What Should You Consider Before Filing an AFFF Lawsuit?

Have you been affected by AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) exposure and are considering filing an AFFF foam lawsuit? Then you’re at the right place. Firefighting foam was once hailed as a crucial tool for combating flammable liquid fires. However, recently it has faced accusations due to its potential health risks. As concerns surrounding AFFF exposure grow, so do the number of AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.

Identifying liable parties, collecting proof of PFAS exposure and the injuries, understanding statutes of limitations, and the need of hiring experienced legal representation are among the key factors to consider when filing a firefighting foam lawsuit.

What Is Afff and What Makes It Harmful?

AFFF, or Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, is a type of firefighting foam widely used to suppress and extinguish flammable liquid fires by the military, aviation, petroleum, chemical, and firefighting industries. Furthermore, AFFF works effectively by swiftly spreading over the fuel surface, creating a thin layer that rapidly removes the fire and stops it from spreading further.

However, firefighting foam is formulated using a combination of harmful toxic chemicals, including per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals known for their persistent and toxic properties. Therefore, PFAS persistence in the environment and potential adverse health effects have raised concerns.

What Are the Key Factors of Filing AFFF Foam Lawsuits?

There are various factors to consider while initiating AFFF cases. These criteria will help you navigate the legal system and increase your chances of a successful outcome.

1. Document Exposure and Damages

Obtaining concrete evidence of your exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is vital. This can take various forms, from photographs depicting you in proximity to the substance to work records that highlight your involvement in scenarios where AFFF was used. Additionally, any incident reports documenting the use of firefighting foam at your workplace can provide powerful testimony.

Next, it is crucial to pinpoint any health issues or injuries that might have originated from this exposure. To this end, keep detailed records of your medical diagnoses, treatments, and any related impairments or disabilities.

2. Identify Responsible Parties

Determining who made or distributed the AFFF product you were exposed to is a vital step in establishing fault. You’ll need to show that these companies either didn’t provide proper warnings, knowingly sold a hazardous product, or disregarded their duty of care.

Identifying negligent manufacturers and proving their fault can be a tricky task. Hence, it’s wise to get help from lawyers experienced in firefighting foam cases. They can effectively research the liable parties and highlight their neglect in maintaining the necessary standards of care.

3. Know Your AFFF Claim’s Deadline

It’s essential to know that there’s a time limit for filing a firefighting foam lawsuit, which can vary depending on your location. So, make sure to research and understand the deadline specific to your area to avoid missing your chance. To get a precise idea of the time limit applicable to your case, it’s best to consult a lawyer specialized in firefighting foam lawsuits. They can provide the necessary legal guidance and help identify your exact deadline.

4. Seek Legal Representation

Insurance companies will try their best to minimize your chances of receiving a fair settlement or may actually deny accepting your claim altogether. That is why you should not hesitate to hire a firefighting foam lawyer for your case. Make sure to spend time finding a trusted law firm and an AFFF lawyer with a successful track record in mass tort cases. Consider their reputation, testimonials, and past results.

Furthermore, hiring a lawyer who specializes in product liability or personal injury related to AFFF is key. They’ll have the knowledge and skills needed for your case. Arrange an initial meeting to talk about your case and evaluate their expertise, communication style, and overall experience.

What Are the Health Effects of PFAS Chemicals?

Researchers and health experts have linked exposure to AFFF and PFAS chemicals to various health effects, such as:

Risk of Different Types of Cancers

Studies have associated PFAS exposure with an increased risk of certain cancers, such as:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Liver cancer

What Are the Steps to File an AFFF Lawsuit?

Filing a firefighting foam lawsuit involves several important steps. Understanding and following these steps will help you navigate the legal process smoothly. These steps involve:

Step 1: Preparing a Complaint

Initiating a claim related to firefighting foam starts with creating a report detailing your exposure and the resultant injuries. The process can be complex, involving the identification of appropriate claims related to your case. Therefore, it is recommended to seek the expertise of a lawyer specializing in firefighting foam litigation. Their insight will help you build a solid, accurate, and compelling case.

Step 2: Initiating Legal Proceedings

After preparing your case, the firefighting foam attorney will file the lawsuit in court following all required procedures. Your lawyer will then serve the complaint to the defendants, such as AFFF manufacturers, emphasizing their involvement in producing or distributing the foam and its impact on your health.

