Navy Personnel Rights in AFFF Firefighter Foam Lawsuits
Like other armed forces, the Navy relies on firefighting foam to protect against life-threatening hazards, such as fires caused by flammable liquids. However, this frequent use of toxic firefighting foam has exposed many Navy and military firefighters to PFAS chemicals leading to severe health risks, including cancer.
If you’re in the Navy and dealing with health issues caused by AFFF firefighter foam exposure, you have the right to seek compensation for the harm it’s caused you. Contact Uptown Injury Law for a free case review.
Are AFFF Chemicals Linked to Cancer?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which finds extensive use in both military and civilian domains, has been found to contain harmful chemicals known as PFAS. These chemicals, often referred to as forever chemicals, are causing significant concerns due to their associated health hazards.
According to Environmental Protection Agency, the following types of cancers have been linked to toxic AFFF exposure:
- Pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Kidney cancer
Which Occupations Use AFFF Firefighting Foam?
The occupation with the highest usage of AFFF firefighting foam includes:
- Military personnel, including Navy and Air Force firefighters
- Airport workers
- Various industrial workers, such as oil refineries, chemical plants, and large warehouses
Who Is Eligible for Filing the AFFF Lawsuit?
Eligibility for the AFFF lawsuit includes individuals exposed to firefighting foam who have suffered harm. This exposure could have occurred in various ways, such as during military service, firefighting duties, or working in industries that use AFFF for fire suppression.
Moreover, the eligibility criteria may vary depending on the specific lawsuit or legal action being pursued, as well as the jurisdiction involved.
What Legal Claims and Lawsuits Are Available to Navy Personnel?
If you are exposed to AFFF, then you have the following legal options for firefighter foam lawsuits:
- Product Liability Claims
You can pursue product liability lawsuits against the AFFF manufacturers. This legal claim asserts that the AFFF foam was toxic and caused health complications.
- Negligence Claims
Another option you can pursue is a negligence claim, which targets the firefighting companies responsible for permitting the use of AFFF. These companies are liable for resulting injuries or damages because they acted negligently or failed to take reasonable precautions.
- AFFF Class-Action Lawsuits or Multi-district Litigation
Firefighting foam lawsuits can fall under class-action lawsuits or multidistrict litigation (MDL). In a class action, Navy personnel who have suffered similar harm collectively come together to sue the responsible parties. This approach simplifies the legal process and strengthens the case against the defendants.
- Individual AFFF Lawsuit
Individual AFFF foam lawsuits offer the freedom to file a lawsuit tailored to your specific situation and seek compensation for your personal damages. As a result, this approach gives you more control over the process and allows you to seek personalized solutions.
What Damages Can Be Recovered Through an AFFF Firefighter Foam Lawsuit?
The damages that can be recovered in an AFFF lawsuit may vary based on individual circumstances and legal jurisdictions. However, if you are pursuing a firefighter foam cancer lawsuit, you are eligible to recover various damages, such as:
- Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical costs related to health issues caused by PFAS chemicals, such as cancer treatments, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages: Recovery of income lost due to health problems caused by AFFF exposure, including reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the health consequences of firefighting foam exposure.
- Diminished Quality of Life: Damages for the impact on daily activities and hobbies due to health issues from PFAS exposure.
What Determines AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts?
Many factors can influence the success of settlement amount in an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit, such as:
Exposure to PFAS Chemicals
If you work as a firefighter in the military, you may have experienced increased exposure to harmful PFAS chemicals present in firefighting foam. The level of exposure plays a vital role in determining the settlement amount and the strength of the claim.
Severity of Injury
The type and extent of PFAS-related cancer and other diagnoses can significantly impact the AFFF lawsuit settlement amount.
Medical Expenses Incurred
Medical bills, such as doctor visits, specialist consultations, and treatments like surgery, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy, are considered when calculating the settlement amount.
Estimated Future Medical Treatments
Ongoing or future medical treatments required to combat cancer, such as additional visits to nutritionists, surgeons, physical therapists, and psychologists, may influence the firefighter foam cash settlement.
Punitive Damages
In some cases, juries may award punitive damages to penalize the responsible parties for causing the victim’s illness or injury. This can increase the settlement amount for the affected parties.
What Are the Major Settlements Reached in AFFF Lawsuits?
For years, manufacturers claimed their PFAS-containing firefighting foam was safe. However, evidence linking per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances to cancer has led to an increased number of lawsuits. The major examples of firefighter foam lawsuit settlements reached in such cases involve the following:
- 3M reached a $10.3 Billion settlement with multiple U.S. cities over PFAS-contaminated water.
- DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva, manufacturers of $4 Billion in PFAS-containing products.
- 3M made $850 Million settlement for polluting Minnesota groundwater.
- DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva agreed to settle for $50 Million over water pollution due to firefighting foam chemicals in Delaware.
- Johnson Controls, the manufacturer of Tyco Fire Products featuring firefighting foam containing PFAS, has reached a settlement of $17.5 Million in an AFFF class action lawsuit.
These settlements represent the seriousness of health concerns from toxic AFFF exposure. As current AFFF lawsuits progress, more affected individuals are receiving compensation.
What Are The Efforts of CDC and NIOSH In Helping Firefighters?
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) have taken a proactive approach to raising awareness about the risks of firefighting foam and its connection to cancer among firefighters. Their latest initiative, the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for cancer, aims to provide valuable education and resources to firefighters across the United States.
By enrolling in the NFR, firefighters can provide vital information about their work and health, helping to uncover critical insights that were previously concealed. The NFR encourages all firefighters to participate and join the fight against this occupational health challenge. Enrolling in the NFR is a significant step towards a safer future for those who bravely protect our communities.
Need Help Filing AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits? Consult Uptown Injury!
Are you a military firefighter who is facing the aftermath of AFFF exposure? You don’t have to be alone in this tough time. At Uptown Injury Law, our dedicated team of experienced firefighting foam attorneys is here to guide you through the process of filing AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits, ensuring you get the justice you deserve.
With more than 15 years of experience, we offer unparalleled expertise and personalized attention with a proven track record of success. Furthermore, we work on a contingency fee basis, ensuring you don’t pay unless we win for you.
Contact us or call us at 855-233-8728 to schedule a free consultation today!
FAQs
How Does AFFF Exposure Affect Human Health?
AFFF firefighter foam contains toxic chemicals linked to adverse health effects such as hormonal imbalance, thyroid disease, and kidney, testicular, pancreatic, prostate, and bladder cancers.
Can Exposure to Firefighting Foam Increase the Risk of Testicular Cancer?
Yes, firefighting foam contains toxic chemicals (PFAS) and may be associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer. During firefighting operations, PFAS chemicals can enter the body through skin contact or inhalation, leading to the risks of testicular cancer.
Has the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) Addressed the Concerns Related to PFAS-Containing Foams?
Yes, the NFPA has addressed concerns about PFAS-containing foams by introducing NFPA 414, which provides guidelines for using safer, fluorine-free firefighting foams for jet fuel fires as an alternative
How Can Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers Help You?
Firefighting foam cancer lawyers are experienced in handling personal injury cases. If you have developed cancer due to AFFF exposure, an AFFF lawyer can assist you in understanding your legal rights, filing a claim, and seeking compensation for the damages you have suffered.
What Is the Latest AFFF Lawsuit Update?
As of the latest update, Kentucky has taken legal action against several chemical companies, including 3M, Chemours, and DuPont, holding them responsible for PFAS contamination resulting from AFFF use in firefighting operations. The state seeks compensation for PFAS contamination in military facilities and civilian airports. It demands that the defendants cover all related costs and damages to public property and natural resources.
