AFFF Kidney Cancer Lawsuit

What is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)?

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized fire suppression agent designed to combat flammable liquid fires.

Developed in the mid-20th century, AFFF represents an advanced solution in firefighting technology, particularly valued in aviation and industrial settings where rapid fire control is necessary.

This foam concentrate is mixed with water and aerated to create an effective firefighting solution that forms a thin aqueous film on the surface of flammable liquids.

The unique properties of AFFF stem from its carefully formulated composition, which typically includes:

1. Water as the primary component
2. Fluorinated surfactants
3. Hydrocarbon surfactants

These components work together to create a foam that spreads quickly over the surface of flammable liquids, forming a barrier between the fuel and oxygen.

This mechanism effectively suppresses combustion by isolating the fuel source from the air, preventing further ignition and spread of the fire.

The film-forming ability of AFFF makes it particularly effective in scenarios involving liquid fuel fires, where traditional water-based methods may be ineffective or even dangerous.

Where AFFF Chemicals Were Discovered

These “forever chemicals” persist in the environment and pose potential health risks to both military personnel and surrounding communities.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG) has conducted extensive research to map and quantify the extent of PFAS contamination at military sites across the United States.

The EWG’s findings reveal the alarming scope of PFAS contamination:

• 455 military installations have confirmed PFAS detections in drinking water and groundwater
• The Department of Defense identified 401 sites on active and former military bases with PFAS compounds
• The primary pathway for PFAS contamination at these military bases is through the use and spillage of AFFF during training exercises and actual firefighting incidents.

Once released, these chemicals seep into the ground and contaminate water sources.

The main PFAS compounds of concern are perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), which were key components of the AFFF used in military operations.

Scientific Evidence: Health Effects of AFFF Exposure

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been extensively utilized in firefighting operations by both military and civilian personnel for decades.

Recent scientific studies have revealed compelling evidence linking AFFF exposure to various health risks, primarily due to the presence of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in the foam.

PFAS chemicals remain in the human body for long periods of time and accumulate in tissues, potentially contributing to many adverse health effects, including an increased risk of developing cancer.

Firefighters face an elevated risk of occupational exposure to long-chain PFAS, mainly through the use of Class B AFFF.

Research consistently demonstrates that firefighters exhibit higher serum levels of long-chain PFAS compared to the general population.

Ongoing Research Linking AFFF to Kidney Cancer

The growing body of evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foams may contribute to an increased incidence of kidney cancer (also known as renal cancer) in this high-risk population.

Firefighters encounter PFAS through multiple exposure routes, including:

1. Inhalation of spray mist or dust during foam application
2. Skin contact with contaminated personal protective equipment
3. Accidental ingestion of foam particles

A meta-analysis examining the relationship between perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a type of PFAS, and kidney cancer revealed a 16% average relative increase in kidney cancer risk per 10 ng/mL increase in serum PFOA levels.

This finding underscores the potential health implications of long-term AFFF exposure for firefighters and other individuals who come into frequent contact with these substances.

Epidemiological studies have further supported the association between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer.

Additionally, a nested case-control study specifically investigated the relationship between PFAS exposure and kidney cancer, providing valuable insights into this potential health risk.

Compensation in AFFF Firefighting Foam Cases

Compensation in these lawsuits typically includes both economic and non-economic damages.

Economic damages may cover medical expenses, lost wages, and other quantifiable losses resulting from AFFF exposure and subsequent health issues.

Non-economic damages often account for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life associated with a kidney cancer diagnosis and treatment.

Types of Damages You Can Claim in AFFF Lawsuits

The damages available in AFFF lawsuits address both the financial, and emotional toll that exposure to AFFF can inflict on victims and their families.

These damages aim to provide fair compensation for the various ways in which a victim’s life has been altered due to exposure to these harmful substances.

These damages include, but are not limited to:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation can be sought for all medical costs linked to the diagnosis and treatment of illnesses caused by AFFF exposure, encompassing hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care.
• Lost Wages: Victims who are unable to work due to their illness can claim lost wages, including the potential loss of future earnings if the illness has a long-term impact on their ability to work.
• Pain and Suffering: This covers compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress that the victim endures as a result of their illness.
• Loss of Consortium: Family members, especially spouses and children, may claim compensation for the loss of companionship and support that results from the victim’s illness.
• Emotional Distress: The psychological strain of dealing with a serious illness, such as anxiety or depression, can also be grounds for compensation.

