Some of the firefighters that have been exposed to firefighting foam, specifically AFFF, have been diagnosed with cancer. It is believed that AFFF manufacturers have, for a very long time, used dangerous substances like PFAS in making firefighting foam. These substances are linked to some of the most dangerous cancers in the world, including liver cancer, thyroid disease, and lymphoma. It is also believed that many firefighters have been affected after prolonged exposure to the dangerous foam. Some have filed civil suits for compensation from the manufacturers to pay for their treatment and other needs that the disease has necessitated.
If you or your loved one has suffered cancer after exposure to AFFF, you should immediately take action to receive compensation for your damages. But first, ensure you have the information you need to determine whether you are eligible for compensation. You can also seek legal help to navigate the complex legal processes and ensure you receive the payment you deserve.
Settlement for Firefighting Foam Victims
Manufacturers are legally responsible for producing valuable, safe products that do not harm consumers. Sadly, that does not always happen. Many seek legal help through product liability lawsuits for compensation after suffering harm from a faulty or dangerous product. An example is the case of the dangerous firefighting foam that has harmed hundreds of firefighters across the country.
Firefighting foam, particularly AFFF, has been on the market for over six decades. Over the years, it has been a helpful product at military bases and airports nationwide. However, the product is dangerous due to the chemicals used. It has caused hundreds of firefighters to suffer different types of cancer, with varying symptoms and magnitudes.
The dangerous chemicals that have significantly altered the lives of many firefighters are perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl, or PFAS. These chemicals do not break down with time. Instead, they penetrate and build into a person’s body, causing severe health issues, including cancer.
Many firefighters affected by these chemicals have come out to fight for justice and seek financial compensation for their damages. They do so by filing cancer lawsuits against AFFF manufacturers for their prolonged occupational exposure to dangerous chemicals and their cancer diagnosis. If successful, these victims will receive adequate compensation for their medical needs and other financial losses due to that dangerous exposure.
AFFF lawsuits that succeed will result in two types of compensation:
Lawsuit Settlement
AFFF manufacturers are expected to consider settling the matter out of court. That would be the most convenient, time-saving, and affordable option for them and the plaintiffs. The plaintiff can cover their damages through an AFFF settlement (the amount the plaintiff agrees to take without moving the matter to court). However, the plaintiff must agree to the settlement offered by the liable parties for them to settle the case without involving a judge.
AFFF Verdict
This option is viable if the parties do not agree on an out-of-court settlement. If the plaintiff is unsatisfied with the AFF manufacturers’ offer, they will file a lawsuit in civil court and wait for a judge’s verdict. Both parties will go to trial, present evidence and statements, and wait for the judge to decide. The judge’s ruling is usually binding in cases like these. However, the trial process is long, tedious, and expensive for the complainant and liable parties. Also, it is impossible to predict the judge’s verdict.
If you were a firefighter and had cancer, and you suspect that the disease was due to your exposure to PFAS, you could be eligible to file a lawsuit. A skilled attorney can help you seek the payment you deserve for your damages. Cancer treatment is costly. You deserve compensation for the treatment and medical procedures you need.
Health Conditions Qualifying for AFFF Compensation
Most firefighters who used AFFF have been diagnosed with severe health conditions due to their exposure to PFAS. Some of these conditions include the following:
Bladder Cancer
It is a severe condition whose symptoms include blood in the urine. Treatments include biological therapy, chemotherapy, and surgery, which are expensive.
Breast Cancer
It is a painful condition that affects both men and women. Common symptoms include bloody discharge from the affected nipple, a lump in the breast, and changes in the texture and shape of a breast or nipple. Treatment includes radiation, chemotherapy, and surgery.
Leukemia
This type of cancer affects the body’s blood-forming tissues, like bone marrow. The disease takes many forms, including acute myeloid leukemia, lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. Symptoms include weight loss, frequent infections, fatigue, and easy bruising and bleeding. Treatments include radiation, chemotherapy, and stem cell transplants.
Liver Cancer
This cancer type starts in liver cells. Symptoms develop in the later stages and could include weight loss, yellowed skin, stomach pains, and vomiting. Treatment can include surgery to remove the affected liver, chemotherapy, transplants, and radiation.
