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PFAS Lawsuit
Fire fighters put their lives on the line to protect members of their community. However, exposure to PFAS chemicals has silently threatened the health and well-being of fire fighters and other first responders for decades.
PFAS chemicals can be found in fire fighting foam and turnout gear, and these chemicals have recently been linked to various cancers and other serious medical concerns.
If you or a loved one developed cancer or another illness after being exposed to PFAS chemicals as a first responder, you may be able to pursue compensation from a PFAS lawsuit.
What Is the PFAS Fire Fighter Lawsuit?
PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, make up over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that can be found throughout equipment used by fire fighters. They are largely popular due to the fact that they are resistant to heat, water and oil.
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down over time. Instead, PFAS chemicals remain in the environment and can eventually accumulate in the body.
Fire fighters are exposed to high levels of PFAS through their protective clothing and the fire fighter foam used to extinguish flames. Unfortunately, the manufacturers and distributors of this gear have prioritized their profits over the well-being of those using it on a daily basis.
Across the country, first responders have turned to filing PFAS lawsuits as a way to push manufacturers for a safe alternative to their gear. These lawsuits may also allow them to secure compensation that can help pay for their medical care and other expenses.
PFAS & Cancer Risks
Exposure to PFAS forever chemicals has been linked to serious health issues like cancer. Research has found that these chemicals display numerous key characteristics of carcinogens, such as contributing to chronic inflammation and suppressing the immune system.
This is especially true for those who have been repeatedly exposed to PFAS at work, including first responders. The negative health effects of PFAS on fire fighters are staggering.
In 2022, 75% of the names placed upon the IAFF Fallen Fire Fighter Memorial Wall were linked to occupational cancer.
“We need to combat what is killing us. Cancer is the number one killer of fire fighters, and for years, corporate interests have put profits over our lives. It stops now.”
– Edward Kelly, General President of the International Fire Fighter Association (IAFF)
If you or a loved one developed cancer or another health problem linked to PFAS chemicals after working as a fire fighter, paramedic or first responder, you may be able to file a PFAS lawsuit and pursue compensation for your injuries.
Contact our team today for a free, no-obligation case review.
Sources of PFAS Exposure
Because PFAS chemicals do not break down, they can be found in drinking water, soil and even air. While most — if not all — people have been exposed to PFAS chemicals in some form or another, this level of exposure becomes dangerous when it is repeated and prolonged over time.
For fire fighters, the main sources of PFAS exposure are bunker or turnout gear and fire fighting foam.
Wearing gear and inhaling particles containing PFAS have resulted in many fire fighters developing PFAS-related illnesses.
Bunker or Turnout Gear
Bunker gear, also referred to as turnout gear, is the protective clothing worn by fire fighters to keep them safe from hazardous materials and the extreme heat of a fire.
Since they are heat-resistant, PFAS chemicals are found throughout all three layers of the clothing worn by fire fighters. Unfortunately, there are no alternative options for fire fighters in North America at this time.
Fire Fighting Foam
AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), or fire fighting foam, has been used since the 1960s to extinguish fires. One of the main components of this foam is PFAS chemicals.
Fire fighters may accidentally inhale or ingest PFAS chemicals when using fire fighting foam. Additionally, the foam may come into contact with their skin, which can result in these dangerous chemicals entering the bloodstream.
Simmons Hanly Conroy is one of three PFAS law firms working with the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) to push for safe, alternative gear options to become available for fire fighters.
Who Qualifies for a PFAS Fire Fighter Lawsuit?
You may be eligible to file a PFAS lawsuit if you or a loved one:
- Was repeatedly exposed to PFAS as a fire fighter, paramedic or first responder
- Later developed cancer or another illness as a result of the exposure
Call (855) 264-6202 now to see if you qualify. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your questions.
Filing a PFAS Cancer Lawsuit
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we are grateful for the sacrifices and commitment of fire fighters, paramedics and other first responders across the country.
We know what you’re going through now may be extremely difficult, even before you factor in the legal deadlines and paperwork associated with filing a claim — so let us take care of the legal work for you.
If you have a case, our team can handle every step of the legal process for you, so you can focus on your health and your loved ones.
This process may involve your PFAS lawyers and legal team:
- Determining your eligibility for PFAS litigation
- Gathering evidence like medical records and testimony to prove your claim
- Filing the PFAS lawsuit on your behalf within any deadlines or statutes of limitations
- Negotiating PFAS lawsuit settlement amounts with those responsible for your injuries
- Going to court to present your case in trial before a judge or jury, if needed
Our experienced lawyers work on a contingency basis, which means there are no out-of-pocket or hourly costs to work with us. We only get paid if your case results in compensation, so there’s no financial risk to taking legal action.
Let the PFAS Law Firms Fight for You
Simmons Hanly Conroy is proud to be one of only three leading toxic tort law firms selected by the IAFF to provide PFAS legal services for the nation’s largest union of first responders.
Together, the PFAS Law Firms will work towards creating meaningful changes for fire fighters across the country.
With over 20 years of experience helping clients stand up to corporations and pursue compensation for their injuries, we are prepared to help first responders and their families hold PFAS manufacturers and distributors accountable.
Call (855) 264-6202 or fill out our contact form for a free legal consultation today. Our team is standing by to help you take the next steps in your fight for justice.
Although these firms may maintain joint responsibility for a claim, they operate as independent firms and no legal affiliation, association or partnership is implied.
PFAS Claims FAQs
How much are PFAS lawsuit settlement amounts?
The amount of money that someone may receive through a PFAS settlement or verdict will depend on the specific details of their case, including the severity of their diagnosis and the cost of their medical bills.
While there’s never a guarantee of compensation in any case, our attorneys will fight for the maximum compensation available in your case.
How much do PFAS attorneys charge?
The PFAS lawyers at Simmons Hanly Conroy work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.
There are no upfront or out-of-pocket costs to work with us, so there is no financial risk to you when pursuing a PFAS lawsuit with our firm.
What are PFAS chemicals?
PFAS chemicals, also known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, make up over 12,000 synthetic chemicals that can be found throughout household and industrial products. They are largely popular due to the fact that they are resistant to heat, water and oil.
PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down. Instead, PFAS chemicals remain in the environment and can eventually accumulate in the body.
Does PFAS cause cancer?
Potentially, yes. Many studies have found a link between PFAS exposure and an elevated risk of cancer.
The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IRAC) has also classified PFOA, a type of PFAS, as “possibly carcinogenic to humans.”
If you or a loved one developed cancer after suffering PFAS exposure as a fire fighter, you may be eligible to pursue compensation. Learn more about your options now for free.
What cancers may be caused by PFAS?
Cancers that may be caused by PFAS exposure include:
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
- Kidney (renal) cancer
- Leukemia
- Liver cancer
- Lymphoma
- Multiple myeloma
- Pancreatic cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Testicular cancer
PFAS exposure has also been linked to other health concerns, like chronic kidney disease, pregnancy-induced hypertension, thyroid disease and ulcerative colitis.
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Reviewed by:Laurence Valere Nassif- Fact-Checked
- Legal Reviewer
With over 15 years of legal experience, Larry has secured millions of dollars on behalf of his clients and tried several cases to verdict. In 2007, he was a member of the trial team that achieved a $47.5 million verdict in Humeston v. Merck & Co. on behalf of patients who suffered cardiovascular injuries as a result of taking Vioxx. In 2003, he also helped secure a $2 million verdict on behalf of his client who suffered from Rezulin-related liver damage. He has also helped families impacted by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases from around the country.