Table of Contents
Military and civilian firefighters have widely used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) for decades, but growing evidence suggests that exposure to AFFF may lead to serious health problems. As a result, there has been a significant rise in AFFF lawsuits seeking compensation for the harm they have suffered due to AFFF exposure.
In this overview of AFFF lawsuit settlements, we discuss settlement amounts, factors influencing the amount of compensation, and some notable AFFF settlements. By understanding the key aspects of AFFF lawsuit settlements, individuals harmed by their exposure to AFFF can make informed decisions about their legal options.
Getting Help is Easy
Call Us Anytime. Nights And Weekends, We’re Available.
A Trusted, Experienced Partner
Fill out the form on the top of the page and a case specialist will reach out to you.
No Fees Unless We Win
No Win, No Fee. You Don’t Pay A Penny Unless We Win Your Case.
The Average AFFF Lawsuit Settlement
The average AFFF lawsuit settlement amount can vary significantly depending on various factors, including the severity of the plaintiff’s injuries and the specific defendants involved in the case. Some AFFF lawsuits have resulted in settlements worth millions of dollars, while others have been resolved for smaller amounts.
It’s important to note that many AFFF lawsuits are still ongoing, and the full scope of settlements and verdicts has yet to be discovered. However, based on some notable settlements so far, AFFF lawsuit settlements have the potential to be substantial.
Factors Affecting AFFF Lawsuit Settlements
Several factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded in an AFFF lawsuit settlement. These include:
The Strength of Evidence Linking AFFF to Health Issues
The strength of the scientific evidence connecting AFFF exposure to the plaintiff’s specific health problems is a critical factor in determining the value of their claim. Cases with clear, well-documented links between AFFF exposure and the plaintiff’s injuries may be more likely to result in settlements.
The Extent of the Plaintiff’s Injuries and Damages
The severity and extent of the plaintiff’s injuries and damages can also significantly impact the amount of compensation they may receive. Cases involving serious health problems, such as cancer or other life-threatening illnesses, may result in higher settlements compared to cases involving less severe conditions.
Legal Jurisdiction and Applicable Laws
The legal jurisdiction in which an AFFF lawsuit is filed and the specific laws that apply to the case can also affect the potential settlement amount. Some states have laws that favor plaintiffs in product liability or toxic tort cases, which may result in higher settlements.
Precedent Set by Earlier AFFF Settlements or Verdicts
Previous AFFF settlements or verdicts can also set a precedent for future cases and influence the expectations of both plaintiffs and defendants.
It’s important to note that these factors can interact in complex ways, and the specific impact of each factor may vary depending on the unique circumstances of each case. An AFFF lawsuit attorney can help evaluate a plaintiff’s case and provide guidance on damages they may recover in their case.
Exposed to AFFF?
Notable AFFF-Related Settlements
In recent years, several significant settlements have been reached in lawsuits involving PFAS, particularly those seeking compensation for contaminated water. Thus far, most settlements related to PFAS have been for water contamination cases filed by municipalities seeking compensation to cover the clean-up of PFAS from water supplies.
Some of the most notable related lawsuit settlements include:
- In 2017, DuPont and Chemours agreed to pay $671 million to settle approximately 3,500 lawsuits filed by individuals in Ohio and West Virginia who claimed they were harmed by exposure to PFOA, a type of PFAS chemical used in the production of Teflon and other products.
- In 2018, 3M agreed to pay $850 million to settle a lawsuit brought by the State of Minnesota for environmental damage caused by PFAS contamination.
- More recently, in 2023, a group of AFFF manufacturers, including Corteva, DuPont, and Chemours, agreed to pay $10.5 billion to settle a class-action lawsuit brought by communities across the United States affected by PFAS contamination in their drinking water.
Lawsuits involving injury caused by AFFF exposure are mounting. Just as plaintiffs and attorneys fought for compensation for harm caused by PFAS contamination, civilian and military firefighters and their attorneys are fighting for settlements or verdicts that cover the damage caused by AFFF.
Personal Injury Deserves Personal Attention!
Determining AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts
Determining the proper settlement amount in an AFFF lawsuit involves carefully assessing several key factors, including accounting for economic, non-economic, and potential punitive damages.
In cases involving multiple plaintiffs, such as multidistrict litigation, settlement funds may need to be allocated among the various plaintiffs based on the severity of their injuries and other relevant factors. This allocation process can be complex and may involve negotiations among plaintiffs’ attorneys and the development of a settlement distribution plan.
An AFFF lawsuit attorney from our partner law firms can help plaintiffs understand how these various factors may impact the potential settlement value of their case and can work to negotiate a fair and appropriate settlement amount based on the specific circumstances of their claim.
AFFF Lawsuit Settlements Hold Polluters Accountable
AFFF lawsuit settlements not only help address the immediate needs of those affected but also hold companies accountable for their role in the manufacture, use, and disposal of these dangerous substances.
Looking ahead, we can expect to see continued developments in AFFF litigation and regulation as public awareness of the risks posed by these chemicals grows and pressure mounts to protect public health and the environment. By working together to hold polluters responsible, we can help to ensure a healthier future for all.
If you or a loved one has been harmed by AFFF exposure, contact the Goldwater Law Firm. For decades, corporate greed and irresponsibility were left unchecked. We hold manufacturers of AFFF accountable for the harm they cause.