AFFF Lawsuit

What Is AFFF?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a type of firefighting foam extensively used since the 1960s to extinguish flammable liquid fires, such as those involving gasoline, oil, and jet fuel. AFFF is particularly effective because it creates a thin, aqueous film on the surface of the fuel, which rapidly extinguishes the fire and prevents reignition.

The U.S. military and fire departments have widely used AFFF. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), making it effective in firefighting but highly persistent in the environment and the human body.

As a result, the use of AFFF has come under intense scrutiny, with many organizations and governments now recognizing the need to phase out these dangerous chemicals and develop safer alternatives. However, for those who have already been exposed to AFFF, the consequences can be severe, necessitating legal action to seek compensation for their injuries.

AFFF Exposure and Health Risks

Exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can occur through various means. One of the most common ways people are exposed to AFFF is through occupational exposure, such as firefighters and military personnel. Another significant source of AFFF exposure is contaminated drinking water.

When AFFF is used, the PFAS chemicals can seep into the ground and contaminate groundwater, which may be used for drinking water supplies. Communities near military bases, airports, and industrial sites where AFFF has been used extensively are particularly at risk. As many exposed military personnel and firefighters pursue AFFF lawsuits, those affected by PFAS in contaminated water have pursued PFAS lawsuits after developing related health conditions.

Conditions Caused by AFFF Exposure

The health risks associated with AFFF exposure are numerous and severe. Studies have linked PFAS chemicals to various types of cancer and other serious and sometimes fatal conditions that are devastating to victims and their family members.

These are some of the conditions and cancers associated with AFFF exposure:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Liver cancer
• Ulcerative colitis

These conditions leave victims with ongoing medical costs and often cost them the ability to work. When these conditions are fatal, the survivors of the victim of AFFF exposure may be left struggling to cover the costs of funeral and burial expenses. Winning compensation in an AFFF lawsuit can help victims, their loved ones, and their survivors cover these costs.

The AFFF Lawsuit

The ongoing AFFF lawsuit is a complex legal battle involving numerous plaintiffs who have suffered severe health consequences from exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) containing PFAS chemicals.

The legal claims in the AFFF lawsuit generally fall into three main categories: negligence, product liability, and failure to warn.

• Negligence claims allege that the defendants failed to exercise reasonable care in the design, manufacture, and testing of their AFFF products, resulting in harm to the plaintiffs.
• Product liability claims argue that the AFFF products were defective and unreasonably dangerous, even when used as intended.
• Failure to warn claims assert that the defendants knew or should have known about the risks associated with PFAS chemicals in their AFFF products. However, they failed to provide adequate warnings to consumers, leaving them unaware of the potential health consequences of exposure.

For those affected by AFFF, joining the lawsuit may provide an opportunity to seek justice and compensation for your injuries and losses. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can guide you through the complex legal process and fight for your rights every step of the way.

Who Are the Defendants?

The primary defendants in the AFFF lawsuit include 3M Company, DuPont, Tyco/Chemguard, and Kidde. These companies have been involved in the manufacture, distribution, and sale of AFFF products for decades.

Why Victims Are Demanding Justice Through AFFF Lawsuits

The victims of AFFF exposure are demanding justice through lawsuits because they have suffered immensely due to the negligence and reckless disregard of the manufacturers. Many of these individuals have faced life-altering health consequences, such as cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.

The companies responsible for producing and distributing AFFF have a moral and legal obligation to ensure that their products are safe for use and do not pose unreasonable risks to human health and the environment. However, evidence suggests that these companies knew or should have known about the dangers of PFAS chemicals for decades.

For the victims, filing lawsuits against these companies is not just about seeking compensation for their injuries and losses, although that is undoubtedly a significant aspect. It is also about holding these corporations accountable for their actions and sending a clear message that prioritizing profits over public health and safety is unacceptable.

Is an AFFF Lawsuit the Right Choice for You?

Ultimately, the decision to pursue an AFFF lawsuit is deeply personal and requires careful consideration and guidance from experienced legal professionals. However, for many victims, it is a necessary step towards achieving justice, holding wrongdoers accountable, and effecting meaningful change to prevent future harm to others.

By standing together and taking action, AFFF victims can send a powerful message that reckless disregard for human health and the environment will not be tolerated and that those responsible will be held accountable for their actions.

Successful AFFF lawsuits can help establish legal precedents that will make it easier for future victims to seek justice and compensation. They can also spur regulatory action and policy changes that will better protect public health and the environment from the risks posed by PFAS chemicals.

Damages You Can Claim in an AFFF Lawsuit

You may be struggling to cover your costs associated with AFFF exposure, but you have a legal right to compensation to cover those damages if you were injured by negligence. Plaintiffs in the AFFF lawsuit are seeking compensation for a wide range of damages, including:

• Medical expenses related to the diagnosis and treatment of AFFF-related health conditions
• Lost wages and loss of earning potential if their health issues have prevented them from working
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Loss of consortium (loss of companionship and support from a spouse or family member)

It is important to note that the AFFF lawsuit is still ongoing, and the outcome of the litigation remains to be seen. However, with the growing body of evidence of AFFF exposure symptoms and severe health risks, the pressure on the defendants to take responsibility for their actions and compensate victims is likely to continue to mount.

