Iowa Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

In Iowa, the link between firefighting foam and cancer is prompting over 1,400 legal battles. This article cuts through the complexities of the Iowa firefighter foam lawsuit, outlining who’s affected and the potential outcomes for victims seeking accountability and compensation.

If you or a loved one have been affected by exposure to firefighting foam, the team at Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is here to offer support. With a reputation for excellence in plaintiff representation, our primary goal is to ensure you achieve the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits

Firefighters in Iowa and nationwide have long been battling an unseen foe, not fire, but a substance employed to extinguish it – AFFF. This AFFF firefighting foam, commonly known as firefighter foam and used in extinguishing fuel fires, has been linked to a range of cancers, including kidney and testicular cancers.

Alarmingly, there has been a surge in firefighting foam cancer lawsuits in Iowa, with 1,454 new cases filed. Firefighters and military personnel who believe their exposure to AFFF is the root cause of their illness are now pursuing a firefighting foam lawsuit.

Claims commonly made in these AFFF cancer lawsuit cases include kidney, testicular, and prostate cancer. However, the battle is far from concluded. With each lawsuit, the victims hope to not only seek justice for themselves but also raise awareness about the dangers of AFFF, potentially saving future generations from similar fates.

Key Points from Lawsuits

The lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers hinge on a chilling revelation. The manufacturers allegedly knew about the health risks associated with their products but failed to warn the public. These health risks are not minor. In AFFF cancer lawsuits, AFFF has been linked to cancers.

These allegations have led to a wave of lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers, including in Iowa. The victims are not only seeking compensation for their suffering but also demanding that these companies be held accountable for their actions.

The lawsuits serve as a stark reminder of the duty of manufacturers to ensure the safety of their products and the devastating consequences of neglecting this responsibility.

What Is AFFF?

According to the Division of Spill Prevention and Response, AFFF is an acronym for Aqueous Film Forming Foam and is a fire suppressant designed to douse flammable liquid fires such as fuel fires [1].

It’s a common sight in fire stations and airports, used by brave firefighters to protect lives and property. However, this seemingly harmless substance has a darker side.

AFFF contains hydrocarbon-based surfactants, like sodium alkyl sulfate, and also fluorosurfactants, such as perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA). These chemicals make AFFF a toxic firefighting foam, which has been linked to various health issues, including:

• Cancer
• Liver damage
• Kidney damage
• Thyroid disease
• Reproductive and developmental issues

It is important to handle and dispose of AFFF properly to minimize the risk of exposure to these dangerous chemicals, including the harmful ones mentioned.

Who Are The Defendants In AFFF Lawsuits in Iowa?

The defendants in AFFF lawsuits in Iowa include giants like 3M and DuPont. They are accused of knowing about the health risks associated with PFAS, a group of chemicals found in AFFF, but continuing to sell their products anyway.

Such allegations have made these companies defendants in an increasing number of lawsuits filed by victims alleging that their cancer resulted from exposure to AFFF.

Military and airport firefighters are particularly vulnerable to the effects of AFFF exposure due to the nature of their work. Their increased risk has led to a surge in lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers, who stand accused of prioritizing profits over the health and safety of those who use their products.

These lawsuits seek not only compensation for the victims but also accountability from the manufacturers for their alleged negligence.

The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer

As stated by the National Cancer Institute, the link between firefighting foam and cancer is a contentious issue that has sparked numerous lawsuits in Iowa and beyond. A growing body of evidence suggests that the PFAS chemicals found in AFFF can lead to a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer [2].

The elevated level of PFAS in the blood serum and how this might be associated with an increased risk of cancer. – National Library of Medicine.

This risk is particularly high for military and airport firefighters, who are often exposed to PFAS-containing foams in their line of work.

The implications of these findings are alarming. Many firefighters and military personnel have dedicated their lives to protecting others, only to find themselves battling a deadly enemy that they unknowingly encountered on the job.

The fight against cancer is a battle no one should have to face alone, and the growing number of AFFF lawsuits in Iowa is a testament to the determination of these individuals who developed cancer to seek justice and compensation.

Does Firefighting Foam Contain PFAS?

According to the National Center for Biotechnology and Information, firefighting foam does contain PFAS. PFAS, or per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are known to be harmful to both human health and the environment. PFAS chemicals have been linked to a range of health issues, including cholesterol imbalances and liver problems [3].

The presence of these chemicals in AFFF has turned the firefighting foam into a ticking time bomb for those exposed to it.

PFAS chemicals can enter our bodies and the environment in various ways. They can be ingested, inhaled, or absorbed through the skin, and they can also contaminate water systems when the foam is discharged.

