Mississippi Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

If you are affected by the Mississippi firefighter foam lawsuit, understanding your rights and potential compensation is crucial. This pressing legal matter centers on allegations that AFFF firefighting foam has caused serious health problems for Mississippi firefighters.

If you or a loved one has been adversely affected by firefighting foam, the law firm of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, is poised to provide support. With a reputation for excellence in plaintiff representation, our primary commitment is to advocate for your rights and secure the compensation that is justly yours.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits

The past few years have seen a rise in the number of firefighting foam cancer lawsuits. These lawsuits put the spotlight on AFFF firefighting foam, a substance widely used by firefighters to extinguish flammable liquid fires.

Yet, this essential firefighting aid has unexpectedly been linked to several health concerns. The core issue in the firefighting foam cancer litigation is the inclusion of PFAS chemicals in AFFF. These substances, which are present in the foam, contribute to its fire-suppressing capabilities.

However, their persistence in the environment and the human body has led to rising concerns about their potential health impacts. The attorneys specializing in these cases represent clients bearing the brunt of these chemicals’ adverse effects.

Key Points from Lawsuits

A major revelation from these lawsuits is the correlation between PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam and cancer. The presence of these toxic, artificial chemicals in firefighting foam has been linked to environmental contamination and various types of cancer.

Additionally, the lawsuits unveil the manufacturers’ prior knowledge of the potential dangers of toxic firefighting foam. Foam and gear manufacturers, and even the Department of Defense, knew about the toxicity of PFAS and its ability to build up in the blood. Alarmingly, military firefighters are among those heavily affected by AFFF exposure.

What Is AFFF?

According to the Division of Spill Prevention and Response, AFFF is also known as Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, which is a fire suppressant designed to combat fires caused by flammable liquids [1]. It works by suffocating the fire and preventing it from spreading. However, its usefulness is marred by the presence of PFAS chemicals, leading to its role in numerous lawsuits.

Possible sources of occupational exposure to PFAS include turnout gear, aqueous film-forming foam, and air and dust at both the fire scene and fire station. Preliminary discussion on PFAS includes definition, classification, and chemical structure. – National Library of Medicine.

Developed in the 1970s by the U.S. Department of Defense, AFFF was created to tackle fuel fires at military installations effectively.

Who Are The Defendants In AFFF Lawsuits in Mississippi?

The defendants in AFFF lawsuits in Mississippi include several major manufacturers of firefighting foam, such as 3M and DuPont, who have found themselves at the receiving end of firefighting foam lawsuits. These companies are accused of knowing the risks associated with PFAS chemicals and failing to provide adequate warnings to users.

Still, the roster of defendants extends beyond these companies. Other manufacturers, including Chemours and Tyco Fire Products, have also been implicated in these lawsuits, owing to their role in the production and sale of AFFF products laden with PFAS chemicals.

The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer

As stated by the National Cancer Institute 2023 study, the link between firefighting foam and cancer isn’t incidental but a direct outcome of PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams. These chemicals are highly durable and can accumulate in the body, leading to various health risks and effects [2].

Scientific studies have provided compelling evidence linking AFFF firefighting foam and certain types of cancer. For instance, a study involving Florida firefighters revealed an increased overall cancer risk, with a notably higher incidence of bladder cancer among women firefighters.

Does Firefighting Foam Contain PFAS?

According to the Clean Water Action, firefighting foam does contain PFAS. These chemicals are used in synthetic Class B firefighting foams like AFFF, acting as surfactants that help the foam spread [3].

PFAS chemicals, a type of dangerous chemicals, create a film that cuts off the oxygen supply between the flammable liquid and air, enhancing the foam’s effectiveness in extinguishing fires.

However, when these toxic chemicals enter our bodies, they can lead to serious health issues, including liver damage, birth defects, and delayed development.

Common Injuries Linked To Firefighting Foam PFAS

Contact with firefighting foam PFAS can lead to a multitude of health problems. It can lead to various types of cancer, including:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Breast cancer
• Liver cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Ovarian cancer
• Immune system deficiencies

Yet, the range of related health problems goes beyond cancer. Exposure to firefighting foam PFAS can also disrupt the thyroid hormone system, potentially affecting pregnancy outcomes and fetal development, pointing to a possible connection to thyroid disease.

Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit in Mississippi?

Individuals who have developed cancer after being repeatedly exposed to AFFF foam qualify for the AFFF lawsuit in Mississippi. Each case is evaluated individually, focusing on people with a confirmed medical and work history indicating exposure to PFAS.

To substantiate exposure to AFFF in Mississippi, gather supportive evidence such as medical records, work histories demonstrating PFAS exposure, and any other pertinent documentation.

How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?

AFFF lawsuits work by utilizing the multi-district litigation (MDL) process in Mississippi. This approach amalgamates individual claims to enhance efficiency and ensure consistency in the adjudication process, ultimately conserving time and judicial resources by addressing similar lawsuits collectively in one federal district court.

