If you or a loved one were harmed by a defective product, Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. is here to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact us to schedule an appointment with a New Hampshire product liability lawyer. Initial consultations are completely free and confidential.
AFFF Exposure Lawyers
Were You Exposed to AFFF Firefighting Foam?
AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) is widely used in firefighting to combat petroleum-based fires that are resistant to other extinguishing methods. However, repeated exposure to AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to cancer and other serious health conditions, leading to thousands of people seeking compensation and justice through lawsuits. With more than 7,000 potential AFFF exposure plaintiffs identified so far, class action multidistrict litigation (MDL) has started to expedite the legal process.
Were you exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and suffered a serious illness or health condition as a result? Let Shaheen & Gordon, P.A. be your legal guide. You may be able to join the plaintiff class that is demanding justice and compensation from the corporations that have manufactured and sold AFFF firefighting foam, and we can be there to walk you through every step of the process. While you focus on taking care of your health, we will focus on the progress of your case.
Shaheen & Gordon has the experience, resources, and knowledge needed to handle claims against major AFFF manufacturers, such as:
- DuPont
- 3M
- Kidde-Fenwal Inc.
- Chem Design Products Inc.
- BASF Corporation
- Dynax Corporation
- Arkema
- And others
Learn more about your options for joining an AFFF lawsuit. Call Shaheen & Gordon or contact our firm onlinetoday.
What is AFFF Firefighting Foam?
AFFF firefighting foam uses poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) to smother and extinguish “class B” fires, which are usually fueled by burning gasoline, paint, kerosene, cooking oils, and other petroleum-based products. Although AFFF fire extinguishers can be found in many settings and locations, it is commonly used on commercial and industrial properties that store or use high-grade fuels, such as airports, vehicle depots, and military bases. If you worked on or lived near one such property, you might have been exposed to AFFF, even if you don’t realize it.
Is AFFF Dangerous?
PFAS used in AFFF firefighting foam is a “forever chemical” that is considered a “human carcinogen” by the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC). The American Cancer Society (ACS) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) consider most PFAS chemicals as probable carcinogens, too, which means the substances are more than likely to cause cancer in humans. With repeated exposure to AFFF, an individual may be placed at significant risk of developing cancer.
To make matters worse, AFFF may seep into the soil and contaminate groundwater sources. Once groundwater has become contaminated by AFFF, the risk of exposure becomes greater and expands to a wide area. People, animals, and even plants in the area of AFFF-contaminated groundwater could be at risk, which is why you might have been exposed to AFFF and PFAS chemicals just for living near where these substances are used or manufactured.
Cancers Linked to AFFF Exposure
Specific types of cancer have been linked to repeated or severe exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, including:
- Kidney
- Pancreatic
- Liver
- Bladder
- Testicular
- Ovarian
- Prostate
- Thyroid
- Colon
Although every form of cancer is unique, it is always extremely dangerous. Cancer can cause many different symptoms and health complications, including those that are life-changing or fatal.
Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit?
Can you file an AFFF lawsuit in pursuit of justice and compensation? Don’t just guess, know for certain by teaming up with Shaheen & Gordon. Our attorneys can investigate your situation to determine if you can file a lawsuit or join a class action with potentially thousands of others who have suffered similar illnesses.
Typically, people who are eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit will meet these two criteria:
- Exposed to AFFF: You were exposed to AFFF or PFAS chemicals through your work or due to living near contaminated groundwater. Exposure duration should be at least one year, but you could still have a claim if you were exposed to AFFF for a shorter duration.
- Cancer diagnosis: You were diagnosed with cancer after exposure to AFFF or PFAS chemicals. The type of cancer should be recognized as one that has been linked to AFFF exposure, though (see list above).
If you meet these two criteria, you likely have the grounds to demand compensation from the manufacturers of AFFF firefighting foam. Even if you are covered by workers’ compensation as a firefighter, mechanic, or another professional who works with AFFF and PFAS chemicals, you could still be eligible to start an injury claim. To get more eligibility information, talk to our attorneys today.
Of note: If you join a plaintiff class against AFFF manufacturers, the class will succeed or fail together, meaning you won’t have an individual claim that goes to court or settlement negotiations. Furthermore, if a class is successful, each member of the class is provided a preset amount of compensation, which can vary from one “tier” of plaintiff to the next.
Choose an Experienced Law Firm – Call Now
At Shaheen & Gordon, we are highly familiar with complex injury claims, including hotly contested class action lawsuits and MDL against major corporations. If you were exposed to AFFF and were diagnosed with cancer, let us help you explore your legal options today. With our AFFF lawsuit attorneys leading the way, you can feel more confident in your fight for compensation and justice.