Lymphoma
This is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. It involves the spleen, lymph nodes, bone marrow, or thymus gland. Symptoms include fatigue, weight loss, and enlarged lymph nodes. Treatment can include radiation therapy, medication, chemotherapy, and stem-cell transplants.
Pancreatic Cancer
It is a type of cancer that starts in the pancreas. It is often detected late, has a poor prognosis, and spreads quickly. It does not have symptoms at the onset, but you could start experiencing weight loss and loss of appetite at later stages. Treatment includes radiation, surgery to remove the affected pancreas and chemotherapy.
Multiple Myeloma
It is a type of cancer that mainly affects the bone marrow. It is usually called multiple myeloma, which involves several body parts, including the ribs, pelvis, spine, and skull. Its main symptom is aching bones. Treatment can include chemotherapy, radiation, and surgery.
Other conditions that firefighters who have been exposed to PFAS have been diagnosed with include the following:
- Testicular cancer.
- Prostate cancer.
- Thyroid disease.
- Kidney or renal cancer.
- Ulcerative colitis.
- Endometrial or uterine cancer.
A Recent Update on AFFF Settlements
Firefighting foam manufacturers have always claimed to produce safe products for consumer use. Even with those claims, firefighters using some products have been affected after exposure to PFAS, dangerous chemicals linked to a high cancer risk. Some firefighters affected by the dangerous firefighting foam have already received compensation. Here are some of the settlements that have already been done:
- A $10.3 billion 3M settlement with several United States towns and cities for claims related to PFAS water contamination.
- $4 billion compensation from manufacturers of PFAS-containing products in Chemours, Corteva, and DuPont.
- A $850 million 3M settlement for the pollution of groundwater with PFAS in Minnesota.
- A $17.5 million class action settlement with Tyco Fire Products manufacturer Johnson Controls Some of their products include firefighting foam containing PFAS.
Other victims have already filed claims against manufacturers of firefighting foam containing PFAS. They are waiting for trial and the judge’s verdict across the country. Some victims have yet to file their lawsuits, but new lawsuits are being filed daily. If you have been affected by dangerous firefighting foam, it is not too late to seek compensation for your damages. You can speak to an experienced attorney for advice and guidance.
How AFFF Settlements Amounts are Determined
Filing a lawsuit against a firefighting foam manufacturer is insufficient to receive compensation for your damages. Civil court judges consider other factors in determining the amount to award in each case. Other factors, including the following, can influence the outcome of your case:
How Much You Were Exposed to the Dangerous Chemicals
Some firefighters were more exposed to the dangerous AFFF than others. These are likely to showcase extreme symptoms of their disease. For example, those stationed in airports or the military were more exposed than regular firefighters. You stand a higher chance of receiving more compensation if you suffer a higher exposure rate.
However, that does not mean you do not deserve compensation if you do not work in those prime areas. If you prove that you were exposed to PFAS while working as a firefighter and sustained an injury (cancer), you are eligible for compensation. You must create a strong case against the responsible company to receive compensation.
How Severe Your Cancer Diagnosis Is
Judges are also considering the type of cancer you have suffered, your symptoms, and your likelihood of recovering to determine your compensation. You must include details and evidence of the disease, including how much the cancer has developed and spread. People with extreme symptoms are more likely to receive compensation than mild ones.
You must include your diagnosis and the doctor’s report to support your claim. The report must indicate your type of cancer, its dangers, and the treatment you need.
Cost of Treatment
The amount you need for treatment will also determine how much you will receive in a settlement or after a court verdict. You have probably already seen a doctor who has diagnosed the disease and devised a treatment plan for you. Details of the medical treatment and what you will receive in the future are essential in determining your settlement.
For example, if you are undergoing chemotherapy radiation or are expected to undergo surgery, you must indicate that in your claim. Provide evidence of a doctor’s report and current treatment to support your claim.
Estimated Ongoing and Future Medical Needs
Cancer treatment is not a once-off event. You need an ongoing treatment regimen that the doctor can change if they feel you are not responding well to treatment. Your regimen could include medication, chemotherapy, and a diet. These details are necessary in determining the amount you have in your settlement claim.