To initiate an AFFF lawsuit in Mississippi, you or your family can file an afff lawsuit if you’ve been affected by AFFF cancer. You can seek compensation for medical bills and the pain and suffering caused by exposure to firefighting foam.

Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Mississippi

Compensation amounts in firefighting foam cancer lawsuits can differ greatly. Factors such as the severity of cancer and level of occupational exposure can influence the potential compensation.

In AFFF cancer lawsuits, the firefighting foam settlement amounts typically range from $200,000 to $600,000, with more severe cases often resulting in higher amounts.

The highest settlement ever awarded in an AFFF cancer lawsuit in Mississippi is expected to be $10.3 billion over the next 13 years. Although the average settlement amounts can fluctuate, they are typically in the range of $17.5 million to $10.3 billion in comparable cases.

Potential Compensation for Victims of Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits in Mississippi

Those affected in firefighting foam cancer lawsuits in Mississippi could qualify for compensation. This compensation can cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Other damages related to their cancer diagnosis

Lost wage compensation is calculated based on the wages the victim would have earned if they hadn’t been injured or unable to work because of the illness from the foam exposure.

Similarly, medical expenses are calculated by adding up all the past and current medical costs related to the toxic contamination from firefighting foam.

Filing a Mississippi Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit

For those contemplating filing a Mississippi firefighting foam cancer lawsuit, reaching out to experienced Mississippi AFFF lawsuit attorneys for a free consultation should be the first move. These professionals can analyze your case and guide you through the best legal options available to you.

Nonetheless, fulfilling certain prerequisites is mandatory before initiating a lawsuit. You need to gather all the necessary evidence, including:

• detailed records of your exposure to the foam
• the types of foam
• when and where you were exposed
• your medical records showing the cancer diagnosis

Types of Evidence To Present

As you file a lawsuit concerning firefighting foam and cancer, it’s essential to secure all medical records indicating injuries or illnesses connected to AFFF. This includes records of health issues that might be linked to PFAS exposure and opinions from experts who know about the harm caused by AFFF.

Your employment history can also serve as evidence in the lawsuit. It helps to show a pattern of exposure to AFFF, which is crucial for proving the connection between the foam and the cancer diagnosis. Furthermore, to strengthen your case, document instances of exposure by detailing:

• foam types
• dates
• locations
• release incidents

Mississippi Statute of Limitation

Bear in mind that Mississippi enforces a statute of limitations, necessitating affected parties to initiate a lawsuit within a specified period, usually commencing from the date of the cancer diagnosis. Generally, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Mississippi.

According to the Case Text, there’s a special exception for cases involving diseases like cancer. According to Code Ann. § 15-1-49(2), the statute of limitations doesn’t kick in until the injured party becomes aware or should have reasonably become aware of the injury, potentially delaying the start of the limitation period [4].

Missing this deadline can result in the dismissal of your lawsuit, so it’s crucial to act promptly.

Related Articles:

• Michigan Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
• Minnesota Firefighter Foam Attorney
• Massachusetts Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Update

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

FAQs

What Are Firefighter Foam Lawsuits in Mississippi About?

The firefighter foam lawsuits in Mississippi are about the claims filed that PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam have led to serious health issues, including cancers and other diseases. Individuals who have been exposed to these chemicals are seeking compensation for the harm caused.

What Health Conditions Are Commonly Linked to Firefighter Foam Exposure?

Health conditions that are commonly linked to firefighter foam exposure include various cancers (such as kidney, liver, and testicular cancer), thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, and other serious health problems caused by PFAS chemicals in the foam.

How Can I Determine if I Have Been Exposed to Firefighter Foam?

You can determine if you have been exposed to firefighter foam through employment records, environmental studies, or health assessments. You may be at risk if you have worked as a firefighter or lived near a site where foam was used.

What Evidence Is Required for a Firefighter Foam Lawsuit?

The evidence required for a firefighter foam lawsuit includes medical records documenting health conditions, proof of exposure to the foam (such as job history or environmental reports), and expert testimony linking the exposure to the health problems experienced.

Get Your Free Consultation From Mississippi Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers

If you or a loved one has suffered due to firefighting foam exposure, Schmidt & Clark, LLP stands ready to assist you during these trying times. Our proficient team of AFFF lawyers specializes in cases like yours and will support you throughout the entire legal journey.

It’s crucial to comprehend your legal entitlements and determine your eligibility for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit. We offer complimentary consultations, and you will incur no fees unless we secure a favorable verdict or settlement in your case. 

Reach out to Schmidt & Clark now for a comprehensive review of your firefighting foam-related case. Allow us to be your steadfast partner as you confront these difficult circumstances.

Reference:

1. https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam
2. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
3. https://cleanwater.org/pfas-containing-firefighting-foams.
4. https://casetext.com/statute/mississippi-code-1972/title-15-limitations-of-actions-and-prevention-of-frauds