AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) is a type of firefighting foam used by firefighters and professionals in the military, as well as civilian aviation and industrial parks. These foams are often made with perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which are linked to cancer, thyroid issues, adverse developmental problems, and other health concerns.
In recent years, citizens who live near airfields or military bases where AFFF was regularly used have filed class-action lawsuits against the responsible parties looking for compensation.
The settlements agreed upon vary depending on the nature of the lawsuit and its circumstances. However, those affected can generally expect their claims to be taken seriously when pursuing legal action.
Here’s what they can expect:
Factors That Impact AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts: What Claimants Should Know
AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts vary based on factors such as exposure levels, evidence of harm, and legal support. TorHoerman Law is a law firm that has represented clients in AFFF and other toxic exposure cases. Their team of attorneys helps get compensation for those impacted by harmful products like firefighting foam.
For individuals considering filing an AFFF lawsuit settlement claim due to exposure to PFAS chemicals contained in these products, there can be many questions about what they should expect from the process.
Generally speaking, settling such cases depends on several factors, including: how much exposure an individual has had to certain chemicals over a certain period of time, whether or not any physiological symptoms caused by this exposure are present, how difficult it is to prove that their illnesses resulted from exposure to PFAS chemicals through products like AFFF firefighting foams; etc.
Every state may also handle these cases differently, so it’s important for claimants to consider joining any class-action claims related to this kind of product liability case to understand local regulations beforehand.
In general, claimants directly exposed to AFFF (a type of firefighting foam) tend to receive larger settlement amounts if they have ample evidence of harm caused by repeated chemical exposure over time, along with sufficient legal support throughout the proceedings.
Moreover, plaintiffs pursuing this type of litigation must file specific details connecting all occurrences into a unified narrative outlining personal injury damages suffered.
Lastly, they must also establish clear exhibits that conclusively corroborate their claims in order to establish reasonable expectations during the deliberation stages and secure favorable verdicts. These claimants may include people living near airports or military installations where AFFF was regularly deployed.
Working With A Legal Team To Maximize Your AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amount
Suppose you have been exposed to Chemours-manufactured AFFF, a type of firefighting foam implicated in health hazards and water contamination across the United States. In that case, it’s important to learn what rights you have as an individual or business owner. The most effective way to maximize your settlement amount is by working closely with a legal team experienced in filing AFFF claims.
Choosing the right attorney can be daunting, but it pays off because they will consider all the relevant laws and regulations impacting your claim. Make sure you do thorough research when selecting counsel. Look for lawyers who specialize in environmental law or tort law.
It’s also useful to connect with other claimants (via social media groups) and evaluate potential lawyers through online consumer feedback platforms before committing to any representation retainer agreement.
A knowledgeable lawyer should do more than simply provide advice for getting started. He/she should work diligently on behalf of their client to build up valid evidence and then negotiate skillfully during deliberations.
Lastly, good disclosure practices between legal teams representing multiple claimants can help manage competing interest oppositions amicably. This can hopefully culminate in a successful mediation solution where all parties benefit accordingly, fulfilling due diligence standards while leveraging partial volumetric settlements respectively.
How To Build A Strong Case For An AFFF Lawsuit
In order to build a strong case, there are several important steps that must be taken before filing. The first step is to consult with an attorney who specializes in toxic exposure cases.
An attorney can help determine if filing a lawsuit is the right course of action. They can also assist in gathering evidence and resources needed to prove your claim, such as reports from medical experts, research linking AFFF exposure and diseases, and workplace records of personnel involved in the production or use of the foam.
If any environmental laws were broken related to disposal or cleaning up contaminated sites, it would also strengthen the case. Additionally, proof must be provided to demonstrate negligence on the part of those responsible for introducing high concentrations of synthetic foam containing per-fluorinated acids (PFAs) into environments where people live or work.
This exposure can lead to cancers caused by long-term low-level PFA exposure that people were unaware of while living near military bases, manufacturing plants, and airports where firefighting technology was extensively used. Hence, these dangerous chemicals can emanate through air and water systems, making people sick and sometimes leading to the loss of lives.
Final Thoughts
Summing up, if you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and had health difficulties, legal action is always the appropriate choice. An AFFF lawsuit demands a toxic exposure attorney and plenty of proof.
The settlement amount depends on exposure and proof of long-term chemical damage. It’s also necessary to prove negligence by those who introduced large amounts of synthetic foam containing per-fluorinated acids into people’s homes and workplaces.
Partnering with a qualified lawyer and networking with other claimants can optimize your settlement amount and resolve the case. This is because an AFFF lawsuit can hold perpetrators accountable and compensate victims.