AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer

AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer

 

For decades, Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been a frontline tool in firefighting, particularly in military bases, airports, and industrial facilities. However, the same chemical makeup that made AFFF effective in extinguishing flammable liquid fires has also made it a hidden danger to human health. If you or a loved one has developed serious health problems after AFFF exposure in Raleigh, Greenville, Fayetteville, or anywhere in North Carolina, an AFFF lawsuit lawyer may help you recover financial compensation.

At Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers, our North Carolina product liability attorneys are committed to representing individuals and families affected by toxic firefighting foam. Our AFFF lawsuit lawyers are currently reviewing claims and filing lawsuits on behalf of people who have been diagnosed with cancer and other illnesses linked to AFFF exposure.

What Is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam is a firefighting agent used to suppress Class B fires, those involving flammable liquids such as gasoline or jet fuel. While AFFF has undoubtedly saved lives in emergencies, it contains toxic chemical compounds known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as forever chemicals.

These PFAS chemicals are virtually non-biodegradable and can accumulate in the environment and the human body over time. The two most commonly found PFAS in AFFF are perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctanesulfonic acid (PFOS). Both have been linked to various forms of cancer and other severe medical conditions.

Why Are PFAS Called Forever Chemicals?

PFAS are dubbed “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the body. These substances can linger in groundwater, soil, and blood for decades, making exposure risks long-lasting. When AFFF is used, especially repeatedly at military installations or firefighting training centers, PFAS can seep into local water supplies and contaminate drinking water for years.

Who Is at Risk of AFFF Exposure in North Carolina?

Individuals in the Tar Heel State have widely used AFFF, particularly in areas such as Raleigh, Greenville, and Fayetteville, NC, where firefighting services, military bases, and airports are active. The following groups are most at risk:

  • Firefighters: Civilian and military firefighters have had repeated and direct exposure to AFFF during firefighting operations and training exercises. This includes municipal fire departments in Raleigh and Greenville, as well as firefighting academies and airport rescue services in Fayetteville.
  • Military personnel: Fort Bragg, located near Fayetteville, is one of the largest military bases in the United States and has historically used AFFF in training exercises and emergency responses. Servicemembers stationed at such bases may have experienced ongoing exposure to PFAS-contaminated foam and water.
  • Airport workers: Federal regulations require airports to use AFFF for firefighting and training purposes. Workers at Raleigh-Durham International Airport and Pitt-Greenville Airport may have been unknowingly exposed to hazardous foam.
    • Industrial workers: Facilities that manufacture or handle flammable liquids, such as chemical plants and refineries, often utilize AFFF as part of their fire suppression systems.
  • Residents living near contaminated sites: Communities near North Carolina military bases, airports, or industrial facilities could be exposed to PFAS-contaminated water if AFFF entered the local groundwater or municipal water supplies.
  • Farmers and agricultural workers: If contaminated water or biosolids containing PFAS were used for irrigation or fertilization, these chemicals could enter the food supply, posing a risk to agricultural workers and consumers.

The duration, frequency, and concentration of exposure are all factors that influence the likelihood and severity of AFFF-related health problems. However, even seemingly low-level, long-term exposure can lead to the accumulation of these forever chemicals in the body, increasing health risks over time.

Health Conditions Linked to AFFF Exposure

Scientific studies have increasingly shown that exposure to PFAS in AFFF is associated with numerous serious health problems, including:

  • Kidney cancer
  • Testicular cancer
  • Bladder cancer
  • Liver cancer
  • Pancreatic cancer
  • Male breast cancer
  • Thyroid disease
  • Ulcerative colitis
  • High cholesterol
  • Reproductive and developmental issues
  • Immune system dysfunction
  • Developmental effects in children

If a medical professional has diagnosed you or a family member with any of these illnesses, and you have a history of exposure to AFFF, whether through occupation or environment, you may be eligible to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

The Legal Basis for AFFF Lawsuits

The growing body of scientific evidence and personal accounts has led to a surge in AFFF lawsuits across the United States. These lawsuits aim to hold AFFF manufacturers, including companies such as 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products, accountable for their alleged negligence in producing and distributing a product they knew or should have known was harmful.

If you believe you have a valid AFFF claim in North Carolina, contacting a North Carolina AFFF lawsuit attorney at Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers is essential to understanding the legal process and important considerations.

Eligibility for a Claim

To determine if you are eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit, our attorneys will evaluate several key factors:

  • Significant AFFF exposure: You must demonstrate substantial exposure to AFFF. This typically involves direct contact through occupational use or environmental exposure through contaminated drinking water if you lived or worked near a facility that used AFFF. This is particularly relevant for communities in and around Raleigh, Greenville, and Fayetteville that have historical connections to military bases, airports, or industrial sites.
  • Qualifying medical diagnosis: You must have been diagnosed with a medical condition scientifically linked to PFAS exposure. The stronger the scientific correlation between AFFF and your specific illness, the stronger your case.
  • Causation: You must demonstrate that your AFFF exposure is a likely cause of your diagnosed illness.

If you meet these criteria, you may have a viable claim.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Many AFFF lawsuits are consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL) in federal court. An MDL is a special federal legal procedure designed to manage complex cases with similar issues that are filed in different courts across the country. It streamlines the discovery process, prevents duplicate efforts, and allows for more efficient handling of common factual and legal questions. While an MDL is not a class action, it means that many individual cases proceed under a unified structure, often leading to global settlements or bellwether trials.

