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Firefighter Foam Mass Tort Updates

Updates on Firefighter Foam Mass Tort Lawsuits

Updates on Firefighter Foam Mass Tort Lawsuits

Americans are now calling for justice against companies that produced firefighter foam containing toxic chemicals. Firefighter foam mass tort lawsuits have been filed across the country, seeking compensation for individuals and families affected by exposure to toxic chemicals in these products. The potential health effects of these toxins can range from cancer and kidney disease to thyroid problems, reproductive issues and other serious ailments. 

If you or a loved one has been affected by exposure to firefighter foam, it is important to seek legal advice as you may be entitled to financial compensation. This article will update the current proceedings in the mass tort lawsuit and provide information on how to pursue a claim.

Number of Firefighter Foam Lawsuits Increasing

As of January 18, 2023, the number of Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) firefighting foam lawsuits transferred into the federal class action lawsuit has grown to 3,387. Over the last month, this MDL has seen an average of 100 new cases being added. Despite the slowdown in litigation growth due to the holiday season, there seems to be no sign of stopping as new AFFF cases have been steadily increasing since August 2020. With many plaintiffs joining the class action lawsuit each month, it is highly likely that this trend will continue in the coming months.

Risks to Firefighters Confirmed by New Study

A new study published in the journal Occupational Medicine has found that cancer death rates among firefighters are 60 percent higher than those of the general population. Even more striking, the mortality rate for specific types of cancer was much higher. Prostate cancer mortality was 400 percent higher while the leukemia mortality rate was 300 percent higher in firefighters compared to non-firefighters. This study lends further evidence of a link between long-term exposure to AFFF chemicals and cancer development.

Chemguard, Inc., BASF and Tyco had filed summary judgment motions arguing that there was a lack of evidence showing that their specific AFFF products were the source of water contamination in Stuart, Florida. On January 3, the judge overseeing the MDL denied all three summary judgment motions. This means that the City of Stuart v. 3M Co., et al. case will go to trial in May 2023 as scheduled and is expected to be a bellwether claim for the thousands of other AFFF-related lawsuits now pending in the MDL. The trial will determine whether the defendants are liable for environmental contamination in Stuart, Florida, and could provide important insight into future AFFF liability cases. 

Free Legal Advice About Joining the Mass Tort Lawsuit

With the help of experienced attorneys, plaintiffs can hold those responsible for their suffering accountable and potentially receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages and more. Taking legal action is a crucial step in protecting one’s rights as an affected individual and ensuring that justice is served.  The longer this litigation continues to grow, the better chance those affected have of receiving the justice they deserve. 

Diaz Law Firm – Mass Tort Lawyers

If you would like to speak with a mass tort lawyer for free, contact the Diaz Law Firm. If you have any questions, we are available to assist you at 1-800-459-2222, and you can message us online as well. You can reach out to us for help if you have been injured anywhere in the country.