California Firefighting Foam Lawsuit | 2024 Latest Updates

California Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview

Firefighting foam lawsuits in California focus on serious health risks caused by AFFF exposure. These lawsuits primarily allege that manufacturers knowingly produced foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals linked to cancer. Over 3,300 AFFF cases have been filed to date across the country, with numerous cases in California. The FDA and other health organizations have confirmed the connection between PFAS chemicals and increased cancer risk.

Latest California Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Updates

March 2024 – A substantial $1.185 billion settlement fund has been established involving Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva for victims of AFFF exposure. This settlement marks a significant development for California firefighters seeking compensation.

February 2024 – Johnson Controls settled a $17.5 million class action lawsuit for its PFAS-containing foam, providing compensation for affected California firefighters and communities with contaminated water supplies.

January 2024 – The AFFF firefighting foam MDL continues to progress with numerous California firefighters joining the litigation. Settlements in individual cases are ranging between $40,000 and $300,000 based on injury severity and exposure documentation.

PFAS Reports and Statistics

According to the Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foam pose significant health risks [1]. Recent studies from 2023 by the Clean Water Organization confirm that PFAS-containing firefighting foams are now prohibited in training exercises due to known health risks [2].

The National Library of Medicine has identified PFAS as “one of the major classes of carcinogenic chemicals that firefighters are exposed to as occupational hazard.”

Key statistics include:

• Over 3,300 AFFF cases filed nationwide
• California firefighters experience significantly higher rates of certain cancers compared to the general population
• PFAS chemicals can remain in the human body for years, continuing to cause damage
• Settlements ranging from $40,000 to $300,000 for individual cases

Firefighting Foam Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening health issues, with cancer being the most significant concern.

• Cancer Development: Increased risk of kidney, testicular, prostate, breast, liver, pancreatic, bladder, and ovarian cancers
• Hormonal Disruption: Imbalances affecting reproductive health and metabolism
• Organ Damage: Particularly liver damage and immune system dysfunction
• Developmental Issues: Low birth weight in infants and developmental delays in children

Do You Qualify for a California Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a California firefighting foam lawsuit if:

• You are a California resident who has been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam
• You have developed cancer or other serious health problems following exposure
• You can document your exposure through employment records or other evidence
• Your health issues required medical treatment or hospitalization
• You can provide medical documentation linking your injuries to AFFF exposure

U.S. military service members who used standard firefighting foam during their service may also qualify.

Evidence Required for a California Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

For a successful lawsuit, you’ll need to present:

• Medical records documenting your diagnosis and treatment
• Employment records from places where AFFF was used
• Documentation of your firefighting history or exposure to AFFF
• Expert medical opinions linking your exposure to your health issues
• Witness statements supporting your claims of exposure

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of AFFF exposure in California may be eligible for compensation covering:

• Medical expenses for treatment, medication, and ongoing care
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering related to your condition
• Other damages specifically related to your health issues

Who Are The Defendants In AFFF Lawsuits in California?

The primary defendants in California AFFF lawsuits include:

• DuPont
• 3M (allegedly knew about PFAS dangers since the 1990s)
• Chemours
• Tyco Fire Products
• Corteva Inc.
• Johnson Controls

These companies are charged with negligence for allegedly knowing about the hazardous effects of PFAS chemicals in AFFF but continuing their production and distribution anyway.

What Is AFFF?

AFFF is aqueous film-forming foam, a type of firefighting foam specifically designed to extinguish flammable liquid fires [3]. Introduced in the 1960s, AFFF suppresses flammable liquid vapor by creating a film that suffocates the fire and prevents it from spreading.

Despite its effectiveness, AFFF contains PFAS (Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), which are toxic chemicals known to cause several serious health issues. These chemicals have been present in firefighting foam for decades, exposing countless individuals to their harmful effects.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in California

Settlement amounts in AFFF lawsuits vary significantly based on:

• The severity of your injuries
• The strength of your evidence
• The level of liability of the defendants

Recent notable settlements include:

• $1.185 billion settlement fund involving Chemours, DuPont, and Corteva
• $17.5 million class action lawsuit settlement with Johnson Controls
• Individual case settlements ranging from $40,000 to $300,000

Statute of Limitations for California Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

In California, the statute of limitations for filing an AFFF lawsuit is typically two years from:

• The date of the accident or injury, OR
• The date when you first noticed symptoms (the ‘date of discovery’)

The ‘date of discovery’ is defined as when you became aware of the injury or when a reasonable person would have known about the injury. It’s crucial to contact a lawyer as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How long do California residents have to file a firefighter foam lawsuit?

California residents generally have up to two years from discovering harm or exposure to file a firefighter foam lawsuit, subject to specific circumstances and the details of the case.

2. Can individuals with historical firefighter foam exposure still file a claim in California?

Yes, individuals with historical exposure can still file claims if they can demonstrate that their health issues are linked to firefighter foam and they file within the applicable statute of limitations.

3. What are the common legal challenges faced in firefighter foam lawsuits in California?

Common challenges include proving causation, demonstrating harm from exposure, navigating complex regulations, and dealing with large, well-funded defendants who may contest liability and damages.

4. Does firefighting foam contain PFAS?

Yes, firefighting foam does contain PFAS. These chemicals are added to Class B firefighting foam because of their effectiveness in extinguishing fires, but they pose significant health risks.

5. How do AFFF lawsuits work?

AFFF lawsuits begin with filing the case, followed by collecting evidence during the discovery phase. Most cases are settled through a global agreement, where defendants allocate money to a settlement fund that is distributed among plaintiffs.

6. What types of cancer are linked to AFFF exposure?

Cancers linked to AFFF exposure include kidney, testicular, prostate, breast, liver, pancreatic, bladder, and ovarian cancers.

7. Can I file a lawsuit if I used AFFF as a military firefighter?

Yes, U.S. military service members who used standard firefighting foam during their service may qualify for an AFFF lawsuit if they developed health issues related to exposure.

Related Articles:

• Arkansas Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
• Arizona Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Update

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 for AFFF exposure in California. With only two years from the date of discovery to file your claim, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your right to compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we’re ready to stand by your side in challenging times. If you or a loved one have suffered due to firefighting foam exposure, we urge you to reach out to us. Our experienced team of firefighting foam lawyers is skilled in handling such cases and will guide you every step of the way.

It’s crucial to know your legal rights and determine if you qualify for a firefighting foam lawsuit. Our law firm, which specializes in personal injury and toxic exposure cases, offers free consultations, and you won’t incur any fees unless we secure a favorable result in your case.

We offer:

• Free, confidential consultations to evaluate your case
• No upfront costs or fees for our legal services
• Payment only if we win your case

References

1. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html
2. https://cleanwater.org/pfas-containing-firefighting-foams
3. https://www.michigan.gov/pfasresponse/investigations/firefighting-foam