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If you or a loved one has been exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and subsequently developed cancer or other serious health problems, we have compiled a list of frequently asked questions about AFFF lawsuits to help you better understand your legal rights and options.
If you were exposed to AFFF as a civilian or military firefighter or were otherwise exposed to AFFF several times, this guide provides crucial information about potential lawsuits. If you have additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact us to learn how our AFFF attorneys at our partner law firms can help.
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Can I File a Lawsuit If I Have Been Exposed to AFFF?
If you were exposed to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and have suffered health problems, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the manufacturers of AFFF. However, there are several factors to consider when determining whether you have a viable case:
- Exposure to AFFF: You must show that you were exposed to AFFF. Civilian and military firefighters were regularly exposed through their occupation, and non-firefighters may qualify to pursue a lawsuit if they were exposed to AFFF on several occasions.
- Health issues linked to PFAS: You should have a diagnosis of a health condition that has been linked to AFFF exposure, such as liver cancer, kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis.
- Timely filing: Each state has its own statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or product liability lawsuit. It is crucial to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any deadlines.
If you meet these criteria, you may be able to file an AFFF lawsuit against AFFF manufacturers. Some defendants in these cases include 3M, DuPont, Tyco/Chemguard, and Kidde.
Exposed to AFF?
Who Can Be Held Liable for AFFF Exposure?
Several parties can potentially be held liable for AFFF exposure, depending on the specific circumstances of each case. Some of the leading entities that may face liability include AFFF manufacturers. Companies that produced AFFF, such as 3M, DuPont, Tyco/Chemguard, and Kidde, can be held liable for selling a product they knew or should have known was dangerous.
Additionally, the U.S. government may be liable for AFFF-related injuries suffered by military firefighters. To determine who can be held liable in a specific AFFF exposure case, consult with an experienced attorney at our partner law firms who can investigate the facts of your case and identify the appropriate defendants. In some cases, multiple parties may share liability, and plaintiffs may seek compensation from several defendants.
What Types of Compensation Can I Seek in an AFFF Lawsuit?
If you have been harmed by exposure to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and decide to file a lawsuit, you may be able to seek various types of compensation for your injuries. The specific types of compensation available will depend on the facts of your case and the laws of the state in which you file your lawsuit.
Generally, plaintiffs in AFFF lawsuits may seek the following types of compensation:
- Medical expenses: You may be able to recover the cost of medical treatment related to your AFFF exposure, including doctor visits, hospitalization, medication, surgery, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages: If your health problems caused by AFFF exposure have forced you to miss work or reduced your earning capacity, you may be able to seek compensation for lost wages, and future lost earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: You may be entitled to compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish you have experienced as a result of your AFFF-related health problems.
- Disability: If your AFFF exposure has caused permanent disability, you may be able to recover damages for the impact these injuries have had on your life.
An AFFF lawsuit attorney can help you assess the types of compensation recoverable in your specific case and work to secure compensation for your injuries and damages.
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Is There a Time Limit for Filing an AFFF Lawsuit?
Yes, there is a time limit for filing an AFFF lawsuit. These time limits, known as the statute of limitations, vary depending on the state and the type of legal claim you are making.
In general, the statute of limitations begins to run from the date you discovered or reasonably should have discovered your injury and its connection to AFFF exposure. However, it’s important to note that some states have stricter time limits and may not apply the discovery rule to AFFF lawsuits. For example:
- Personal injury claims: Statutes of limitations for personal injury claims can range from one to six years, depending on the state.
- Product liability claims: Time limits for product liability claims, often the basis for AFFF lawsuits, can vary from two to fifteen years, depending on the state.
Failing to file your AFFF lawsuit within the applicable statute of limitations can result in your inability to bring legal action, meaning you will lose your right to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. We can help you understand the specific time limits that apply to your case and ensure that your lawsuit is filed in a timely manner.
