If you are a Tennessee firefighter, military member, or resident who has been in contact with AFFF firefighting foam, concerns about PFAS exposure are warranted.
The legal landscape surrounding AFFF foam is evolving as individuals exposed to these harmful chemicals pursue justice and compensation.
This article delves into the legal actions concerning AFFF firefighting foam elucidates the risks posed by PFAS, and guides the steps to take if you have been affected.
If you or someone you know has been negatively affected by firefighting foam, the law firm of Schmidt & Clark, LLP, stands ready to support you. With a reputation for expertly representing clients, our primary goal is to help you secure the justice and compensation you rightfully deserve.
Table Of Contents
- Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits
- Who Are The Defendants In AFFF Lawsuits in Tennessee?
- The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer
- Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit in Tennessee?
- How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?
- Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Tennessee
- Potential Compensation for Victims of Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits in Tennessee
- Filing a Tennessee Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit
- FAQs
- Get Your Free Consultation From Tennessee Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers
Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits
Recently, legal actions have been mounted against manufacturers of firefighting foam, like 3M and DuPont, for health risks associated with PFAS chemicals, also known as ‘forever chemicals’ due to their persistence in the environment and accumulation in the human body.
Given the high stakes, dedicated legal teams offer Tennessee plaintiffs in AFFF lawsuits no-cost, no-obligation case reviews, providing support to those affected in their battle.
A key factor in these lawsuits is the consolidation of national AFFF lawsuit claims for cancer damages due to PFAS exposure as Multi-District Litigation (MDL). This approach permits individual evaluation of each plaintiff’s case, allowing settlements to be based on their specific injuries and damages.
This makes the ‘Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Class Action Lawsuit Updates’ section a critical resource for plaintiffs to keep abreast of the progress and stage of their firefighting foam lawsuit legal battle.
Key Points from Lawsuits
To understand the potential financial compensation amounts and liabilities for future settlements, it’s worth highlighting some key points from recent lawsuits. In October 2023, a global settlement agreement resolved many AFFF water contamination claims, with defendants agreeing to pay $10.3 billion, a substantial figure indicating the seriousness of the issue.
Moreover, the number of cases in the AFFF firefighting foam class action MDL has noticeably increased, with an addition of 279 new cases in January 2024, escalating the total to 6,994 pending cases. This reflects the ongoing development of this legal matter and the growing number of AFFF foam lawsuits.
This surge suggests a heightened awareness and willingness to seek justice among those affected. However, there are concerns about the potential bankruptcy of 3M due to the magnitude of PFAS claims, which could significantly influence the settlement negotiations for personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits related to AFFF exposure.
But there’s hope on the horizon. A Case Management Conference for the AFFF litigation is scheduled for March 1, 2024, with positive sentiments regarding settlement prospects within the year.
What Is AFFF?
According to a 2022 study by the Division of Spill Prevention and Response, AFFF is an acronym for aqueous film-forming foam, and it is a specialized foam explicitly designed to extinguish fires fueled by flammable liquids [1]. It forms a film that suppresses the fire and prevents reignition. Since the late 1960s, it’s been known to contain dangerous PFAS substances.
These ‘forever chemicals’ persist in the environment and accumulate in human bodies due to their resistance to breaking down.
Scientific and regulatory discussions have acknowledged the carcinogenic potential of specific PFAS chemicals, such as PFOA and PFOS. This, coupled with health risks such as cancer concerns, has prompted regulatory efforts by the EPA to reduce the emissions and product content of these chemicals drastically.
Who Are The Defendants In AFFF Lawsuits in Tennessee?
The defendants in AFFF lawsuits in Tennessee are primarily major AFFF manufacturers. These include 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products.
The Tennessee Attorney General, Jonathan Skrmetti, has taken a firm stand, filing lawsuits against over 20 PFAS manufacturers, including these companies. This indicates a wide range of manufacturers being held accountable.
Potential punitive damages in these lawsuits may be influenced by the duration of the defendant’s knowledge about the hazards associated with their AFFF products and their continued production. This insinuates that these companies are being burdened with a high level of responsibility.
The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer
Persistent exposure to AFFF has been most strongly linked with a variety of serious health conditions and cancers, including [2]:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Immune system deficiencies
Ongoing studies and research, like those by the IARC and the American Cancer Society, have classified PFAS chemicals found in AFFF as a human carcinogen, bolstering the scientific foundation for legal claims.
This is further supported by statistical analysis from lawsuits revealing a higher incidence and mortality rate linked to kidney cancer amongst individuals exposed to AFFF in comparison to the general population.
Does Firefighting Foam Contain PFAS?
As stated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services research from 2022, firefighting foam does contain PFAS. These chemicals are known to be carcinogenic and accumulate in human bodies, reinforcing the health risks associated with toxic firefighting foam use [3].
PFAS is one of the major classes of carcinogenic chemicals that firefighters are exposed to as occupational hazard. Elevated levels of PFAS have been observed in firefighters’ blood serum – National Library of Medicine
The presence of PFAS in firefighting foams such as AFFF has been a cause for concern among health professionals and environmentalists alike.
