as test cases for individual injury claims against the AFFF defendants.
FDA Reports and Statistics
Research indicates a concerning link between PFAS exposure and various health issues. PFAS contamination due to AFFF usage has been confirmed at locations like Birmingham International Airport and Maxwell-Gunter Air Force Base in Alabama [1].
Studies show that 61% of wells tested near military bases were contaminated by PFAS chemicals, and nearly 20% of firefighters exposed to AFFF have been diagnosed with some form of cancer.
AFFF, Aqueous Film Forming Foam is a firefighting foam. It's primarily used in places like military bases and airports to suppress fires, according to a 2023 study by the Department of Environmental Conservation [2].
Firefighting Foam Injuries & Side Effects
PFAS exposure from AFFF has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, with cancer being the most alarming consequence.
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), the most well-studied PFAS, was first classified in 2014 as a possible human carcinogen, and in 2023, the working group upgraded PFOA to a human carcinogen. - Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics at the National Cancer Institute. [3]
Studies have indicated a link between PFAS exposure and the following cancers:
- Kidney cancer: Development of malignant cells in kidney tissue
- Testicular cancer: Cancer affecting the testicles
- Prostate cancer: Cancer of the prostate gland
- Breast cancer: Malignant tumor in breast tissue
- Liver cancer: Cancer affecting liver cells
- Pancreatic cancer: Cancer of the pancreas
- Bladder cancer: Malignant growth in the bladder
- Ovarian cancer: Cancer of the ovaries
Do You Qualify for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
You may qualify for a firefighting foam lawsuit if:
- You were regularly exposed to PFAS from AFFF firefighting foam in an occupational setting
- You have been diagnosed with specific types of cancer linked to PFAS exposure
- You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to AFFF exposure
- You are a firefighter, military personnel, or resident of communities near airports or military bases where AFFF was used
Evidence Required for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
Presenting a strong case requires substantial evidence including:
- Medical records documenting your cancer diagnosis
- Occupational records showing exposure to AFFF
- Documentation demonstrating a link between AFFF exposure and your cancer diagnosis
- Detailed records of treatments, health costs, and personal accounts
Damages You Can Recover
Compensation evaluations consider:
- Duration of AFFF exposure
- Seriousness of the cancer diagnosis
- Economic losses from medical bills
- Non-economic damages like pain and suffering
Statute of Limitations for Alabama Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
Alabama's statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including AFFF exposure-related ones, is two years from the injury discovery date. This means potential plaintiffs have two years from the time they first became aware of their injury or illness related to AFFF exposure to file a lawsuit.
Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Alabama
Projected settlement compensation for Alabama AFFF lawsuits ranges from $75,000 to $600,000, depending on case strength, duration of AFFF exposure, and severity of cancer diagnosis.
A tiered ranking system will be used, with:
- Highest tier cases: $300,000 to $600,000
- Second-tier cases: $150,000 to $280,000
- Third-tier cases: $75,000 or less
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the legal grounds for filing a firefighter foam lawsuit in Alabama?
Legal grounds include exposure to harmful chemicals in foam, resulting health issues, and negligence in failing to warn or protect users. Claims are based on product liability and negligence.
2. How can Alabama residents start a firefighter foam lawsuit?
Alabama residents can start a lawsuit by consulting a specialized attorney, gathering evidence of foam exposure and health impacts, and filing a complaint with the appropriate court.
3. What are the key factors affecting firefighter foam lawsuit outcomes in Alabama?
Key factors include the extent of health damage, proof of exposure, the defendant's liability, compliance with state regulations, and the strength of the evidence linking foam to health issues.
4. Who are the defendants in AFFF lawsuits in Alabama?
The defendants are major manufacturers such as 3M, DuPont, Tyco Fire Products, Chemours, and Chemguard, who are accused of failing to warn users about the potential toxicity of their products.
5. What is AFFF and why is it harmful?
AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) is a firefighting foam used to suppress fires. It contains PFAS chemicals that are linked to serious health issues, including various types of cancer.
6. What types of cancer are linked to firefighting foam exposure?
Types of cancer linked to AFFF exposure include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, prostate cancer, breast cancer, liver cancer, pancreatic cancer, bladder cancer, and ovarian cancer.
7. How does the compensation process work for firefighting foam lawsuits?
Compensation is distributed from a settlement fund to individual plaintiffs based on a tiered ranking system, with stronger cases and more severe diagnoses receiving larger payouts.
Related Articles:
- Firefighter Foam Cash Settlements
- DuPont AFFF (Firefighting Foam) Lawsuit
- Aqueous Film Forming Foam Lawsuit
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action in Alabama, with only two years from the date of injury discovery to file your claim.
Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs or fees
- Payment only if we win your case
References
- https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam
- https://www.elglaw.com/maxwell-air-force-base/
- https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas