Firefighting Foam
Firefighting Foam AFFF Lawsuit
The manufacturers of AFFF (aka firefighting foam) have used dangerous chemicals (known as PFAS) to make the foam since the 1960s.
If you or a loved one was exposed to firefighting foam on the job and diagnosed with cancer, you may be entitled to a large cash award through a firefighting foam lawsuit.
Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawsuit
Firefighting foam, also known as AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) is a foam that firefighters use to extinguish fires since the 1960s. The foam is used by the military and at airports to put out jet fuel and petroleum fires. Dangerous chemicals known as PFAS are used to make firefighting foam.
"Exposure to PFAS can lead to adverse health outcomes in humans." – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
However, PFAS chemical exposure in AFFF may cause cancer in firefighters.
If you think exposure to PFAS chemicals may’ve caused your cancer, you may be eligible for compensation through a firefighting foam lawsuit. Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
The Link Between Firefighting Foam and Cancer
Chemical-based firefighting foam called AFFF has been sold for decades, but the deadly side effects of the chemical are now widely known.
PFAS-based firefighting foam exposure may cause firefighters to develop:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer and disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
At particular risk of PFAS exposure are:
Military Firefighters - U.S. military used the firefighting carcinogen for roughly 60 years.
Airport Firefighters – Airports used foam until 2018.
We're Are Your AFFF Lawyers
If you are a fighter that used firefighting foam and developed cancer, you may be entitled to compensation through a firefighter foam lawsuit. Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
What to Look for in Firefighting Foam Cancer Lawyers
Filing a firefighter foam lawsuit can be a difficult process without the help of a skilled and experienced legal team — but not all firefighting foam lawyers can offer you the same advantages.
Here’s what you should look for when choosing an AFFF lawyer:
- Free Case Evaluations: McCarthy | Kelly LLP offers free, no-obligation legal consultations, so you can see if you may have a legal case free of charge.
- No Upfront Fees: Our AFFF lawyers work on a contingency basis, so we’ll only get paid if you do.
If you are a fighter that used firefighting foam and developed cancer, our firefighting foam cancer lawyers may be able to help you pursue financial compensation.
How Do AFFF Lawsuits Work?
Though every case is different, firefighter foam lawsuits generally follow a similar process, which your legal team at McCarthy | Kelly LLP can take care of on your behalf.
When you work with McCarthy | Kelly LLP, your legal team handles:
Determining your eligibility to file an AFFF lawsuit
Gathering evidence from your medical and work histories that proves your exposure to PFAS
Filing your AFFF lawsuit within any deadlines or statutes of limitations
Negotiating a firefighting foam settlement
Fighting on your behalf in court before a jury if a settlement isn't reached
After your free case review with McCarthy | Kelly LLP, every step of the AFFF cancer lawsuit process can be handled by our experienced legal team, so you can focus on your health and your family.
Injured by Firefighting Foam?
We can help you get the compensation you deserve. See what you qualify for today.
Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
What Is AFFF?
One of the main ingredients of firefighter foam are dangerous chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
The EPA uses PFAS as an umbrella term to refer to a group of toxic chemicals that includes:
Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA or C8)
Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
Other PFA substances
The EPA has classified PFAS chemicals as “emerging contaminants,” meaning exposure to PFAS can be dangerous to human health.
Toxic Firefighting Foam Dangers
Major health organizations like the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the EPA, and the American Cancer Society (ACS) have noted that certain PFAS chemicals may be linked to an increased risk of cancer and other health problems in firefighters.
The following types of cancers have been linked to exposure to firefighting foam that contains PFAS:
- Bladder cancer
- Colorectal cancer (colon and/or rectal cancer)
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Leukemia
- Lymphoma
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
In addition to multiple types of cancer, PFAS exposure can also lead to thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis (an inflammatory bowel disease).
PFAS are often referred to as “forever chemicals,” because their highly durable nature means they do not break down over time.
Because of this, PFAS may remain in the body for years, building up over time and causing numerous firefighting foam health effects and risks.
If you were diagnosed with cancer as a result of PFAS exposure, you may be able to work with a law firm to file an AFFF lawsuit to receive financial compensation for your medical expenses and more.
AFFF Cancer High-Risk Occupations
Any firefighter may be at an increased risk of cancer if they’ve been exposed to AFFF. Airport and military firefighters may be at a higher risk of developing certain cancers due to more frequent exposure to the foam.
Airport Firefighters
FAA required airports to use PFAS-containing firefighter foam following U.S. Navy guidelines until 2018.
Military Firefighters
U.S. Navy and other military branches used firefighting foam since the 1960s, even during training exercises and non-critical missions.
You may be able to file an AFFF lawsuit if you or your loved one:
Worked as a firefighter.
Have been exposed to toxic firefighting foams.
Were later diagnosed with pancreatic, kidney, testicular, thyroid, bladder, breast, colon, liver, or prostate cancer as well as leukemia or lymphoma.
Through a firefighting foam cancer lawsuit, you may be able to receive financial compensation for your injuries due to PFAS exposure. We will listen to your story and help you understand your legal options.
Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
Firefighter Foam Lawsuit FAQs
Is AFFF a carcinogen?
Numerous studies show that PFAS in AFFF may cause cancer, particularly in the:
- Bladder
- Colon
- Blood cells
- Prostate
- Rectum
- Testicles
- Breasts
- Lymphatic system
- Kidneys
- Liver
- Pancreas
- Thyroid
- Uterus
If you’ve been exposed to AFFF and diagnosed with one of these cancers, you may be entitled to financial compensation through a firefighter foam lawsuit. Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.
What does AFFF stand for?
AFFF stands for aqueous film-forming foam. AFFF is a fluorochemical surfactant that contains dangerous chemicals known as perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (or PFAS).
Exposure to PFAS chemicals, however, may cause a variety of different cancers.
How do I know if I have an AFFF cancer case?
If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer as a result of AFFF exposure, we may be able to help you pursue compensation through an AFFF cancer lawsuit.
Can I afford a firefighting foam attorney?
Absolutely — the best AFFF lawyers work on a contingency basis, so you won’t be charged any upfront fees. Our lawyers will only get paid if you do.
Firefighting foam cash settlements vary according to a number of different factors in each case, including:
The severity of injuries
The extent of the AFFF exposure
The cost of current and future medical expenses
Any wages lost because of the illness
Contact attorney Bill Kelly (212) 732-5040 or bk@mccarthykelly.com for a FREE and confidential case evaluation.