To learn more about the damages you may be legally entitled to if you were injured by AFFF exposure, contact us and our co-counsel for help.

Who Can Join the AFFF Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one has been exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and subsequently developed health problems, you may be eligible to join the ongoing AFFF lawsuit. However, it is essential to understand the specific criteria that determine eligibility and the deadlines for filing a claim.

To be eligible to join the AFFF lawsuit, you must have been exposed to AFFF and subsequently developed a health condition linked to these chemicals. If you worked as a civilian or military firefighter after 1960, you may have been directly exposed to these chemicals. If you were not a firefighter but had several exposures to AFFF, you may also qualify.

It is important to note that not all health conditions may qualify you for the AFFF lawsuit. The most common health issues linked to AFFF exposure include kidney cancer, liver cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis.

What Is the Average Payout for the AFFF Lawsuit?

The average payout for the AFFF lawsuit is difficult to determine at this stage, as the litigation is ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen. The amount of compensation that plaintiffs may receive will depend on several factors.

In some cases, plaintiffs may receive significant compensation for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. For example, in a similar lawsuit involving PFAS contamination in drinking water, the chemical company DuPont agreed to a $671 million settlement to resolve claims brought by thousands of individuals in Ohio and West Virginia.

AFFF Lawsuit Payout Tiers

The typical payout for an AFFF lawsuit differs depending on the level of harm suffered, categorized into tiers.

• Tier 1 payouts are meant for individuals with the most severe health issues caused by AFFF exposure.
• Tier 2 payouts are designed for those with moderately serious health concerns.
• Finally, Tier 3 payouts, intended for plaintiffs with less significant health problems, may result in less compensation.

It is important to note that each case is unique, and the compensation awarded to one plaintiff may differ from that awarded to another.

As the AFFF lawsuit progresses, more information regarding potential AFFF settlement amounts or jury awards may become available. It is essential for individuals who believe they may have a claim to consult with an experienced AFFF lawsuit attorney who can evaluate their case and provide guidance on the potential value of their claim.

How to File an AFFF Lawsuit

You will need to file an AFFF lawsuit if you want to get compensation for your losses. An attorney can help. Filing an AFFF lawsuit involves several key steps:

• First, gather evidence of your AFFF exposure and related health problems, such as medical records, employment history, and military service records.
• Next, consult with an AFFF attorney who can help you understand your legal options and guide you through the process of filing a lawsuit.
• Your attorney will detail your exposure, health issues, and the defendant’s alleged wrongdoing.
• The complaint will be served to the defendants, who will have an opportunity to respond. The legal process then moves into the discovery phase, where both sides exchange information and evidence.
• Throughout the lawsuit, your attorney will work to build a strong case, negotiate with the defendants, and advise you on the best course of action.

If a settlement cannot be reached, your case may proceed to trial, where a judge or jury will determine the outcome and any potential compensation. It is essential to choose an attorney with experience in AFFF litigation to ensure your rights and interests are protected throughout the legal process.

The Deadline to File an AFFF Lawsuit

It is crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations for filing an AFFF lawsuit. The statute of limitations is the deadline by which you must file your lawsuit, which varies by state. In some states, the statute of limitations may be as short as one year from the date you discovered or should have discovered the link between your health condition and AFFF exposure.

Given the complexity of the AFFF lawsuit and the varying deadlines for filing a lawsuit, it is a good idea to consult with an experienced AFFF lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible if you believe you may be eligible. Our co-counsel partners can help you understand your legal rights, gather the necessary evidence to support your lawsuit and ensure you meet all applicable filing deadlines.

By taking action and joining the AFFF lawsuit, you can not only seek compensation for your injuries but also help hold the manufacturers of these dangerous products accountable for the harm they have caused countless individuals and communities across the country.

How the Goldwater Law Firm & Our Partners Can Help With Your AFFF Lawsuit

At Goldwater Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact that exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) can have on individuals and families. With years of experience handling complex mass tort and personal injury cases, our law firm partners are committed to fighting for the rights of AFFF victims and holding the responsible parties liable for AFFF exposure.

Our partners have track records of success in obtaining significant client settlements and verdicts. Your team will possess the knowledge, resources, and tenacity to take on large corporations like 3M, DuPont, Tyco/Chemguard, and Kidde.

If you are considering joining the AFFF lawsuit, our experienced law firm and attorney partners will guide you through every step of the process. Begin with a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case.

Our Commitment to the Victims of AFFF Exposure

Our commitment to fighting for the rights of AFFF victims extends beyond the courtroom. We believe in holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions and in effecting change to prevent future harm to others. By joining the AFFF lawsuit with the Goldwater Law Firm and our partner law firms, you are not only fighting for your own recovery but also for justice on behalf of all those who have been affected by these dangerous chemicals.

Throughout the legal process, your legal team will keep you informed and provide the support and guidance you need. We understand that taking on a large corporation can be intimidating, but with the Goldwater Law Firm’s partner attorneys by your side, you can have confidence knowing that your rights and interests are being vigorously protected.

If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF and developed health problems as a result, do not hesitate to contact the Goldwater Law Firm today. Our dedicated co-counsel and law firm partners are ready to listen to your story, answer your questions about AFFF, and fight for compensation. Together, we can hold the manufacturers of AFFF accountable and work towards a safer, healthier future for all.