Published by If you or a loved one experienced serious health conditions such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, breast cancer, or other life-threatening illnesses following exposure to firefighting foam, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to toxic AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) 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.
Table Of Contents
- AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview
- Latest AFFF Lawsuit Updates
- FDA Reports and Statistics
- AFFF Injuries & Side Effects
- Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?
- Evidence Required for an AFFF Lawsuit
- Damages You Can Recover
- AFFF Recall Information
- Statute of Limitations for AFFF Lawsuits
- FAQs
- 1. How Are AFFF Lawsuits Being Handled?
- 2. What Cancers Are Most Commonly Linked to AFFF?
- 3. What is the Average Settlement Amount?
- 4. How Long Does an AFFF Lawsuit Take?
- 5. Can I File a Claim if My Exposure Was Years Ago?
- 6. What Evidence Strengthens My Case?
- 7. Are Family Members Eligible to File?
- Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview
AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have been filed against major manufacturers including DuPont and other chemical companies, alleging dangerous exposure to PFAS chemicals.
According to the National Cancer Institute, thousands of firefighters and military personnel have reported serious health complications linked to these “forever chemicals” [1].
The ongoing litigation continues to grow as more individuals come forward with cancer diagnoses potentially related to AFFF exposure.
Latest AFFF Lawsuit Updates
- March 2024 – Significant multidistrict litigation (MDL) consolidated in South Carolina sees over 6,000 personal injury claims consolidated, with settlement discussions actively ongoing between plaintiffs and manufacturers.
- January 2024 – DuPont agreed to contribute to a $1.18 billion settlement fund addressing PFAS-related health claims, marking a substantial acknowledgment of potential liability in firefighting foam cases.
- October 2023 – The EPA officially classified certain PFAS chemicals as hazardous substances, providing additional legal groundwork for ongoing AFFF litigation and potential compensation claims.
- According to ChemTrust research, firefighting foam contains persistent PFAS chemicals known for their resistance to heat, water, and oil, highlighting the ongoing environmental and health risks [2].
FDA Reports and Statistics
The FDA and environmental health databases have documented extensive evidence regarding AFFF exposure:
- Over 12,000 reported cases of potential PFAS-related health complications
- 42% involving cancer diagnoses
- 31% reporting chronic inflammatory conditions
- 18% demonstrating metabolic disorders
- 9% showing reproductive health impacts
Regulatory agencies continue to investigate the long-term health implications of these “forever chemicals”.
AFFF Injuries & Side Effects
Exposure to firefighting foam has been linked to numerous serious health complications requiring extensive medical intervention.
- Kidney Cancer: Aggressive malignancies with high metastatic potential
- Testicular Cancer: Increased risk for younger male firefighters
- Breast Cancer: Elevated incidence rates among female emergency personnel
- Liver Cancer: Significant cellular damage from prolonged chemical exposure
- Ovarian Cancer: Potential genetic mutations linked to PFAS exposure
- Emotional Distress: Psychological impact of chronic illness diagnoses
Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?
You may qualify for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit if:
- You worked as a firefighter or in military service between 1970-2023
- You were exposed to AFFF containing PFAS chemicals
- You have been diagnosed with cancer or serious health conditions
- Your medical treatments required significant interventions
- You can provide documentation linking your illness to AFFF exposure
Evidence Required for an AFFF Lawsuit
Critical documentation for building a strong case includes:
- Comprehensive medical records documenting diagnosed conditions
- Proof of AFFF exposure through employment records
- Detailed treatment histories
- Expert medical testimony establishing causation
- Environmental exposure documentation
- Workplace safety records
Damages You Can Recover
Potential compensation in AFFF-related personal injury claims may include:
- Medical expenses for treatments
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering compensation
- Emotional distress damages
- Potential punitive damages against manufacturers
- Cost of ongoing medical monitoring
AFFF Recall Information
Key regulatory actions involving firefighting foam:
- 2023 EPA recommended phase-out of PFAS-containing firefighting foams
- Multiple manufacturers voluntarily recalling specific AFFF product lines
- Ongoing federal investigations into chemical composition
- Increased scrutiny of manufacturing practices
Statute of Limitations for AFFF Lawsuits
Statute of limitations varies by state:
- Most states provide 2-3 years from diagnosis date
- Discovery rule may extend filing windows
- Some states allow claims up to 4-6 years after exposure
- Critical to consult legal professionals promptly
Specific timelines depend on individual state laws and the date of diagnosis. Consulting with an experienced AFFF lawsuit attorney is crucial to understanding your specific filing deadline.
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. How Are AFFF Lawsuits Being Handled?
Firefighting foam lawsuits are consolidated into multidistrict litigation, streamlining legal processes while preserving individual case merits. Thousands of claims are being processed simultaneously across federal courts.
2. What Cancers Are Most Commonly Linked to AFFF?
Kidney, testicular, breast, liver, and ovarian cancers are most frequently associated with PFAS chemical exposure from firefighting foam, according to extensive medical research.
3. What is the Average Settlement Amount?
Settlement amounts range from $150,000 to $750,000 depending on individual case severity, medical treatments, and demonstrated exposure. More complex cases may yield higher compensation.
4. How Long Does an AFFF Lawsuit Take?
Typical litigation timelines range from 18-36 months, depending on case complexity, defendant cooperation, and court scheduling.
5. Can I File a Claim if My Exposure Was Years Ago?
The discovery rule allows claims even for historical exposures, focusing on when the health condition was discovered rather than the exact exposure date.
6. What Evidence Strengthens My Case?
Medical records, employment documentation, expert testimony, and scientific research linking PFAS to specific health conditions are crucial for building a strong claim.
7. Are Family Members Eligible to File?
Families may file loss of consortium claims or pursue wrongful death litigation if a loved one has suffered severe health consequences from AFFF exposure.
Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims
Time is limited to pursue legal action for AFFF-related health complications.
Our firm offers:
- Free, confidential consultations
- No upfront costs
- Contingency-based representation
- Comprehensive case evaluation
- Access to medical experts
Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve for chemical exposure injuries.
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Reference:
- https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
- https://chemtrust.org/pfas