AFFF Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit

Link Between Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and Ulcerative Colitis

AFFF contains per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), chemicals that persist in the environment and accumulate in the human body.

Research has indicated a potential link between exposure to these chemicals and health issues like ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory bowel disease.

Ulcerative colitis, which involves inflammation and ulcers in the lining of the colon and rectum, can have a profound impact on an individual’s quality of life.

Symptoms of ulcerative colitis include:

• Diarrhea
• Blood in the stool
• Abdominal pain and cramping
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss

The condition can lead to complications such as colon cancer, blood clots, infections, and kidney stones.

Studies connecting PFAS exposure to ulcerative colitis include:

• A 2018 study published in the Journal of Environmental Research identified a strong association between long-term PFOA exposure and the risk of developing ulcerative colitis.
• A 2020 study published in the Journal of Crohn’s and Colitis linked elevated PFAS levels with a higher risk of developing ulcerative colitis later in life.

The risk of ulcerative colitis increases with exposure to AFFF, and improper disposal of the foam can result in contamination of soil, air, and water.

PFAS Chemicals in Firefighting Foam and Their Impact on Health

Manufacturers of firefighting foam, along with the U.S. Navy, have been aware of the risks associated with AFFF for decades.

Various studies have linked PFAS chemicals to an array of health concerns, from cancer to autoimmune diseases like ulcerative colitis.

Key studies connecting AFFF exposure to health problems include:

• A study from the National Research Centre for Environmental Toxicology in Australia found that firefighters have higher levels of PFAS in their bloodstream.
• The International Journal of Cancer published a study linking PFOS exposure to breast cancer.
• Research by the University of California, Berkeley indicated higher PFAS levels in women firefighters compared to office workers.
• A study in the Journal of the American Medical Association found a connection between PFOA exposure and an increased risk of ulcerative colitis, kidney cancer, and testicular cancer.
• The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified PFOA as possibly carcinogenic, and PFOS as potentially harmful to humans.

Cancers linked to PFAS exposure include:

• Rectal cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Thyroid cancer
• Liver cancer
• Colon cancer
• Breast cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Bladder cancer

Other health issues associated with PFAS exposure include:

• Decreased vaccine response in children
• Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
• Changes in liver enzymes
• Small decreases in infant birth weights
• Increased cholesterol levels

The potential health impacts of PFAS exposure continue to raise serious concerns, particularly for individuals who have worked with or around AFFF firefighting foam for long periods of time (such as civilian firefighters and military firefighters).

What is the AFFF Firefighting Foam MDL?

The AFFF lawsuit involves legal action taken by individuals who have suffered health issues due to exposure to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF).

This includes conditions like ulcerative colitis and other serious health concerns.

These firefighting foam cancer lawsuits aim to seek compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other damages linked to AFFF exposure.

As part of the coordinated pretrial process, nearly 6,000 AFFF lawsuits have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873).

This MDL is overseen by U.S. District Judge Richard M. Gergel in the District of South Carolina.

By consolidating the cases, plaintiffs can share resources, coordinate evidence, and work together to present a stronger case against the defendants.

The plaintiffs claim that the companies responsible for manufacturing AFFF were aware of its potential toxicity but continued to market it without providing adequate warnings or taking steps to minimize exposure risks.

Defendants in AFFF Firefighting Foam Litigation

The AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits name various manufacturers and distributors of AFFF as defendants.

Defendants in the AFFF MDL include:

• 3M
• DuPont
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chemours
• Several other manufacturers

Plaintiffs argue that these companies failed to properly warn users about the health risks associated with their AFFF firefighting foam products, despite knowledge of potential harm.

What is the Average Settlement for AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits?

The AFFF litigation is ongoing, and settlements have yet to be reached in cases filed by individuals.

Successful lawsuits typically present detailed information on exposure to firefighting foam, along with medical records and documentation to support the claim.

Although no settlements have been finalized, legal experts estimate that potential settlement amounts for AFFF lawsuits may range from $20,000 to $1,000,000 (or more).

These projections are based on prior mass tort cases involving cancer diagnoses but should not be viewed as guaranteed outcomes.

These figures depend heavily on the strength of the individual case, medical evidence, and other unique factors.

AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Figures for Municipalities

In a separate case, 3M, one of the largest AFFF manufacturers, agreed to pay at least $10.3 billion to settle claims related to municipal water contamination cases, where water had been contaminated by PFAS chemicals.

This settlement aims to help clean up PFAS pollution in public water systems across the country.

However, this settlement is distinct from the individual lawsuits related to health impacts.

It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination lawsuits.

How to File an AFFF Ulcerative Colitis Lawsuit

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with ulcerative colitis or another health condition potentially linked to AFFF exposure, exploring your legal options may be a step toward seeking compensation for related damages.

Working with AFFF lawyers who have experience with chemical exposure cases like this can provide valuable insight into your eligibility and help you determine the best course of action.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner law firms are here to review your case, guide you through the legal process, and ensure your rights are protected as you move forward.

Collecting Evidence for AFFF Lawsuits

Building a strong case requires gathering key pieces of evidence that establish the link between your exposure to AFFF and the health problems that followed.

Evidence for AFFF lawsuits may include:

• Medical records
• Diagnosis and treatment documents
• Witness statements
• Laboratory results
• Employment records
• Documentation of AFFF use at your workplace

We can assist you in collecting and organizing this evidence to strengthen your case, as well as answer any questions you may have about the legal process and what it involves.

Compensation in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

When pursuing a lawsuit, it’s important to assess the full extent of the damages you’ve suffered due to AFFF exposure.

Damages refer to both the financial and emotional losses experienced as a result of your health condition.

Compensation in an AFFF lawsuit may include:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Reduced quality of life
• Ongoing treatment costs
• Lost wages

TruLaw can help accurately assess these damages and develop a clear strategy to seek appropriate compensation.

The Importance of Experienced Attorneys in AFFF Lawsuits

By working with experienced legal professionals who specialize in chemical exposure and environmental contamination lawsuits similar to the AFFF litigation, you can be confident that your case is in good hands.

The firefighting foam attorneys at TruLaw and our partner firms are prepared to provide the support and advocacy you need to file your AFFF Lawsuit — aiming to recover the damages you’ve endured due to the negligence of AFFF manufacturers.

TruLaw: Your Firefighting Foam Cancer Law Firm

AFFF lawsuits are being filed against AFFF manufacturers for the harmful effects of exposure to firefighting foam containing toxic chemicals.

Individuals who have been exposed to AFFF may face an increased risk of developing serious health conditions such as cancer, thyroid disease, ulcerative colitis, kidney disease, and more.

The firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms are working to hold AFFF manufacturers accountable for the damage caused by these dangerous chemicals and help those affected explore their legal options.

If you or a loved one has developed cancer or other health issues following regular exposure to toxic firefighting foam, you may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit and seek financial compensation.

Contact us today for a free consultation to learn more about your legal options by using the chatbot on this page to instantly check if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.

We are available to answer any questions you may have about AFFF firefighting foam cases, the health risks associated with AFFF exposure, and how we can assist you.

We’re here to provide the support you need.