Wisconsin Firefighting Foam Litigation Attorney
Fighting for Those Who Fight for Us
Individuals in the United States who have been negatively affected by firefighting foam actively seek legal recourse, attributing their cancer diagnoses to the PFAS chemicals in this substance. Due to these allegations, the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a vital tool in the firefighting industry due to its efficiency in dousing hydrocarbon-based fires, has come under scrutiny.
Victims should avoid participating in class action lawsuits focused on AFFF. Those affected are encouraged to pursue individual legal measures to ensure their specific cases receive the attention and compensation they deserve, rather than joining a collective Firefighter foam class action lawsuit. The defective environmental products attorney at Casey Law Offices can review the specifics of your case and help fight for your best interest. Contact our office right now online to schedule a consultation.
What is Firefighting Foam?
Firefighting foam, formally known as Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), is a substance primarily used for extinguishing and preventing the spread of fires, particularly those involving flammable liquids. The foam creates a cohesive blanket over the fire, effectively cutting off the oxygen supply and suppressing the flames.
This foam is composed of water, air, and foam concentrate. Combined and aerated through mechanical agitation, they form a stable mass of tiny, air-filled bubbles. These bubbles give the foam lower density than most fuels, enabling it to float on the surface of flammable liquids.
A key ingredient in firefighting foam is a group of artificial chemicals known as per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These chemicals provide the foam with its unique ability to spread rapidly across the surface of a fire and suppress it effectively.
However, recent studies have linked prolonged exposure to PFAS with several health risks, including various forms of cancer. This has led to increasing scrutiny of firefighting foams and their potential impact on the health of firefighters and communities near areas where the foam is frequently used.
The Relationship Between Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) and Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
PFAS, or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances, are a group of artificial chemicals widely used since the mid-20th century in various industrial and consumer products due to their resistance to heat, water, and oil. They are often called 'forever chemicals' because they don't break down easily and can accumulate over time in the environment and the human body.
In the context of firefighting foam litigation cases, PFAS is highly relevant because it is a critical ingredient in Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF), a type of firefighting foam. Both civilian and military firefighters have extensively used AFFF to extinguish fuel fires quickly. The PFAS in this foam gives it its unique fire-suppressing properties.
However, growing scientific evidence suggests that exposure to PFAS may be linked to several severe health conditions, including several types of cancer, liver damage, decreased fertility, and increased risk of asthma and thyroid disease. As such, firefighters who have been routinely exposed to AFFF in their line of work, and communities living near areas where this foam has been used extensively, are filing lawsuits against the manufacturers of these products.
Do You Have a Viable Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?
Firefighting foam lawsuits generally allege that the manufacturers were aware of the potential health risks associated with PFAS but failed to warn users or take steps to reduce these risks adequately. The litigation seeks compensation for personal injury, medical expenses, and other damages arising from using AFFF and exposure to PFAS.
You may have a viable firefighting foam litigation case if any of the following criteria apply:
- Occupation: The plaintiff should be a civilian or military firefighter.
- Exposure: The firefighter must have been exposed to Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) since 1961.
- Timing of Diagnosis: A cancer diagnosis should have been made at least six months after exposure to AFFF.
Type of Cancer: The cancers associated with AFFF exposure include:
- Kidney Cancer
- Liver Cancer
- Bladder Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Pancreatic Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Prostate Cancer
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Ulcerative Colitis
Additional Considerations:
- Previous Assumptions: AFFF was long considered a safe and effective tool for extinguishing class-B fires.
- Chemical Composition: The foam contains PFAS, a manufactured chemical used in products like Scotchgard.
- Potential Risks: Recent findings suggest increased cancer risks for firefighters and residents living near areas where AFFF has been used.
Contact the Firefighting Foam Litigation Attorney at Casey Law Offices Today
If you or a loved one has been exposed to firefighting foam and is now facing health complications, seeking legal representation is crucial. At Casey Law Offices, our dedicated Wisconsin firefighting foam litigation attorney is ready to fight for your rights and help you seek the justice you deserve. Don't delay in securing the representation you need in such critical times.
Contact Casey Law Offices today at (414) 272-5564 to schedule a consultation with our defective environmental products attorney to discuss your case. If you prefer digital communication, feel free to contact us online. We are eager to arrange a consultation and explore how we can best support you in your legal journey. Your fight is our fight, and we are committed to helping you every step of the way.