These substances, which include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS), are not only resistant to environmental degradation but also can bioaccumulate, leading to a buildup in the human body over time.
Common Injuries Linked To Firefighting Foam PFAS
The list of common cancers and health issues linked to AFFF exposure is extensive. Due to their frequent use of AFFF in emergencies and training exercises, firefighters and military personnel in Tennessee are particularly at risk.
Even more disturbing is the fact that the risk of developing AFFF-related cancers can persist for years or decades after the initial exposure.
Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Firefighters, military personnel, and citizens residing near PFAS manufacturing facilities have been diagnosed with cancer following extended exposure to AFFF qualify for the AFFF lawsuit in Tennessee.
Importantly, a person must have a cancer diagnosis that can be linked to repeated exposure to AFFF foam to file a lawsuit.
How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?
AFFF lawsuits work by establishing a structured process for those affected by AFFF exposure to seek compensation.
The process of AFFF lawsuits involves confirming plaintiff eligibility based on a cancer diagnosis linked to AFFF, offering free initial consultations with specialized law firms to discuss legal strategies, and handling cases on a contingency fee basis, ensuring legal fees are only paid upon successful financial recovery.
Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits Settlement Amounts in Tennessee
The recent global settlement of water contamination claims, which amounted to $10.3 billion, may set a precedent in terms of compensation amounts and liabilities for future settlements.
Furthermore, the acknowledgment by the federal judge of a substantial settlement proposed by 3M to address public water systems PFAS contamination has positively impacted the defendant’s liability perspective.
This indicates a potential precedent for future AFFF personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits. The focus on global settlements suggests a tailored approach toward valuing personal injury and wrongful death claims, as seen in multi-district litigation (MDL), that allows for individual assessment of claims.
Potential Compensation for Victims of Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuits in Tennessee
What might victims potentially gain by filing an AFFF lawsuit? Victims of AFFF exposure in Tennessee may seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Reparation for loss resulting from AFFF-related conditions
Filing a lawsuit can help cover unanticipated medical costs and compensate for the loss and pain caused by illnesses related to AFFF exposure. Furthermore, the estimated average settlement amounts for second-tier AFFF firefighting foam cases range between $150,000 to $280,000.
Firefighters and servicemembers who developed cancer after using AFFF are believed to be entitled to significant compensation from lawsuits against the manufacturers.
Filing a Tennessee Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit
If you’re eligible and prepared for legal action, it’s time to comprehend the process of filing a lawsuit. Eligibility to file an AFFF lawsuit in Tennessee requires a confirmed cancer diagnosis that can be linked to AFFF exposure.
To initiate a claim, follow these steps:
- Get in touch with an experienced attorney who offers a complimentary consultation
- If required, the attorney can investigate at no cost
- Legal representatives play a critical role in guiding victims through the evidence-collection process to build a compelling case
Types of Evidence To Present
Key to a successful lawsuit is understanding the types of evidence that can be presented. Legal representatives guide victims through the evidence collection process, helping them to build a compelling case that effectively demonstrates the link between their cancer diagnosis and AFFF exposure.
Evidence that can be presented typically includes medical records, employment history, and any other documentation that can support the connection between the plaintiff’s condition and AFFF exposure. This is crucial to making a strong case and achieving a fair settlement.
Tennessee Statute of Limitation
A significant factor to consider when filing an AFFF lawsuit in Tennessee is the statute of limitations. Generally, the deadline to file a claim is one year from the date of diagnosis.
However, certain exceptions may apply, which underscores the importance of consulting with a qualified attorney to understand the specific time limits for your case.
Related Articles:
- South Carolina Firefighter Foam Lawsuit
- South Dakota Firefighter Foam Attorney
- Rhode Island Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Update
See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.
FAQs
1. What Legal Recourse Is Available for Tennessee Residents Affected by Firefighter Foam?
Tennessee residents can file personal injury claims, environmental lawsuits, or join class actions against manufacturers for damages related to firefighter foam exposure.
Yes, recent legal precedents in Tennessee involve successful lawsuits where courts have held manufacturers accountable for the harmful effects of firefighter foam.
3. What Steps Should Tennessee Residents Take if They Suspect Firefighter Foam Exposure?
Residents should seek medical evaluation, document exposure history, and consult a specialized attorney to explore legal options and seek compensation for health issues.
Get Your Free Consultation From Tennessee Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers
At Schmidt & Clark, LLP we stand by your side during trying times. Should you or a loved one suffer from the consequences of firefighting foam exposure, we encourage you to reach out to us. Our Tennessee firefighting foam lawyers specialize in such cases and will steer you through every stage of the legal journey.
Comprehending your legal rights and determining your eligibility for a firefighting foam lawsuit is crucial. We offer complimentary consultations, ensuring that you incur no fees unless we secure a favorable resolution for your case.
For an in-depth analysis of your firefighting foam-related case, connect with Schmidt & Clark. Allow us to be your steadfast partner in overcoming the complexities of this legal challenge.
Reference:
- https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam
- https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
- https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html