Five Frequently Asked Questions in the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

​Lawsuits continue to be filed alleging a handful of companies knowingly sold firefighting foams that contain perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), toxic chemicals that have long been linked to serious health problems. Read on for answers to five frequently asked questions about the AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

How Are Firefighters Exposed to PFAS?

​Firefighters are most commonly exposed to PFAS chemicals, also known as “forever chemicals,” through aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF), a type of synthetic firefighting foam used in training and actual fire emergencies. PFAS in AFFF products act as surfactants that distribute foam to cool and suppress a fire. Firefighters may also be exposed to PFAS via their uniforms and gear.

Do All Firefighting Foams Contain PFAS Chemicals?

​First, it’s important to point out that there are two types of firefighting foam: Class A and Class B foams. Class A foams are typically used to combat wildfires and structural fires, while Class B foams are designed to put out fires involving “flammable and combustible liquids and gases; petroleum greases, tars, oils and gasoline; and solvents and alcohols,” a fact sheet from the Interstate Technology Regulatory Council (ITRC) states. The “vast majority” of Class B firefighting foam currently in stock or in use in the United States is aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and all AFFF products contain PFAS chemicals, according to the ITRC. Class A foams do not contain PFAS.​

Which Cancers Have Been Linked to Firefighting Foam?

​Contact a Firefighting Foam Lawyer if you developed any of the following types of cancer: Kidney cancer; Testicular cancer; Liver cancer; Pancreatic cancer; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Myeloma, including multiple myeloma; They believe firefighters who developed ulcerative colitis and hyperthyroidism may be able to take legal action as well.  For more information, contact Firefighting Foam Lawyer Timothy L Miles today.

Which Cancers Have Been Linked to Firefighting Foam?

Contact a Firefighting Foam Lawyer if you developed any of the following types of cancer: Kidney cancer; Testicular cancer; Liver cancer; Pancreatic cancer; Leukemia; Lymphoma; Myeloma, including multiple myeloma. They believe firefighters who developed ulcerative colitis and hyperthyroidism may be able to take legal action as well.  For more information, contact Firefighting Foam Lawyer Timothy L Miles today.

What Could I Get from a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

Before your lawsuit is officially filed with the court, your Firefighting Foam Lawyer will need to ask you a few questions about your (or your family member’s) work and medical history. For instance, he or she may need to know names of former employers, length of time with each employer, when and how the diagnosis came about, and how the condition has affected your life.

With the information obtained regarding prior employment, your Firefighting Foam Lawyer will be able to establish the AFFF manufacturers you will be suing. These companies will be known as the defendants.
 
Your Firefighting Foam Lawyer will then draft what is called  as a complaint. This will be a multi-page document explaining why the defendants are responsible for your injuries and what damages (that is, compensation) you are seeking.
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For instance, your complaint may claim that the defendants: (1) Failed to provide sufficient warnings that use of their AFFF products could allow toxic chemicals to accumulate in the blood and lead to serious health problems; (2) Failed to provide adequate instructions to help firefighters lessen their exposure; (3) Failed to use reasonable care in testing, designing and inspecting the products; (4) Could have manufactured a safer alternative to PFAS-containing AFFF, yet failed to do so; (5) Sold defective and unreasonably dangerous products that are not safe for their intended purpose; (6) Intentionally concealed the hazards of their products; and/or (7) Challenged, ignored and tried to discredit research linking firefighting foam to adverse health effects.
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Once your complaint is filed with the court, your lawsuit officially begins. From here, it will be a lot of back and forth between your Firefighting Foam Lawyer and the attorney(s) for the defendants in an attempt to resolve the matter. The attorneys may take depositions, issue subpoenas, hire experts, attend hearings, and file motions, briefs or other documents with the court.

Contact a Firefighting Foam Lawyer About an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

​If you or a family member worked as a firefighter and developed cancer, hyperthyroidism or ulcerative colitis, contact Firefighting Foam Lawyer Timothy L. Miles you may be entitled to significant compensation.

Timothy L. Miles, Esq.

Timothy L. Miles is a nationally recognized shareholder rights attorney raised in Nashville, Tennessee. Mr. Miles was recentely selected by Martindale-Hubbell® and ALM as a 2022 Top Ranked Lawyer, 2022 Top Rated Litigator. and a 2022 Elite Lawyer of the South. Mr. Miles also maintains the AV Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®, their highest rating for both legal ability and ethics. Mr. Miles is a member of the prestigious Top 100 Civil Plaintiff Trial Lawyers: The National Trial Lawyers Association, a superb rated attorney by Avvo, a recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award by Premier Lawyers of America (2019) and recognized as a Distinguished Lawyer, Recognizing Excellence in Securities Law, by Lawyers of Distinction (2019). Mr. Miles has published over sixty articles on various issues of the law, including class actions, whistleblower cases, products liability, and more.