The Tennessee Firefighting Foam Lawyers at Fob James Law Firm are representing victims that have been diagnosed with cancers caused by toxic substances found in firefighting foam products.
Companies such as Dupont and 3M sold hazardous firefighting foams for many years, all the while knowing the risks they posed.
AFFF products can cause cancers, including liver, kidney, pancreatic, prostate, and testicular.
If you or a loved one was diagnosed with cancer after using firefighting foam products called AFFF, contact our experienced firefighting foam attorneys in Nashville, TN for a free consultation.
Our biggest concern is making sure you get the justice and the compensation that you deserve. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to us 24/7 at 866-837-1010.
What Is AFFF?
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a specialized foam substance used to extinguish petroleum- and jet fuel-based fires.
Made primarily by 3M and Dupont, AFFF (firefighting foam) has been used in America and abroad since at least the early 1970s by firefighters, military, and factory personnel.
The product helps form a protective blanket over fuel that smothers a fire when water alone cannot put it out.
What Is the Tennessee AFFF Lawsuit About?
AFFF is known to contain per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a series of synthetic chemical compounds that have been linked to various cancers.
Unfortunately, PFAS chemicals can bind to proteins and accumulate in the bodies of exposed humans. The PFAS works its way into the blood stream of firefighters and others that use AFFF products.
Despite knowing the risks associated with PFAS, some companies manufactured and profited from toxic firefighting foam for decades.
In 2010, the EPA asked these companies to cease manufacturing and using certain PFAS. In response, some companies began using “short-chain” PFAS, which were supposed to be safer for humans. However, recent studies have indicated that’s not the case.
The bottom line is large corporations like 3M and DuPont manufactured and sold hazardous firefighting foams for many years, all the while knowing the foam can cause cancer.
If you think you may have been injured due to exposure to AFFF, call us at 866-837-1010 to schedule your free consultation with a firefighting foam attorney in Tennessee.
What Cancers Are Linked To Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Products?
The known injuries caused by AFFF products are evolving. For now, the focus of the AFFF lawsuit is on the following injuries:
- Kidney cancer
- Liver cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Ovarian cancer
- Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Leukemia
Which Companies Manufactured Toxic AFFF Products?
The following companies manufactured firefighting foam that allegedly contained toxic PFAS chemicals:
- 3M
- Dupont
- AGC Chemicals Americas
- Arkema
- BASF Corporation
- Buckeye Fire Equipment Company
- ChemDesign Products, Inc.
- Chemours Company FC, LLC
- Chubb Fire, Ltd.
- Clariant
- Corteva
- Dynax Corporation
- Kiddle-Fenwal, Inc.
- Kidde P.L.C.
- National Foam, Inc.
- Tyco Fire Products, LP
- United Technologies
- UTC Fire and Security Americas Corporation, Inc.
Note that the AFFF product used by you could be the same product on the list but marketed under a different name.
If you are unsure whether your product qualifies contact our firm and we will investigate free of charge.
Who Qualifies For the Firefighting Foam Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Your case generally qualifies for the AFFF lawsuit if it meets two criteria:
- You were exposed to PFAS over a long period of time. For example, if you used AFFF (firefighting foam) products throughout your job as a firefighter or factory worker, you will be able to show that you were exposed to PFAS chemicals.
- You were diagnosed with certain types of cancer after prolonged exposure to PFAS chemicals.
Currently, the cancers with strongest connection to PFAS exposure are:
- testicular cancer
- pancreatic cancer
- kidney cancer
- prostate cancer
Even if you are unsure if your case qualifies, please contact our Tennessee AFFF lawyers for a free consultation.
The Risk Of Cancer Is Real
Recent studies have linked the PFAS chemicals in AFFF “firefighting foam” products to a myriad to cancers.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the American Cancer Society have classified the chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam as human carcinogens.
Likewise, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classified per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS), as a possible human carcinogen that causes cancer.
