Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) exposure is one of the most significant causes of severe health conditions such as
- Kidney failure
- Testicular cancer
- Liver disease
- Thyroid disease
- Rectal cancer
- Fertility issues
- Breast cancer
- Immune deficiency
- Liver damage
- Preeclampsia
- Asthma
Contrary to popular belief, AFFF exposure not only affects firefighters and their families but also military personnel, their families, and persons who reside near military bases or fire stations.
Until now, AFFF firefighting foam was used in both firefighting and fire training exercises. However, it was discovered that a buildup of the chemical substance found in this firefighting foam was the primary cause of a huge number of life-threatening conditions amongst firefighters and other military personnel. If you are or were one of the victims of this exposure, experts like the AFFF lawsuit attorneys are more than ready to help you.
AFFF lawyers have handled a series of AFFF lawsuits against companies such as TYCO, 3M, DUPONT, Chemguard, Kidde Fire Fighting, Buckeye Fire Equipment, and Chubb Fire, amongst others. An AFFF lawyer aims to help people affected by AFFF exposure get the compensation they deserve to serve as reparation for their loss of health.
Damages Recoverable in an AFFF Exposure Lawsuit
Irrespective of how or when you were exposed, you are entitled to compensation for damages caused. AFFF lawyers provide you with access to all the compensation and damages you are entitled to. Some of these damages are:
● Medical Expenses:
All life-threatening conditions caused by exposure to AFFF require a huge financial commitment to preserve the lives of the people affected. For example, cancer patients and kidney disease patients require several consistent medical procedures, from surgery to chemotherapy, immunotherapy, dialysis, and hospitalization. Mass tort lawyers have a wealth of experience in recovering adequate medical damages for the injured party.
● Lost Remuneration:
As a result of the ailment, most affected people have to leave work permanently or take long medical leave from work. As a result, most workers are only given a fraction of their remuneration. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the defendant to cover whatever remuneration remains unpaid. AFFF lawyers ensure that their clients receive payment for days off on medical leave and the emotional distress caused by inactivity.
● Physical and Emotional Pain:
Cancer and other diseases caused by AFFF exposure cause severe pain and suffering, especially during treatment, and even greater pain for injured people who cannot afford the care and treatment needed. Apart from physical pain, injured people also have to deal with emotional pain as a result of weakness and inactivity. Mass tort lawyers leave no stone unturned and ensure that the compensation received includes both physical and emotional pain and suffering.
● Legal Expenses:
The legal expenses in a case can be either received directly from the injured party as a percentage of the total sum or calculated separately. In both cases, a good AFFF lawyer ensures that the legal expense is taken into consideration when calculating the total damages entitled.
The Impacts of AFFF Exposure
Apart from the health implications of AFFF Exposure on firefighters and military personnel, some other people employed in AFFF manufacturing companies or companies where AFFF is used can also be affected. This deadly substance is used in:
- Airline operation
- Municipal services
- Highway emergency response
- Flammable liquid storage
- Processing facilities
- Chemical plants
- Industrial storage facilities
- Oil refineries
- Bulk fuel storage facilities
- Off-shore oil platforms
Individuals who work in these areas have a much higher risk of AFFF exposure than the average person. Companies that do not ensure the safety of workers in these places are liable for an AFFF exposure lawsuit.