Moreover, in cases where the manufacturers of AFFF are found to have acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be awarded.

These are not compensatory in nature but serve as a deterrent against similar conduct in the future.

Factors Affecting AFFF Kidney Cancer Settlements

The determination of settlement amounts and verdicts in Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) kidney cancer cases involves the careful consideration of multiple elements.

These factors collectively shape the potential compensation a plaintiff may receive, reflecting the unique circumstances of each case and the broader legal landscape surrounding AFFF litigation.

The primary aspects that influence AFFF kidney cancer settlements and verdicts include:

• Extent and duration of AFFF exposure
• Specific type and stage of kidney cancer
• Strength of evidence linking AFFF to cancer
• Medical expenses and economic losses
• Legal precedents and prior settlements
• Defendant’s liability and resources

The extent and duration of an individual’s exposure to AFFF play a substantial role in determining settlement amounts.

Prolonged and high-level exposure may suggest a stronger link between the foam and the development of kidney cancer or other serious medical conditions.

Eligibility for Filing an AFFF Kidney Cancer Lawsuit

Individuals looking to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit must meet certain eligibility criteria, primarily revolving around their exposure to toxic chemicals found in AFFF and subsequent health outcomes.

Prolonged exposure to the foam, which contains harmful PFAS chemicals, has been linked to an increased risk of developing kidney cancer.

Steps to Determine If You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has developed kidney cancer, prostate cancer, testicular cancer, or other form of cancer following exposure to AFFF, you may qualify for compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and quickly determine your eligibility to join others in filing for the AFFF kidney cancer lawsuit.

AFFF, commonly used in firefighting, contains PFAS, which are chemicals linked to various health conditions, including several types of cancer. The first step is to evaluate whether you have been exposed to AFFF.

Once you have identified potential exposure, the next step is to determine if you have developed any health conditions linked to AFFF exposure.

The foam has been associated with a variety of cancers, including pancreatic, kidney, testicular, and thyroid cancers, among others.

Use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation and quickly find out if you may be eligibile to join others in filing claims for the AFFF firefighting foam MDL.

Documenting Your Exposure to AFFF or PFAS Chemicals

It is helpful to gather any documentation you already have while preparing to file an AFFF cancer claim.

However, you don’t need to worry about collecting everything yourself—your attorney will assist in gathering any missing information.

This documentation not only supports your claim but also helps establish a clear link between your exposure to AFFF and the resulting health condition.

Your attorney can help collect any additional records that you might not have readily available.

Key documents that must be included are as follows:

1. Medical Records:
   • Diagnosis Documentation: Include all medical records confirming the diagnosis of cancer or other related health conditions linked to AFFF exposure.This should encompass pathology reports, imaging studies, and physician notes.
   • Treatment Records: Provide records of all treatments undergone, such as chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgeries, or other medical procedures related to the diagnosed condition.
2. Service Records (For Military Personnel):
   • Military Service Documentation: Veterans or active military personnel should submit official service records that indicate the time and location of their service, with an emphasis on assignments where AFFF was utilized.
   • Exposure Documentation: Include any specific documents that can show exposure to AFFF during military service, such as duty assignments or logs that detail the use of AFFF.
3. Employment Records (For Civilian Workers):
   • Occupational Exposure Evidence: Civilian workers, including firefighters and industrial workers, should provide employment records that verify their job role and potential exposure to AFFF.This may involve job descriptions, safety logs, or incident reports.
4. Personal Statement or Affidavit:
   • Exposure Narrative: A personal statement or affidavit detailing the circumstances of exposure to AFFF, including duration, location, and any protective measures utilized, can be a compelling piece of supporting evidence.
5. Supporting Documentation:
   • Witness Statements: Statements from colleagues, supervisors, or others who can confirm the claimant’s exposure to AFFF can strengthen the claim.
   • Research and Studies: Including relevant scientific research or studies that link AFFF exposure to the diagnosed health condition can further substantiate the claim.

This approach not only increases the chances of a successful outcome but also relieves the claimant from the procedural burdens, allowing them to focus on recovery.

TruLaw: Your AFFF Firefighting Foam Kidney Cancer Law Firm

The firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms are dedicated to helping those affected by firefighting foam exposure seek the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with cancer or experienced other adverse health effects due to regular exposure to firefighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit and pursue compensation.

Use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to determine if you qualify to join others in filing an AFFF lawsuit today.