Include every specialized care you are receiving and what you could need in the future to ensure you receive enough compensation to cover your treatment. Your future medical needs could include surgery, medication, and therapy, for which you will need financial assistance. The court will hold the responsible company accountable for all your medical needs once they approve your claim.
Punitive Damage
Your compensation could also include punitive damages. Civil court judges award punitive damages in cases of gross negligence. The aim is to punish the people responsible for your illness and warn other companies against similar conduct. Punitive damages will increase the compensation you receive for your damages. An aggressive attorney can petition the court to award you punitive damages if they can prove that the firefighting foam manufacturer was grossly negligent in causing your disease.
These are just some of the factors judges consider in deciding the amount to ward in each settlement case. Every plaintiff has unique needs, so your issues will be different. Previous settlements cannot guarantee future results. You must work hard on your case to ensure it is solid enough for a positive outcome.
Eligibility for AFFF Settlement
Eligibility is crucial to receiving compensation after filing an AFFF settlement claim. You or your loved one are eligible for AFFF settlements if you meet the following criteria:
- You were a firefighter.
- You were exposed to firefighting foam containing PFAS during training or on the job.
- You experienced one of these cancer types: thyroid, liver, leukemia, prostate, kidney, colon, testicular, bladder, pancreatic, or breast cancer.
Note: You must provide evidence of your exposure to the dangerous firefighting foam. For example, proof that you worked as a firefighter or used the foam during training. You also need a medical report linking your condition to the possible exposure to PFAS. If you are successful, the lawsuit can result in a settlement verdict for you or your family.
The Process of Pursuing Firefighter Foam Compensation
Seeking compensation after a personal injury is more complex than it sounds. You must understand several legal processes, gather evidence, and work on your claim to receive a positive outcome. It is advisable to look for a skilled attorney for the job. The attorney will streamline the legal process, advise you on your options, and ensure you have everything you need to file a successful lawsuit. Here are some ways an attorney can help you:
Establishing Your Eligibility for Compensation
Remember that you have to meet particular criteria to qualify for AFFF compensation. An attorney will help you determine your suitability for compensation by ensuring you meet all the requirements to take action against the responsible companies.
Gather Evidence
You need strong evidence against the responsible party to file a solid lawsuit in civil court. A skilled attorney will ensure you have compelling evidence, including proof that you were exposed to the dangerous firefighting form, suffered cancer, and require compensation for your medical and other needs.
Prepare and File Your Claim
A skilled attorney will know the documents needed and how they must be prepared for filing. They also understand court deadlines and statute limitations to ensure your documents are filed within the established deadlines.
Negotiate for an Out-Of-Court Settlement
An experienced attorney knows how long and tedious court processes are. They will try to negotiate with the companies involved for an out-of-court settlement. That will save you time and money and ensure you receive compensation when needed most (for medical needs).
They can initiate a settlement by proposing a settlement amount to the liable parties. If the parties disagree with the amount, they will state their offer. Your attorney will advise you on whether or not to accept the offer. If the offer is reasonable, you can accept it and settle the matter outside court. But if the amount is lower than what you expect, you will decline it and proceed to file your claim in court.
For Legal Representation
If your case goes to trial, you will need someone to stand by your side and represent you in court. A skilled attorney is the right person for the job. They will present your interest in court, table evidence to support your claim, and aggressively fight to ensure you receive adequate compensation for your damages. Your attorney will also offer legal advice if needed, keep you updated on the progress of your case, and protect your rights against violations.
With an attorney by your side, you do not need to worry much about the legal processes that follow. They will fight for your best interest every step of the way. An aggressive attorney will rest once you receive the payment you deserve.
Find a Skilled Firefighting Foam Lawyer Near Me
If you were a firefighter, exposed to firefighting foam containing PFAS, and diagnosed with cancer, you are eligible for compensation under the PFAS settlement lawsuits. But you must gather evidence and file a claim to receive compensation for your damages. Sadly, the legal processes involved are complex and could be challenging to navigate without legal knowledge.
At Consumer Alert Now, we offer detailed information and guidance to help you establish your eligibility for compensation and file a successful lawsuit against the responsible companies. We also walk the challenging journey with you and fight alongside you until you receive the payment you deserve. Call us at 800-511-0747 from anywhere in the country to learn more about PFAS lawsuits and our services.