Both the EPA and World Health Organization (WHO) have warned that exposure to PFAS may cause cancer. In fact, the EPA has classified PFAS as an “emerging contaminant”.
Other studies to watch closely are listed below:
Kidney Cancer
A recent study by Dr. Jonathan Hofmann suggests a higher kidney cancer incidence and mortality among individuals with high PFOA exposures from employment in a PFAS-producing chemical plant or residence in the surrounding community with contaminated drinking water.
Testicular Cancer
Dr. Mark Perdue is conducting a case-control study of serum PFAS levels and testicular cancer risk nested within the Department of Defense Serum Repository (DoDSR).
PFAS levels will be determined for the earliest and latest (two or more years prior to diagnosis) banked serum samples stored in DoDSR from 800 Air Force servicemen who later developed testicular cancer on active duty and 800 Air Force cancer-free controls.
Ovarian Cancer
Dr. Rena Jones is conducting a study to directly assess personal exposure to PFAS through serologic testing in samples collected prior to diagnosis of ovarian and endometrial cancers.
In this study, the National Cancer Institute will evaluate serum samples collected after menopause from 318 ovarian cancer cases, 430 endometrial cancer cases, and a shared control group of 589 cancer-free women.
Prostate Cancer
Dr. Mark Purdue and Dr. Sonja Berndt are conducting a study to evaluate pre-diagnostic serum levels of PFAS and the risk of aggressive prostate cancer (750 cases and 750 cancer-free controls).
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma and Thyroid Cancer
Dr. Mark Purdue is conducting another study to investigate whether elevated pre-diagnostic serum concentrations of selected PFAS are associated with increased risks of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) and thyroid cancer.
What Can I Recover From A Tennessee AFFF Foam Lawsuit?
Every case is unique, but people who successfully file product liability lawsuits can recover money for the following damages:
- PAST AND FUTURE MEDICAL BILLS (INCLUDING MEDICATION, HOSPITAL STAYS, AND IN-HOME CARE)
- PAIN AND SUFFERING
- LOST WAGES
- LOSS OF EARNING CAPACITY
- FUNERAL EXPENSES (IN THE VENT OF A LOVED ONE’S DEATH)
- BROADLY SPEAKING, A PLAINTIFF COULD BE ENTITLED TO COMPENSATION FOR ANY PAST AND FUTURE COSTS ASSOCIATED WITH THEIR CANCER DIAGNOSIS
What Are the Attorney Fees for the AFFF Lawsuit in Tennessee?
Fob James Law Firm operates on the contingency-fee-basis. This means we only get paid a percentage of the recovery if we successfully resolve your case. Our fees come out of a favorable settlement or jury award, not out of your pocket. Importantly, if we do not obtain a recovery then you owe us nothing.
Fob James Law Firm charges AFFF lawsuit clients a 33.33% to 40% contingency fee.
To speak with one of our experienced Tennessee firefighting foam lawyers, call us today at 866-837-1010.
How Long Do I Have To File A Tennessee AFFF Lawsuit?
Every state is different so make sure you consult with an attorney about how long you have to file a lawsuit.
In Tennessee, generally speaking, you have one year from the date of discovery of your diagnosis to file a lawsuit. However, there are exceptions that can increase the amount of time you have to file a lawsuit.
Contact our Tennessee firefighting foam attorneys to review your specific situation.
How Do I Join The AFFF Lawsuit?
It is simple to join the AFFF lawsuit. Call us today or submit your contact information and our attorneys will call you to discuss your case.
It does not matter where you live. We represent victims of the toxic AFFF products in all 50 states.
Regardless of your location, all AFFF cases are filed in the MDL, which is federal court.
Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Class Action Lawsuit Updates
Updates on the AFFF lawsuit will be posted in this section throughout the litigation. This section is intended to provide a general timeline of key events with respect to the litigation.
