Are you a civilian or military firefighter that has been diagnosed with cancer after exposure to firefighting foam? If so, you may be eligible to file a lawsuit against the negligent manufacturers such as Tyco, 3M, Dupont and others.
If you are a civilian or military firefighter that has been exposed to firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with certain cancers, at least 6 months after your first exposure event, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against 3M, Tyco, Chemguard, and other manufacturers of AFFF.
Our attorneys at Constant Legal Group are backed by 18+ years of experience and education. Not only are we qualified to take on your case, but we care deeply about making sure you feel in the know and confident about your situation.
Developed by the US navy in the early 1960s, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is a synthetic foam that rapidly extinguishes hydrocarbon fuel fires by forming film on the fuel surface that prevents evaporation and reignition of the fuel. By covering and coating the fire, AFFFs prevent the fire from receiving the fuel it needs by stopping formation of flammable vapors. Due to its effectiveness, the firefighting foam would eventually be used on all US Navy aircraft carriers as well as by major airports and civilian fire departments for decades.
While effective as a fire suppressant, concerns have been raised regarding AFFF’s toxicity and potential negative effects on both the environment and human health. These foams contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are a part of a large family of man-made chemical compounds used in a range of consumer products such as nonstick products, polishes, waxes, paints, and cleaning products. Research conducted by the Environmental Working Group and Indiana University found that all 26fluorinated chemicals, or PFAS, displayed at least one characteristic of known human carcinogens. Despite this, PFAS are still used in a variety of industries across the globe, including manufacturers in the United States. These man-made chemicals are known for being highly carcinogenic and can cause severe illness and even death if exposed to them.
While many of the manufacturers of firefighting foam became aware of the adverse health effects the foam created, they did not stop their production of AFFF nor did they properly warn those who were at risk of exposure. As research became more available to the public, many of those who had been affected by AFFF took action by filing lawsuits. Since the initial lawsuits were brought against 3M and DuPont, the two biggest manufacturers of firefighting foam, thousands more have come forward to file lawsuits.
As a result of the thousands of lawsuits that were filed, the case was consolidated into a class action MDL in the DistrictCourt of South Carolina. Consolidating the case into an MDL allows victims to work alongside each other, share their findings, and present their cases together. These cases look to hold all the manufacturers and distributors accountable for their inability to put the safety firefighters and the public above their profits. Those parties include:
Findings have shown that nearly 20% of firefighters that are consistently exposed to AFFF subsequently develop a typeof cancer or disease. There are still countless more victims who do not know they have a legal course of action to seek justice against companies that knowingly put them at risk. Thankfully, it is not too late for those who have not filed a case, there is still time to seek legal representation and get the justice they deserve.
The PFAS within firefighting foams are not biodegradable and can take thousands of years to break down. Those exposed to them are at risk of the toxic chemical binding with proteins in their blood and remaining within the human body for long periods. Exposure to high concentrations of PFAS, over extended periods, can lead them to build up within the body which in turn creates elevated risks of cancers and diseases. Many of the firefighters that have sought out treatment found up to nine different carcinogenic compounds still present in their bodies. Studies have found these compounds can often result in the development of:
If you are one of the many firefighters who were exposed to an AFFF and subsequently developed one of these cancers, you may be owed significant compensation from the manufacturers of these firefighting foams.
If you are a civilian or military firefighter that has been diagnosed with cancer or other related illnesses after exposure to firefighting foam, you may be entitled to compensation by filing a lawsuit against 3M, Tyco, Chemguard, and other manufacturers or distributors of AFFF.
We are knowledgeable and seasoned in the nuances of product liability litigation and our attorneys have recovered millions of dollars for injured parties. Our goal is to help you get peace of mind and acceptable compensation.
Fill out the intake form on this page for a free and no-obligation review of your case. Constant Legal Group is here to help – we’d be honored to speak with you.
Our attorneys at Constant Legal Group are backed by 18+ years of experience and education. Not only are we qualified to take on your case, but we care deeply about making sure you feel in the know and confident about your situation.
It can be overwhelming when you or a loved one is suffering from a personal injury incident. When working with our dedicated attorneys, we will take the pressure off of your shoulders and into our own hands. Together we will fight to restore control over your life.