Step 3: The Discovery Phase

In the discovery phase, both sides collect and share evidence to support their claims. This includes document requests, written questions, and recorded interviews. Together with your firefighting foam attorney, you’ll review the evidence provided by the other party and analyze how AFFF’s chemical composition, testing practices, or lack of warnings have affected your injuries.

Step 4: Settlement Negotiations

If you receive any AFFF lawsuit settlement offers from the defendants or their insurers, have your firefighting foam attorney review them. When evaluating these offers, take into account the impact of AFFF exposure on your health, potential long-term consequences, and medical costs. In addition to traditional methods, alternative dispute resolution can be explored to resolve the case. Your lawyer can discuss the effects of firefighting foam on your health with the defendant’s lawyer and negotiate a settlement for your injuries.

Step 5: Trial and Potential Outcomes

If your case goes to court, your AFFF lawyer will present evidence, expert testimonies, and arguments to show how AFFF harmed you. In addition, your lawyer will also emphasize the health risks associated with AFFF exposure and the manufacturer’s failure to provide adequate warnings or act responsibly.

After the trial, a verdict will be reached. If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome, your attorney will help you explore post-trial options. This may involve appealing the verdict to a lower court to continue seeking justice for the harm caused by the firefighting foam.

Where Is AFFF Firefighting Foam Used?

AFFF is used in various firefighting and industrial settings to stop large-scale liquid fires. Applications of firefighting foam include:

1. Aircraft Firefighting: Airport firefighting operations utilize AFFF to combat jet fuel fires that may occur during aircraft accidents or emergencies.
2. Industrial Settings: Industrial facilities, refineries, chemical plants, and storage depots employ AFFF to combat fires that may arise during production, transportation, or storage.
3. Military Operations: AFFF is used by military forces to combat fuel fires on ships, vehicles, and other equipment.
4. Fire Service Operations: Fire departments use AFFF as part of their firefighting arsenal, mainly when dealing with fires.

What Are the Legal Basis and Grounds to File an Afff Lawsuit?

Understanding the legal background and basis for firefighting foam lawsuits is essential when considering filing an AFFF lawsuit. Such legal aspects and grounds include:

The Potential Liability of Manufacturers and Distributors

• Negligence: AFFF lawsuits can be filed on the grounds of negligence. This means that the manufacturers or distributors are liable for failing to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or distributing AFFF.
• Failure to Warn: Lawsuits can also be based on the argument that the responsible parties did not provide sufficient warnings or instructions about the potential health risks associated with AFFF exposure. If you can show that the AFFF manufacturers or distributors knew about these risks and failed to communicate, you can hold them liable.
• Strict Product Liability: In some jurisdictions, strict product liability laws may hold AFFF manufacturers or distributors accountable for any harm caused by their products. They can be deemed liable even if they were aware of the risks associated with their products.

The Potential Liability of Manufacturers and Distributors

• Negligence: AFFF lawsuits can be filed on the grounds of negligence. This means that the manufacturers or distributors are liable for failing to exercise reasonable care in designing, manufacturing, or distributing AFFF.
• Failure to Warn: Lawsuits can also be based on the argument that the responsible parties did not provide sufficient warnings or instructions about the potential health risks associated with AFFF exposure. If you can show that the AFFF manufacturers or distributors knew about these risks and failed to communicate, you can hold them liable.
• Strict Product Liability: In some jurisdictions, strict product liability laws may hold AFFF manufacturers or distributors accountable for any harm caused by their products. They can be deemed liable even if they were aware of the risks associated with their products.

Establishing a Link Between AFFF Exposure and Health Conditions

In an AFFF lawsuit, proving causation is essential. To do so, you need to establish a link between your AFFF exposure and health conditions with evidence like medical records, scientific studies, or expert testimonies. Epidemiological studies investigating the connection between AFFF exposure and specific health issues can significantly strengthen your case, providing a scientific basis for the alleged harms caused by AFFF.

Contact Uptown Injury Law To Help You in AFFF Case

Are you or your loved ones facing the devastating consequences of firefighting foam exposure? You deserve justice, compensation, and someone to stand by your side through this difficult battle. Look no further than Uptown Injury—we are dedicated to supporting you every step of the way.

We have a profound understanding of the complexities involved in these legal claims and are fully committed to fighting for your rights.

Don’t bear this burden alone; let Uptown Injury firefighting foam attorneys be your advocate. We will tirelessly work to ensure accountability for the harm caused and seek the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us at 855-233-8728 to schedule an appointment and get a free case review.

FAQs