The life of a firefighter appears brave but has hidden dangers. The foam that they use to extinguish dangerous flames is what causes harm. AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) is a fire suppressant that dissolves flammable liquid fires. The foam was used in firefighting training facilities, and military and shore facilities, and contains PFAS that leads to fatal diseases.
PFAS (Perfluoroalkyl and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) are called ‘forever chemicals’. It’s because they persist in nature and when inhaled in the human body, causing harm to both. As a result, it causes diseases like bladder, pancreatic, liver cancer, and other chronic health conditions.
Therefore, firefighters and others exposed to this toxic foam would eventually file a lawsuit to seek fair compensation. A legal remedy has its procedures. In this article, we will shed light on the things to consider while filing a lawsuit.
Point of PFAS Exposure
While filing your AFFF lawsuit, it is necessary to find out how you got exposed to it. Most firefighters come in contact with it during their training activities or while on duty. They inhale the airborne contaminants, which lead to various types of cancer.
Skin contact with a PFAS-contaminated device or surface can cause AFFF Lawsuit exposure. Are you a firefighter? If so, chances are you have to manage AFFF-soaked nozzles, hoses, and PPE, which heightens the chances of exposure via skin contact.
The other way you can be affected by AFFF Lawsuit exposure is through ingestion. There have been instances where people used PFAS-contaminated water sources for cooking, bathing, and drinking and developed chronic ailments. Once you know the point of exposure, you can share details with your lawyer, and they can develop your case accordingly.
Know the Diseases Covered
Victims have reported that their years of dealing with AFFF Lawsuit led to a cancer diagnosis. TruLaw states that AFFF Lawsuit exposure causes kidney, liver, prostate, testicular, and other various kinds of cancer. Affected individuals can also suffer from:
- High cholesterol levels
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Pregnancy-induced preeclampsia or hypertension
- Ulcerative colitis
Hence, you need to gather the necessary medical documents that explain how AFFF Lawsuit caused your health issue. It will help the court understand your suffering and approve fair compensation.
Consult a Lawyer
Filing a lawsuit and navigating the legal process are challenging. Even if you feel that you can manage it, that’s far from the truth. First, you need to know whether you are eligible for a lawsuit. Only a lawyer can determine that after assessing your case. If you qualify, you must follow the guidance of your lawyer and the necessary legal protocols.
Every lawsuit comes with a specific time frame, called the statute of limitations. It can vary depending on the state in which you reside. Also, it affects your capacity to seek legal compensation. For an AFFF lawsuit, the time varies between 2 and 3 years. Your lawyer will provide you with this data so that you can plan your legal action accordingly.
Also Read: BlueFire Wilderness Lawsuit: Understanding Lawsuits and Program Growth
Gather Necessary Evidence
Your case is as strong as the proof you have. Your lawyer will use every piece of evidence you have to develop a solid case. The evidence can be medical, such as healthcare data, medicine invoices, and disease diagnosis reports. It can also include military service and employment records. Also, you can also include witness statements that can add merit to your claim.
Your lawyer will guide you on how to collect the required evidence and submit it. It will help them build a solid case and obtain a fair compensation amount for you. After receiving it, you can use it to cover all economic and non-economic damages.
Expectations Regarding Settlement Payout
It is necessary to understand that not every AFFF exposure lawsuit will draw the same compensatory amount. The tiered settlement format allocates certain amounts, depending on the severity of your suffering.
For instance, Tier 1 settlements for health issues vary between $200,000 and $500,000. The Tier 2 settlements for moderate suffering vary between $150,000 and $280,000. The Tier 3 settlement payout for less severe problems can be under $75,000.
Your lawyer will suggest a probable amount after developing your case. Since the payment is case-specific, it’s best not to have any expectations for a particular amount.
All in all, when you want to file an AFFF lawsuit you must consult an expert lawyer. Even when you have firm evidence, you shouldn’t pursue a legal case by yourself. It’s because you will not have the required legal know-how. For instance, only a lawyer can educate you about settlement payouts and statutes of limitations. Once you consider the pointers discussed above, you can file a lawsuit smoothly and receive compensation.
