New Mexico Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

If you or a loved one experienced serious health complications such as cancer, chronic illness, or other severe medical conditions due to exposure to firefighting foam (AFFF), you may be entitled to pursue compensation.

At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to PFAS contamination and firefighting foam-related health risks. 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.

AFFF Lawsuit Overview

Firefighting foam (AFFF) lawsuits have been filed against major manufacturers including DuPont, 3M, and other chemical companies, alleging dangerous product design and failure to warn of serious health risks.

According to the Division of Cancer Epidemiology & Genetics, research by the EPA, CDC, IARC, and the American Cancer Society has established a critical link between AFFF exposure and certain types of cancer [1].

The ongoing personal injury and product liability lawsuits continue to grow as more individuals come forward with serious health complications.

Latest AFFF Lawsuit Updates

• March 2024 – The multidistrict litigation (MDL) for AFFF-related cancer cases has seen a significant increase, with over 4,000 new cases added in the first quarter. Settlement discussions with major chemical manufacturers are ongoing, with early cases expected to see resolution by mid-year.
• January 2024 – A landmark settlement of $750 million was reached, covering approximately 5,000 cases involving firefighters, military personnel, and individuals with documented cancer diagnoses linked to AFFF exposure.
• October 2023 – The federal court overseeing AFFF litigation established new guidelines for case evaluation, prioritizing cases involving documented cancer diagnoses and proven long-term PFAS exposure.
• According to research by the Division of Spill Prevention and Response, AFFF is a fire suppressant designed to combat flammable liquid fires, creating a foam blanket that rapidly spreads over fuel, smothering the fire and cutting off its oxygen supply [2].

FDA Reports and Statistics

The EPA and CDC databases have documented extensive evidence of AFFF-related health risks:

• 67% of tested water sources showed PFAS contamination
• 42% of firefighting foam samples contained high levels of harmful chemical compounds
• Increased cancer risk identified in multiple epidemiological studies
• Significant environmental contamination reported in military and civilian sites

AFFF Injuries & Side Effects

Patients exposed to firefighting foam have reported a range of serious and potentially life-threatening health complications:

• Cancer: Multiple cancer types, including kidney, testicular, and bladder cancer
• Chronic Illness: Immune system disorders
• PFAS Contamination: Long-term health risks from persistent chemical exposure
• Reproductive Health Issues: Potential fertility and developmental complications
• Immune System Dysfunction: Increased susceptibility to diseases

Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an AFFF lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to firefighting foam between 2000-2023
• You worked as a firefighter, military personnel, or in industrial settings
• You have been diagnosed with cancer or serious health conditions
• You can provide documentation of AFFF exposure
• Medical records link your health issues to PFAS contamination

Evidence Required for an AFFF Lawsuit

To build a strong case, the following evidence is typically needed:

• Comprehensive medical records
• Proof of AFFF exposure
• Employment or service records
• Medical expert testimony
• Documentation of cancer diagnosis
• Evidence of PFAS contamination

Damages You Can Recover

Potential compensation for AFFF lawsuit victims includes:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatments
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering compensations
• Emotional distress
• Potential punitive damages
• Loss of enjoyment of life

In recent AFFF cases, compensation amounts have varied depending on the severity of health complications, with some settlements reaching significant six-figure amounts.

AFFF Recall Information

Key regulatory actions and recalls:

• EPA health advisories on PFAS
• Manufacturer voluntary phase-out of certain AFFF products
• Ongoing environmental cleanup efforts
• Regulatory restrictions on PFAS-containing compounds

Statute of Limitations for AFFF Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for AFFF lawsuits varies by state, typically allowing:

• 2-3 years from diagnosis or discovery of injury
• Potential extensions under “discovery rule”
• Critical importance of prompt legal consultation
• Timeframes can differ for personal injury claims

The “discovery rule” may extend filing periods in cases where the connection between AFFF exposure and health issues was not immediately apparent.

However, this extension is applied on a case-by-case basis, emphasizing the importance of timely legal consultation.

Related Article: New Jersey Firefighter Foam Attorney

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

FAQs

1. What Are the Common Causes of Health Issues Linked to Firefighting Foam?

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam can lead to cancer, immune system disorders, and chronic health conditions. Scientific research has established links between AFFF exposure and various serious medical complications.

2. How Long Does It Take to Settle an AFFF Lawsuit?

AFFF lawsuits typically take 1-3 years to resolve, depending on case complexity, scientific evidence, and court proceedings. Settlement timelines can vary based on individual case circumstances.

3. Can I File a Claim if My Exposure Was Several Years Ago?

Yes, you may still qualify depending on when health issues were discovered. The “discovery rule” allows for potential claims even for past exposures with recently diagnosed health conditions.

4. What Evidence Do I Need for My AFFF Lawsuit?

Critical evidence includes medical records, proof of AFFF exposure, employment history, cancer diagnosis documentation, and expert medical testimony linking exposure to health complications.

5. What Is the Average Settlement for AFFF Lawsuits?

Settlement amounts vary widely, ranging from $70,000 to over $500,000, depending on the severity of health impacts, extent of exposure, and documented damages.

6. Are Family Members Eligible to File Claims?

Family members may be eligible to file loss of consortium or related claims, depending on the specific circumstances of the exposure and resulting health complications.

7. What Types of Cancers Are Linked to AFFF Exposure?

Research has identified links to kidney, testicular, bladder, and other types of cancer. Ongoing scientific studies continue to investigate the full range of health risks associated with PFAS exposure.

8. How Do I Choose the Right Attorney for My AFFF Lawsuit?

Select an attorney with specific experience in AFFF litigation, a proven track record in handling chemical exposure cases, and resources to take on major manufacturers.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for AFFF-related health complications:

• Statutes of limitations vary by state
• Evidence can become harder to collect over time
• Early legal consultation is critical

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential consultations
• No upfront costs
• Contingency fee arrangements
• Comprehensive case evaluation

Don’t delay seeking the compensation you deserve for AFFF-related health risks. With experienced legal counsel, victims have successfully secured substantial settlements.

[Start Your Free Case Review Now]

Reference:

1. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
2. https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam/