AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawyer
If you are a current or former civilian or military firefighter who has been diagnosed with certain health
issues, you may be wondering if you are one of the thousands of people who may qualify for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit. Although there is a lot of information online about these legal actions, a lot of it may be confusing and incorrect. The following is a brief overview of the AFFF foam hazards and
potential legal actions that may be available. For more detailed information about your particular situation, contact Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.
Aqueous Film Forming Foam
It takes a special breed of person to be a firefighter. Rushing into burning buildings and saving lives, firefighters put their lives on the line every single shift. The job is physically and mentally challenging and requires the utmost dedication.
One of the firefighting tools that firefighters have had available to them for decades is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF). Many fire departments across the country begin using the foam in the early 1960s. In the 1970s, the foam was introduced as a firefighting tool in United States military bases. For the past 50+ years, this foam has been one of the most frequent products used to extinguish fires, as well as used in routine firefighter training.
The chemical composition of AFF creates tightly-bonded molecules that restrict the oxygen and heat in the flames, separating the flames from the oxygen it needs to keep burning.
Although highly effective at putting out fires, it has also been found to be highly toxic to both people and the environment. Some of the major ingredients in AFF are per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These are man-made chemical compounds used in all kinds of everyday products, including cleaning products, polishes, and waxes.
But studies have found that these compounds are also highly carcinogenic. And what is even more alarming is that manufacturers who use PFAS in their products – including AFFF – have known about these dangers since the 1960s. If you’ve been affected, it’s wise to discuss your symptoms with a doctor and attorney to discuss whether a AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit might make sense for me.
The Deadly Dangers of AFFF
The legal team from Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch that according to many of the AFFF lawsuits that have already been filed, manufacturers know that people exposed to products containing PFAS were at high risk of developing certain types of cancers:
- Bladder
- Breast
- Colorectal
- Kidney
- Leukemia
- Liver
- Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
- Pancreatic
- Prostate
- Testicular
- Thyroid
PFAS are also known to put people at risk for other serious and potentially fatal health issues, including:
- Interference with the body’s immune system
- Interference with the body’s natural hormones
- Increases the body’s cholesterol levels
- Decreases a woman’s chance of pregnancy
- Increases a woman’s blood pressure during pregnancy
- Causes a decrease in an infant’s birth weight
Have You Suffered Adverse Health Effects Because of AFFF?
There are potentially hundreds of thousands of people who have been exposed to AFFF and PFAS because of the failure of multiple manufacturers to warn firefighters, military veterans, and citizens who used well-water near military bases and airports where these toxic chemicals were used.
Anyone who worked, trained, or lived in these areas and had repeated exposure over the past six decades and has developed any of the above health issues may be able to pursue legal action against those companies that have been identified for their liability to innocent victims’ exposure.
To learn more about a AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit in Georgia and what legal recourse you and your family may have, contact the Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to schedule a free and confidential consultation.
How can a lawyer help with your AFFF lawsuit?
Meeting with a trusted Georgia AFFF firefighting foam attorney about an AFFF lawsuit is a crucial step in pursuing legal action if you believe you’ve been affected by exposure to this firefighting foam containing toxic PFAS chemicals. AFFF has been linked to various health and environmental concerns, and if you’re considering filing a lawsuit, reach out to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch.
- Consultation and Assessment: The initial meeting is an opportunity for you to discuss your situation with the lawyer. You’ll share details about your exposure to AFFF, any resulting health issues, and any concerns you may have about its potential impact on your life.
- Legal Expertise: Your Georgia AFFF firefighting foam attorney will explain their background and expertise in handling environmental or toxic exposure cases, including AFFF lawsuits. This will help you gauge their suitability to handle your case effectively.
- Explanation of Lawsuit Types: Your lawyer will provide an overview of the types of lawsuits that can be filed in relation to AFFF exposure. This might include personal injury claims, class-action lawsuits, or environmental contamination cases, depending on the specifics of your situation.
- Potential Damages: Your lawyer will discuss the types of damages you may be eligible to seek compensation for, such as medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, property damage, and potential punitive damages.
- Assessment of Case Viability: Based on the information you provide, your lawyer will assess the viability of your case. They’ll consider factors such as the strength of the evidence linking AFFF exposure to your health issues and any potential challenges you might face in court.
- Review of Documentation: If you have any relevant documentation, such as medical records, records of exposure, or correspondence with firefighting authorities, bring them to the meeting. Your lawyer will review these documents to better understand your case.
- Discussion of Legal Strategy: Your lawyer will outline the potential legal strategies that might be used in your case. This could involve investigating the source of your exposure, gathering evidence of harm, identifying responsible parties, and determining the appropriate legal claims to pursue.
- Legal Fees and Costs: Your lawyer will explain their fee structure and how costs related to the lawsuit will be handled. Some lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you win the case, while others may charge hourly fees or a combination of both.
- Your Questions and Concerns: The meeting is an opportunity for you to ask any questions you may have about the legal process, your case, or the lawyer’s experience. Feel free to express any concerns you might have.
- Decision-Making: After discussing the details of your case and the potential legal avenues, you’ll have the opportunity to decide whether you want to move forward with the lawsuit. Your lawyer will provide guidance, but the final decision rests with you.
Remember that each AFFF lawsuit is unique, and your lawyer will tailor their advice to your specific circumstances. It’s important to feel comfortable with the lawyer’s approach, communication style, and expertise before making a decision. If you decide to proceed, your lawyer will guide you through the legal process, working to build a strong case and seek compensation for any harm you’ve suffered due to AFFF exposure. When you are ready, reach out to The Law Offices Of Andrew Lynch to speak with our Georgia AFFF firefighting foam attorney for help.