May 15, 2023 – Court Denies 3M’s Motion to Exclude Plaintiffs’ Expert Testimony
Judge Richard Gergel denied 3M’s “daubert” motion seeking to exclude testimony by Plaintiff’s causation experts. This is a big win for Plaintiffs in the firefighting foam litigation.
Specifically, Plaintiff’s experts found that the PFAS levels in 3M’s AFFF foam contaminated the City of Stuart, Florida’s water supply. 3M asked the Court to disallow this testimony. Ultimately, Judge Gergel’s order will allow causation testimony favorable to Plaintiffs to be heard by a jury.
May 8, 2023 – Researchers Discover PFAS On Firefighting Gear
Researchers at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) analyzed turnout gear coats and pants used by firefighters. The results showed the presence of PFAS in all three layers. The highest PFAS concentrations were observed in the outermost two layers.
Hopefully, this study will help manufacturers and regulators understand current weaknesses in firefighting gear. Firefighters of course deserve the safest gear possible.
May 7, 2023 – Over 4,000 Lawsuits Have Been Filed In The MDL
Roughly 4,000 cases have now been filed in the MDL, which is consolidated all AFFF lawsuits in the US District Court for the District of South Carolina. Victims are still being diagnosed so we expect the number of lawsuits to increase.
May 5, 2023 – The First “Bellwether Trial” Is Underway — City of Stuart, Florida vs. 3M
A “bellwether” trial is basically a test trial. The result of this trial will give both plaintiffs and defendants an idea where they stand with an actual jury. If the jury finds for the plaintiff, this will be a huge win for all plaintiffs and could facilitate the settlement process.
May 1, 2023 – The CDC Launches a Registry for Firefighters Who Have Been Diagnosed Cancer
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) launched the National Firefighter Registry (NFR) for Cancer. The registry will track trends involving cancer rates among firefighters. It will be interesting to see how the registry is impacted by AFFF “firefighting foam”.
April 11, 2023 – Illinois Attorney General Sues AFFF Manufacturers
In a blow to makers of AFFF, the Illinois Attorney General, on behalf of the State of Illinois, has filed a lawsuit stating that “the [AFFF] companies” are “knowingly contaminating Illinois’ environment and natural resources”. This lawsuit is interesting because it alleges a new theory of damages and environmental torts against 3m, Dupont et al.
October 26, 2022 – Judge Gergel Appoints Mediator To Facilitate Settlement Discussion
Judge Gergel appointed Judge Phillips to serve as a court-appointed mediator to assist co-lead counsel for plaintiffs and defendants in trying to reach a settlement agreement. The parties of course are not obligated to settle. We believe the settlement process will take time and likely not occur until the end of 2023 (at the earliest).
Why Our Firefighting Foam Cancer Attorneys Are the Top Choice in Tennessee
For more than 40 years, the attorneys at Fob James Law Firm have been fighting for victims of fraud and injuries across the country.
- We work closely with each of our clients, ensuring they receive personalized attention. With our firm, you will actually speak with your dedicated lawyer not an assistant.
- We move fast. We do not sit on cases. When we take your case we aggressively work your case from day one to ensure you get the compensation you deserve as soon as possible.
- We are not afraid to take your case to trial. As trial lawyers we love to litigate cases in courthouses across the country.
- We never charge fees up front. If we do not win your case you owe us nothing.
Our case results and client testimonials speak for themselves. Call us today to schedule your free consultation and case review
Contact an AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer Near Me In Tennessee For Help
At Fob James Law Firm, our job is to help you to the best of our ability and fight for you. If you’ve suffered cancer as a result of exposure to harmful AFFF products, you should contact our firefighting foam attorneys immediately.
We can determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit or not. It won’t cost you anything to speak with us. Additionally, you’ll never pay us anything until we successfully settle or win your case in court.
Our Tennessee firefighting foam lawyers are experienced, dedicated, and they truly care about you. We treat all of our clients exactly how we would want our own family members to be treated.
Contact us right now at 866-837-1010 or set up a free case evaluation so we can help you.