Tittle & Perlmuter is currently investigating cases involving cancer from exposure to AFFF firefighting foam. AFFF manufacturers have used dangerous chemicals known as PFAS to make firefighting foam since the 1960s. If you or a loved one were exposed to firefighting foam and were diagnosed with cancer, our team of experienced attorneys can help you file AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits to get the compensation you need to recover and move forward, contact us today.
What is AFFF Foam?
Aqueous film forming foam (AFFF), also known as firefighting foam, is a water-based foam that firefighters use to put out fires. It has been used since the 1960s, especially in the military and at airports because of its ability to extinguish jet fuel and petroleum fires effectively. AFFF creates a blanket that cuts off the fuel from the oxygen it needs to burn while smothering the fire. AFFF firefighting foam could lead to a lawsuit for workers who developed cancer after contact with the product.
You may qualify for financial compensation from a firefighting foam lawsuit if you:
- Are a firefighter or worked as firefighter
- Have been exposed to toxic PFAS-based firefighting foams
- Were diagnosed with Testicular cancer, Kidney cancer, Thyroid cancer, Thyroid disease, Liver cancer, Ulcerative colitis
- Coming in contact with firefighting foam could lead to life changing health concerns that deserve compensation through an AFFF lawsuit.
Exposure to Firefighting Foam
Dangerous chemicals known as PFAS are used to make firefighting foam and exposure to these chemicals may cause various types of cancer in those who were regularly in contact with it, like firefighters. If you have been diagnosed with cancer and believe exposure to AFFF and PFAS chemicals may have been the cause, a free case evaluation can help determine if you qualify for compensation through a firefighter foam lawsuit. Our attorneys can explain the case criteria, discuss your options, and help walk you through the legal process. As a first responder, you selflessly help others while putting your own life at risk. Let our team step in, take the burden off you, and help you move forward.
What are PFAS?
PFAS are anthropogenic chemicals that do not occur naturally in the environment. Their unique structure makes them stable and resistant to biodegradation, photooxidation, direct photolysis, and hydrolysis. According to the Strategic Environmental Research and Development Program (SERDP) and the Environmental Security Technology Certification Program (ESTCP), PFAS have a tendency to bioaccumulate in which lab studies show that they can have dangerous health effects. PFAS in firefighting foam creates a danger for those in contact with it, leading to Cleveland AFFF lawsuits.
Who is At Risk of PFAS Exposure?
The most at-risk are those regularly exposed to PFAS such as:
- Firefighters
- S. Military Firefighters
- The U.S. military has used PFAS-based firefighting foam for almost 60 years. It was particularly used by military fire departments because of its ability to extinguish jet fuel fires but was even used during training exercises and non-critical missions. Other uses included fire suppression in ships, shore-fixed systems, aircraft hangers, and extinguishing liquid fuel fires.
- Firefighters Assigned to Airports
- The Federal Airport Administration (FAA) required the use of AFFF foam until 2018.
Firefighters most at risk for exposure to PFAS through AFFF foam and should reach out to an attorney about a lawsuit.
Can AFFF Firefighting Foam Cause Cancer?
AFFF has been manufactured, sold, and used for decades, but it is now known that the dangerous chemicals it contains have deadly side effects. Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are one of the main ingredients of firefighter foam. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) uses PFAS to refer to a group of toxic chemicals that includes:
- Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
- Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8)
- Other PFA substances
They have been classified as emerging contaminants, meaning exposure to PFAS can be dangerous to your health. Health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), EPA, and American Cancer Society (ACS) note that scientific studies show exposure to some PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects. PFAS can also be referred to as “forever chemicals” because they are long lasting and break down very slowly over time. This means that PFAS can remain in the body for years, build up over time, and cause many health risks.
Exposure to the PFAS used to make firefighting foam can cause firefighters or those regularly exposed to develop the following cancers:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
- Kidney cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
If you or a firefighter you know has been diagnosed with cancer and had contact with AFFF foam, contact an attorney to start a lawsuit.
Why Do I Need an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawyer?
Trying to file a firefighting foam lawsuit can be difficult without the help and guidance of an experienced AFFF lawyer. Here’s what to look for when choosing a legal team:
- Free Case Evaluation: Call us today for a free strategy session regarding your claim
- No Upfront Cost: We work on a contingency basis, meaning we only get paid if we win.
- Decades of Experience: Our team of attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience.
- A History of Success: Check out our Case Results.
- Statewide Legal Representation: We’re born and raised Ohioans who have represented clients all throughout the state.
- A Dedicated Team: We care about our clients, see what they have to say.
What is the Case Criteria for an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
In order to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit, our Cleveland legal team will need to ask you about the following criteria:
- Have had civilian or military firefighter exposure to AFFF
- Were exposed to AFFF after 1960
Have been diagnosed with:- Testicular cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Thyroid disease
- Liver cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
- Were diagnosed at least 6 months after your first exposure to firefighting foam
How do I File an AFFF Lawsuit?
The first step is to contact our legal team. From there, we will:
- Take down basic information
- Listen to your story and learn more about your claim
- Discuss possible options, resources, and courses of action
- Help walk you through every step of the legal process
Upon review, if your AFFF claim qualifies for a firefighting foam lawsuit, our Cleveland team will handle:
- Gathering evidence that proves your exposure to PFAS with medical and work records
- Filing your firefighting foam lawsuit
- Negotiating an AFFF foam settlement to cover your medical expenses
- Representing your case in trial if a settlement isn’t reached
- Every other detail so you can focus on your health and loved ones
Is PFAS-based Firefighting Foam Still Used?
Unfortunately, AFFF foam is still used at certain airports within the United States for both commercial and military use. The Department of Defense is working on phasing out PFAS-based foam by looking into safer PFAS-free alternatives and limiting the use of AFFF to emergencies only.
Contact an Attorney to File an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
Our legal team at Tittle & Perlmuter is currently investigating cases involving cancer from exposure to AFFF firefighting foam. If you or a loved one have developed cancer due to firefighter foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit. Take the first step by contacting our team today. Call us for a free case evaluation and strategy session to discuss AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.