What’s even more shocking is that the firefighting industry has been aware of the PFAS toxicity in AFFF since the 1970s.

Common Injuries Linked To Firefighting Foam PFAS

The health issues linked to PFAS exposure from firefighting foam are not minor. They include:

• Higher risk of thyroid disease
• Testicular and bladder cancers
• Kidney cancer
• Raised cholesterol levels
• Damage to the liver and kidneys

These health problems can have devastating effects on the lives of those affected, leading to physical suffering, emotional distress, and financial hardship.

Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit in Iowa?

Individuals such as firefighters, military personnel, and residents who have encountered AFFF and subsequently developed health complications may qualify for the AFFF lawsuit in Iowa.

In these lawsuits, it’s vital to prove AFFF exposure, which victims can do by furnishing evidence of PFAS contamination. This can involve documenting occupational exposure to PFAS-contaminated:

• air
• indoor dust
• food
• consumer products

The pursuit of justice can be a daunting task, but with the right evidence and legal support, it’s a battle worth fighting.

How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?

AFFF lawsuits work by first consulting a firefighting foam attorney. These legal experts can guide you through the process, including gathering evidence, identifying responsible parties, negotiating, and filing a complaint.

They stand by your side through every step, ensuring your rights are protected and your voices heard.

A significant aspect of AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits is the consolidation of cases into multidistrict litigation (MDL). This process includes:

• Combining civil actions from different district courts involving common questions of fact into a single district
• Allowing for more efficient case management
• Avoiding unnecessary repetition

The journey to justice may be long, but it’s one you don’t have to walk alone.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Iowa

Settlements are a significant aspect of AFFF lawsuits. In Iowa, the settlement amounts for these lawsuits vary greatly, with some cases resulting in multi-million dollar payouts for victims.

On average, settlements might range from tens to hundreds of thousands of dollars, reflecting the diverse nature of individual cases and the damages suffered.

However, the settlement amount for each case depends on various factors, including:

• the extent of damages
• the strength of the evidence
• the number of plaintiffs
• the defendants’ degree of liability
• the medical costs incurred by the claimants

While no amount of money can fully compensate for the pain and suffering caused by AFFF exposure, these settlements provide much-needed relief for victims and their families.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits in Iowa

Victims of AFFF exposure can seek compensation for a range of damages, including:

• Personal injuries
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Punitive damages
• Specific cancers

If a family member is hurt or passes away due to AFFF exposure, their immediate family can also seek damages for the loss of consortium.

The compensation amount can vary based on the plaintiff’s situation and the specifics of the case. While there have been cases with multi-million dollar settlements, on average, victims may receive anywhere from $40,000 to $300,000 or even more.

Some lawsuits may even include punitive damages to punish the defendants for being negligent and to prevent them from doing the same thing in the future.

Filing an Iowa Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit

To file an AFFF lawsuit in Iowa, you must follow several crucial steps. From presenting evidence of AFFF exposure to meeting the state’s statute of limitations, each step is integral to building a strong case.

It’s important to have an experienced legal team by your side to guide you through the process and ensure all requirements are met.

Types of Evidence To Present

Evidence plays a crucial role in AFFF lawsuits. This includes medical records indicating health problems linked to PFAS consumption, employment records showing exposure to firefighting foam, and witness testimonies, among others.

These pieces of evidence help establish a direct link between AFFF exposure and the resulting health issues, strengthening the case against the defendants.

A firefighter’s employment history, for instance, provides crucial proof of the connection between their job and exposure to AFFF. Likewise, medical records can help prove that the victim’s cancer was caused by exposure to AFFF. Together, these pieces of evidence present a compelling case against the manufacturers of firefighting foam.

Iowa Statute of Limitation

Another key aspect of AFFF lawsuits is the statute of limitations. In Iowa, you generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, including those involving AFFF exposure. The clock typically starts ticking from the date of discovery, with an extension deadline set to January 31, 2024.

Related Articles:

• Illinois Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
• Indiana Firefighter Foam Attorney
• Idaho Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Update

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

Get Your Free Consultation From Iowa Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand ready to assist you during these pivotal moments. Should you or a loved one suffer from injuries linked to firefighting foam exposure, reach out to us without delay. Our proficient team specializes in handling such cases and will steer you through each step of the legal journey.

It is essential to comprehend your legal entitlements and determine your qualification for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit. We offer complimentary consultations, and our services are provided on a contingency fee basis—you won’t incur any fees unless we secure a favorable verdict or settlement in your case.

Get in touch with Schmidt & Clark for an in-depth analysis of your firefighting foam case. Allow us to be your trusted partner as you seek to overcome these complex challenges.

References:

1. https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam
2. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10698640/