For decades, firefighters have been exposed to perfluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) through the aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF). Lately, firefighters who got cancer from PFAS-filled AFFF have been taking legal action by filing lawsuits against it. As a result of these lawsuits, there have been several cash settlements paid to firefighters who have developed cancer.
This article talks about how AFFF might cause cancer, what legal choices people have, and recent AFFF cancer case updates.
Understanding PFAS Contamination and Health Risks
Per-fluoroalkyl and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are synthetic chemicals present in numerous products for years, such as firefighting foam, stain-resistant fabrics, and non-stick cookware. PFAS compounds are known for their enduring presence in the environment and gradual accumulation in the body. PFAS exposure can transpire through several avenues, including:
- Consumption of water tainted by PFAS from industrial releases or firefighting foam runoff.
- Ingestion of fish or seafood containing PFAS acquired from their aquatic habitats.
- Breathing air that contains PFAS vapors from industrial emissions or consumer products.
PFAS chemicals might hurt people’s health, causing problems like cancer, weak immune systems, underweight babies, high cholesterol, and growth issues.
The EPA, which looks after nature, says the drinking water shouldn’t have over 70 parts per trillion of PFOA and PFOS. They set this limit to keep people safe from these chemicals. However, some experts believe that this level is too high and that even lower levels of exposure may be harmful.
More research is needed to understand the health risks of PFAS exposure. However, the available evidence suggests that PFAS contamination is a critical problem that can significantly impact human health.
The Rise of AFFF Cancer Claims
The rise of AFFF cancer claims is due to the growing scientific evidence linking AFFF exposure to cancer. Studies have shown that people exposed to AFFF might get cancer more, especially kidney, testicle, and liver cancer.
A study in Environmental Health Perspectives showed that firefighters around AFFF had higher chances of getting testicular cancer than others. The study also found that the risk of kidney cancer increased with the amount of AFFF exposure.
Because of studies like this, more people who got cancer from AFFF are taking companies to court. These AFFF lawsuits allege that the manufacturers of AFFF knew about the potential health risks of PFAS but failed to warn users.
As a result of these lawsuits, several major AFFF manufacturers have agreed to pay billions of dollars in cash settlements to cancer victims. The AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts provide much-needed financial compensation to those been harmed. It sends a message to the manufacturers that they will be held accountable for their actions.
Cash Settlements: Providing Compensation for PFAS Cancer Claims
Getting money through settlements can help those suffering from PFAS exposure. For AFFF cases in court, the money people get can vary. It depends on what type of cancer they got, how bad it is, and how much they were around AFFF.
According to TorHoerman Law, AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts will likely be $40,000 to $300,000 or more. However, no settlements have yet been reached in the AFFF litigation.
The amount of settlement compensation a person receives will also depend on the strength of their case. If a person has strong evidence that AFFF exposure caused their cancer, they are more likely to receive a higher settlement amount.
Steps to Securing PFAS Compensation Through Cash Settlements
If you have cancer from AFFF, you can follow some steps to get money through a cash settlement. Several key steps to follow include:
- Collecting evidence. This involves gathering essential documents such as medical records, employment records, and any other documentation that substantiates your exposure to AFFF.
- Hiring an attorney. Hiring an AFFF claims attorney offers a thorough grasp of your legal options and skilled representation in settlement talks.
- Negotiate a settlement. The goal of the negotiation is to reach an agreement that provides you with fair compensation for your injuries.
- Initiate legal proceedings. If negotiation doesn’t succeed, filing a lawsuit might be necessary. While it can be time-consuming, it could be the sole means to secure rightful compensation.
In 2022, Cancer Care News states, in May 2019, 3M, an AFFF manufacturer, said to give $1.5 billion to people who got sick because of their firefighting foam with PFAS. More lawsuits against 3M and other companies are likely because of this problem. The settlement will compensate firefighters and other first responders diagnosed with cancer after being exposed to AFFF.
Factors Influencing PFAS Compensation
The amount of compensation that a person can receive for PFAS exposure can vary depending on several factors, including:
- The type of cancer: Some cancers are more closely linked to PFAS exposure than others. Kidney cancer and testicular cancer are more strongly linked to PFAS exposure.
- The severity of the cancer: The more severe the cancer, the more compensation a person will receive.
- The amount of exposure: Higher exposure to PFAS is more likely to cause cancer.
- The person’s financial losses: The compensation amount of a person may also be affected by their financial losses, like medical expenses.
It is important to note that these are some of the factors that can influence PFAS compensation. The actual amount of compensation that a person receives will depend on the specific circumstances of their case.
Legal Considerations and Expertise
The legal considerations and expertise involved in AFFF cancer claims can be complex and time-consuming. It is crucial to have an attorney specializing in this area of law to help you navigate the process.
Here are some of the legal considerations that may arise in AFFF cancer claims:
- The type of claim: Different claims can be brought in AFFF cancer cases. They include negligence, product liability, and toxic tort.
- The statute of limitations: Filing a lawsuit requires a time limit. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible.
- The evidence: Collecting evidence such as medical and employment records is essential for the claim.
Seeking the guidance of an AFFF claims specialist attorney is invaluable, as they provide expertise in navigating the legal process and securing compensation. Leveraging their expertise and experience, they can assist you in understanding your legal options and negotiating a fair settlement.
Final Thoughts
AFFF cancer claims are a complex and evolving area of law. Several factors can influence the amount of compensation that a person can receive. Also, the legal process can be lengthy and overwhelming. However, with the help of an experienced attorney, it is possible to secure compensation for your exposure to AFFF.
The fight against PFAS contamination is ongoing, and AFFF cancer claims are a significant part of that fight. Securing compensation for those harmed by PFAS exposure shows that we will not tolerate companies that put profits over people’s health. Holding PFAS manufacturers accountable will help to prevent future harm from these dangerous chemicals.