Firefighters use two types of foam, known as Class A and Class B foams, when putting out fires. Class A foams, which are used to extinguish fires caused by brush, wood, or paper are generally safe for firefighters, as they don’t usually contain polyfluoroalkyl (PFAS) substances. Class B foams, on the other hand, which are used for fire suppression, training, and flammable vapor suppression, do often contain these substances. Of these foams, aqueous film forming foams (AFFFs) are considered the most dangerous, involving the highest risk not only for human health, but also for the environment.

Starting last year and continuing in 2021, hundreds of firefighters have filed lawsuits against the product’s manufacturers, claiming that toxic chemicals in the AFFF firefighting foam caused them to suffer from devastating medical conditions, including:

• Breast cancer;

• Ulcerative colitis;

• Kidney cancer;

• Bladder cancer;

• Testicular cancer;

• Testicular pain;

• Kidney cysts; and

• Kidney tumors.

In the lawsuits, the victims allege that a variety of companies knew that the PFAS used in firefighting foam could build up in the body, causing serious health problems, but failed to warn the public. Besides these individual lawsuits, several states have also filed suit against 3M and a variety of other manufacturers for PFAS contamination and the cost of AFFF clean up.

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The toxic chemicals found in firefighting foam have been associated with various cancers and other health risks, such as birth defects, obesity, diabetes, fertility problems, impaired growth in children, neuroendocrine tumors, and immune system damage. Individuals who are at greatest risk of suffering the side effects of PFAS from firefighting foam are firefighters, air force and military personnel, manufacturers of the foam, and those who live in areas where firefighting foam was used. Cancers that have been linked to firefighting foam are:

• Bladder Cancer

• Kidney Cancer

• Lymphoma

• Prostate Cancer

• Testicular Cancer

• Pancreatic Cancer

• Leukemia

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Numerous chemical companies are now facing lawsuits for their sale of dangerous firefighting foam for over 50 years. These companies pushed their toxic products to airports, military bases, and other industrial sites throughout the United States. Firefighting foam was created, manufactured and distributed by the following companies:

• 3M Company

• Dynax Corporation

• Buckeye Fire Equipment

• Tyco Fire Products

• The Chemours Company

• Chemguard

• Chubb Fire

• Du Pont de Nemours

• National Foam

• Corteva

• Kidde Fire Fighting

• UTC Fire & Security Americas Corp.

• Enterra Corp.

• Williams Holdings

We must protect our environment and put a stop to these toxic chemicals invading our environment and the bodies of the workers who have used them and the people that live nearby. The manufacturers knew the dangers of their products and must be held responsible for their negligence.

An AFFF lawyer can significantly enhance your chances of obtaining fair compensation for damages caused by AFFF exposure. At Furdock Law, our experienced attorneys are dedicated to securing maximum compensation for clients, leveraging extensive knowledge and negotiation skills to fight for the best possible settlements. We assist in filing necessary documentation, determining claimable damages, and calculating the maximum amount to request. Our lawyers are prepared to take your case to trial if a settlement cannot be reached. Factors such as the level of AFFF exposure, severity of illness, and associated medical costs influence the compensation amount. Economic damages include medical bills and lost earning capacity, while non-economic damages cover pain, suffering, and emotional distress. With a proven track record of recovering billions for clients, Furdock Law ensures you receive comprehensive legal support throughout the process, helping you navigate complex claims and secure the compensation you deserve in Florida.

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Furdock Law in Florida estimates that compensation in AFFF lawsuits could range from $40,000 to $300,000 or more, depending on individual case factors. Recoverable damages may include both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages typically cover quantifiable costs like medical expenses, which can average $10,000 to $30,000 per month for cancer treatments, and lost wages. Non-economic damages, often valued higher, may include pain and suffering and emotional distress. The total compensation amount is influenced by factors such as exposure level, illness severity, and long-term prognosis. While no settlements have been reached yet in the AFFF litigation, Furdock Law is committed to helping clients pursue maximum compensation for their AFFF-related injuries.

If you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently diagnosed with cancer, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. Furdock Law is currently accepting new AFFF cases in Florida and nationwide. To determine if you qualify, you should have a history of regular AFFF exposure, typically through occupations like firefighting, military service, or airport maintenance, and a diagnosis of cancer potentially linked to PFAS chemicals, such as kidney, testicular, pancreatic, or prostate cancer. The ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) in Florida has consolidated thousands of AFFF lawsuits against manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and Tyco. Given potential statute of limitations issues, it's advisable to consult with an experienced AFFF attorney promptly to evaluate your case. Furdock Law offers free consultations to assess your eligibility and can guide you through the legal process if you have a viable claim.

At Furdock Law, we understand that many people worry about the cost of legal representation. However, our firm makes quality legal services accessible through a contingency-fee model. This means clients do not have to pay any upfront costs to hire our attorneys. Instead, we only collect payment if we successfully win your case. This approach allows anyone in Florida to afford top-tier legal representation, regardless of their financial situation. By aligning our interests with our clients', we ensure that everyone has access to justice and expert legal counsel when they need it most.