For How Long Do You Have to Be Exposed to AFFF to Develop Cancer?
It can take several years before a person with AFFF exposure develops cancer. AFFF is an acronym for aqueous film-forming foam. Firefighters, military, airport maintenance crew, and others use AFFF when putting out fires on ships, airplanes, vehicles, and fire training facilities. This artificial fire suppressant is toxic and could lead to various illnesses, medical disorders, and cancer after the human body encounters it.
Duration of Time the AFFF Exposure Develops to Cancer
AFFF contains PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonate) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid). These can be harmful to the body in any amount, but years-long AFFF exposure could lead to cancer. When you expose yourself to high amounts of PFOS and PFOA for a long time, it increases the risk of a cancer diagnosis.
As a result, military personnel and firefighters have high chances of developing cancer due to the long duration and high amount of AFFF exposure they encounter every day while on the job.
AFFF Cancer Risks
Exposure to the firefighting foam can result in the following types of cancers:
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Lymphoma
- Kidney cancer
- Prostate cancer
Other long-term effects of AFFF include:
- Asthma
- Child development issues
- Fertility issues
- Effects on the immune system
- Low infant birth weights
Places Where You Can Find AFFF
- Military facilities
- Fuel tank farm
- Oil refineries
- Municipal airports
- Chemical plants
- Highway emergency response
- Naval vessels
Individuals who develop cancer after AFFF exposure could sue for damages from the liable party who caused them.
What Damages Does an AFFF Lawsuit Cover?
Compensation for heath complications and illness resulting from AFFF exposure depends on many variables. When you qualify to file for an AFFF lawsuit, you can recover monetary compensation for non-economic and economic losses. However, the compensation amount varies across cases.
Who Can File an AFFF Lawsuit?
To qualify as a claimant of a firefighting foam lawsuit, you have to meet the following criteria:
Exposure to PFAs, PFO: When you provide evidence showing that you use AFFF due to your occupation, you could qualify to file a claim. Also, regular AFFF exposure for long durations linked to your profession, such as a factory worker, airport maintenance crew member, or a firefighter, makes you eligible for the lawsuit.
Cancer: AFFF exposure alone is not enough to make you eligible for filing a lawsuit. You must be diagnosed with cancer after prolonged AFFF exposure. The most common types of cancer that will make you qualify to file a lawsuit include kidney and testicular cancer.
The Settlement Amount for the Firefighting Foam Lawsuit
The settlement amount depends on how severe your injuries are. For instance, the settlement amount could be higher when you have more dangerous types of cancer. We share with you the settlement amount we speculate from similar cases you will receive depending on the type of cancer your doctor diagnoses you with.
What Should You Do After AFFF Exposure Occurs?
AFFF exposure often causes serious health issues. If you have come into contact with an AFFF, you can take these precautions:
- Properly take off any personal clothing or personal protective equipment immediately after coming into contact with the AFFF.
- Thoroughly wash your clothes after PFOA and PFOS contamination.
- Clean your face, neck, and face immediately after AFFF exposure, and wash your entire body with clean, running water immediately after exposure.
- Take action to manage and contain the AFFF.
How Our AFFF Lawyer Can Assist You
Dealing with the aftermath of AFFF exposure can be overwhelming. While you are recovering, we will manage the lawsuit on your behalf and:
- Gather essential facts and evidence to build your case
- Negotiate with the liable parties for fair compensation that can help you cover your damages
- Prepare for trial if we can’t settle your case outside of court
- Offer legal advice
Who Is Liable for Firefighting Foam Exposure?
The manufacturer of the firefighting foam is liable for any medical costs and expenses that you incur in your cancer treatment.
When the Manufacturer is Liable for Foam Exposure
When filing for a lawsuit, you must show the following evidence so that the manufacturer can be liable:
- How the fire suppressant foam is dangerous
- Evidence of exposure to the firefighting foam
- Evidence that the firefighting foam was the proximate and direct cause of harm
The Statutory Period for an AFFF Lawsuit
A firefighting foam exposure case is unique and complex, so it’s hard to approximate the amount of time it takes to receive the financial compensation. According to the history of cases, a firefighting settlement takes around 12 to 24 months.
Call Now for a Free Case Evaluation
Dolman Law Group has the resources and experience you require to fully compensate for an AFFF exposure. Don’t hesitate to contact us after you suffer from an AFFF exposure. You pay us after winning the case and get the compensation you deserve. Our consultation is free with no upfront costs or obligation to take any legal action.