Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) is used to extinguish high-intensity fuel fires — but the key ingredient that makes this foam so effective may also put first responders at serious risk.
Exposure to PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in firefighting foam has been linked to over a dozen types of cancer and other health conditions. Those affected may be able to take legal action against the manufacturers of these dangerous products.
To qualify for the AFFF lawsuit, you need to have been exposed to firefighting foam on the job and later diagnosed with a type of cancer linked to PFAS exposure.
Thousands of firefighters, first responders, and their families have filed AFFF lawsuits to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Learn more about the AFFF lawsuit qualifications — or get a free case review now to find out if you may qualify. Our experienced firefighting foam attorneys are ready to help you pursue the justice you deserve.
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AFFF Lawsuit Qualifications: 5 Determining Factors
Firefighters exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with a PFAS-related cancer may be eligible to file a firefighting foam lawsuit. Many companies that made, sold, or used firefighting foam knew about the risks their PFAS-containing products posed.
Because companies made these products available but failed to provide warnings about their risks, firefighters with certain cancers from AFFF may qualify for compensation.
Learn about 5 factors that determine AFFF lawsuit qualifications.
1. Worked as a Firefighter or First Responder
Firefighters and other first responders with certain cancers may qualify for compensation from the AFFF lawsuit. This includes firefighters who worked in various settings.
For decades, firefighting foam was widely used across multiple industries, with the largest consumers being the military, airports, and fuel companies — not necessarily local fire departments.
Firefighters at high risk of AFFF exposure include:
- Airport Firefighters: Aviation facilities require extensive fire suppression systems and often used AFFF to quickly extinguish fuel-based fires. As a result, airport firefighters are frequently exposed to PFAS-containing foam during training exercises and emergency responses.
- Military Firefighters: The U.S. military used AFFF for fire suppression at bases and shipyards, and naval vessels were required to carry it on board. Service members working as military firefighters may have been regularly exposed.
- Fuel or Oil Refinery Firefighters: Because AFFF was highly effective in extinguishing flammable liquid fires, it was a staple at oil refineries, chemical plants, and fuel storage facilities.
You may also qualify for the AFFF lawsuit if you worked as a fire trainee, emergency response team member, or similar role where you encountered firefighting foam as part of your job duties.
Call (800) 995-1212 now if you worked with AFFF and were diagnosed with cancer. We can help you figure out if you meet the firefighter foam lawsuit qualifications.
2. Exposed to PFAS-Containing AFFF
To be eligible for the AFFF lawsuit, you or a loved one has to have worked as a firefighter and either used PFAS-containing firefighting foam or been exposed to it during use.
AFFF was first developed in the 1960s and became a standard firefighting tool for fuel-based fires. While efforts are underway to reduce its use, countless firefighters may have been exposed — and some may have already passed away from related illnesses.
If you’re not sure whether you or a family member used these dangerous foams, our team is here to help. By sharing more about your work history, we may be able to determine if PFAS-containing foams may have been used.
3. Diagnosed with Certain Cancers & Conditions
Researchers have linked certain cancers and illnesses to the toxic PFAS used in AFFF. Because these chemicals don’t break down in the environment or the body, they can lead to long-term health issues over time.
Currently, only specific cancers and conditions may qualify for the AFFF lawsuit:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Renal or kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer and disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Uterine or endometrial cancer
Firefighters are 100% more likely to develop testicular cancer, 50% more likely to develop multiple myeloma, and 28% more likely to develop prostate cancer when compared to the general public, according to researchers at the University of Cincinnati.
Your attorneys will need to collect your medical records that confirm a diagnosis of a PFAS-related condition. We’ll then work to connect your diagnosis to the products you used and the chemicals they contained.
4. Represent the AFFF Exposure Victim
Occupational cancer is the leading cause of line-of-duty death for firefighters, according to the International Association of Fire Fighters. Sadly, PFAS-related cancers feed into this statistic. If your loved one passed away from an AFFF illness, you may still have legal options.
In many cases, the victim’s spouse, children, family, or estate representative can file an AFFF wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of the deceased.
AFFF wrongful death claims may help recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of income and financial support
- Medical expenses related to the victim’s illness
- Pain and suffering endured by the victim
- Emotional distress and loss of companionship for surviving loved ones
Your AFFF lawyer will need to collect your loved one’s certificate of death and medical records to confirm they passed away from a PFAS-related cancer.
5. File Before the AFFF Lawsuit Deadline
There are deadlines for filing a firefighter foam lawsuit known as statutes of limitations. If you miss the AFFF lawsuit deadline, you may permanently lose your right to seek compensation for your illness.
These deadlines vary by state and depend on several factors, including:
- State laws: Each state has its own time limit for filing personal injury and wrongful death AFFF claims, typically ranging from 1 to 6 years from the date of diagnosis or death of a loved one.
- Discovery rule: Some states start the deadline when a victim becomes aware that their illness was linked to AFFF exposure. Since victims weren’t warned of the risks, some states provide a larger window of time to account for how long it takes to discover the wrongdoing.
- Military claims: VA benefit claims don’t have statutes of limitations. However, there are certain benefits you may be eligible for that your family won’t be able to recover on your behalf if you pass away.
It’s important to contact an AFFF law firm as soon as possible, so you don’t miss your chance for justice. Even if you think it’s already too late, there may still be time.
See If You Meet the Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Qualifications
If you’re wondering whether you or a loved one is eligible for compensation from an AFFF lawsuit, Sokolove Law is here to help. We offer free case reviews to determine if you may meet the firefighting foam lawsuit qualifications.
Our team has decades of experience fighting for firefighters, military personnel, and others harmed by toxic exposure like PFAS and asbestos.
We’ve recovered more than $9.8 Billion for injured clients nationwide. There are no upfront costs to work with us — we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
Call (800) 995-1212 now to take the first step toward justice by seeing if you qualify for the AFFF lawsuit.