In addition to individual personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits and MDL claims, we also handle claims against military contractors. For military personnel exposed to AFFF while serving at bases like Fort Bragg, we can pursue claims against chemical manufacturers, though specific rules apply due to federal immunity laws. We will evaluate your case for viable pathways to justice.

Compensation You Can Recover in a North Carolina AFFF Lawsuit

Successful AFFF lawsuits can result in significant financial compensation for victims. This compensation may cover various damages, including:

  • Medical expenses: Past and future medical bills related to your AFFF-induced illness, including treatments, medications, and ongoing care
  • Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for income lost due to your illness and any diminished ability to earn a living in the future
  • Pain and suffering: Damages for the physical pain, emotional distress, and mental anguish caused by your illness and its impact on your quality of life
  • Loss of consortium: Compensation for the negative impact on marital relationships due to the illness
  • Wrongful death: If a loved one died due to an AFFF-related illness, family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim to recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and other damages.
  • Punitive damages: Courts may award punitive damages in cases where the manufacturer’s conduct was particularly egregious, demonstrating a conscious and intentional disregard for others’ safety. These damages do not compensate the victim but rather punish the wrongdoer and deter similar reckless behavior by the defendant and other companies in the future.

Understanding the full scope of potential compensation can help you and your family pursue justice and secure the financial support you deserve.

Common AFFF Contamination Sites in North Carolina

There are dozens of known or suspected AFFF contamination sites throughout the state, including:

  • Raleigh Fire Training Center
  • Fort Bragg
  • Raleigh-Durham International Airport (RDU)
  • Seymour Johnson Air Force Base
  • Greenville Fire Department Training Grounds
  • Camp Lejeune Marine Corps base

We urge you to contact us for a free case review if you have lived, worked, or served in or near these areas and have been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness.

What to Expect When You Work with Our AFFF Lawsuit Lawyers

Our law firm currently represents individuals and families across Raleigh, Fayetteville, and Greenville in their pursuit of justice. Here is how we support our clients:

  • Free case evaluation: We offer no-cost, no-obligation consultations to assess your case. Our team will review your work history, health status, and exposure risk to determine if you qualify to file a claim.
  • Contingency-based representation: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Access to justice should not depend on your ability to pay legal fees upfront.
  • Compassionate, local legal support: Unlike out-of-state law firms handling thousands of claims, we live and work here in North Carolina. We know the people, places, and unique challenges faced by those throughout the state.
  • Aggressive pursuit of compensation: We do not settle for less than our clients deserve. We are committed to achieving meaningful compensation for every client we represent, whether through litigation, negotiation, or participation in a nationwide MDL.

When you work with our team, you can expect dedicated, personalized legal support as we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

You Have Limited Time to File an AFFF Claim

The statute of limitations is a crucial legal deadline that dictates how long you have to file a lawsuit after an injury or diagnosis. North Carolina injury claims, including those involving toxic exposure, generally have a three-year statute of limitations. This period typically begins when the injury or its connection to AFFF exposure becomes apparent or reasonably should have become evident. However, there is also a 10-year statute of repose from the date of the last exposure or injury-causing event, which can complicate toxic tort cases.

It is critical to consult with an experienced AFFF lawsuit lawyer as soon as possible. Missing this deadline could permanently bar you from seeking compensation, regardless of the merits of your case. Our firm is intimately familiar with these statutes and will work diligently to file your claim within the appropriate timeframe.

Why Choose Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers to Help with Your North Carolina AFFF Claim?

When facing the complexities of an AFFF lawsuit, selecting the right legal representation is crucial. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers stands out as a trusted advocate for individuals in Raleigh, Greenville, Fayetteville, and throughout North Carolina. Here is why:

Proven Track Record of Success

With over 150 years of combined legal experience, our attorneys have secured significant settlements and verdicts for our clients. Notable results include multi-million-dollar settlements for personal injury victims and workers’ compensation clients. While past outcomes do not guarantee future results, they demonstrate our commitment to achieving justice for our clients.

Comprehensive Legal Proficiency

Our firm focuses on personal injury and workers’ compensation cases, providing dedicated representation to individuals harmed by negligence or unsafe working conditions. We understand the unique challenges victims of AFFF exposure face and are equipped to navigate the legal complexities involved.

Client-Centered Approach

Our legal team prioritizes our clients’ needs and well-being. From the initial consultation to the resolution of your case, our team offers personalized attention, ensuring that you are informed and supported throughout the process.

Statewide Presence

With offices in Greenville, Raleigh, Fayetteville, and other locations across North Carolina, we are accessible to clients throughout the state. Our widespread presence allows us to provide localized support and understand the specific legal landscapes of different regions.

Recognized Legal Professionals

Our attorneys have received accolades for their legal excellence, including selections to The National Trial Lawyers Top 40 Under 40 and inclusion in the Super Lawyers list. These honors reflect our team’s dedication to upholding the highest standards of legal practice.

Contact our North Carolina AFFF Lawsuit Lawyer Today

The battle against AFFF manufacturers is challenging, but it is a fight worth waging for your health, your family’s future, and for accountability. If you or a loved one in North Carolina has suffered from an illness potentially linked to AFFF exposure, we urge you to contact us immediately.

Do not let the statute of limitations pass without exploring your legal options. Ricci Law Firm Injury Lawyers’ experienced AFFF lawsuit attorneys will provide a free, no-obligation case review. We will assess your unique circumstances, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the legal process. Let us help you pursue the compensation you deserve.