Does AFFF-related illness permanently harm Louisiana oil workers and firefighters?

Louisiana – January 17, 2023

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a chemical used in training exercises and in the field to combat fires. The chemicals contained in AFFF are found to build up in a person’s body over time causing serious, life-threatening sickness, including cancer to some. AFFF was developed as a mechanism to provide a blanket to smother types of fires that water cannot quickly resolve. Chemicals contained in AFFF are polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) which are dangerous to groundwater and run off into nearby land, secondarily endangering residents in areas who live near frequent chemical fires that need to be addressed by firefighters, such as those that occur in oil industry jobs. An experienced firefighting foam exposure attorney in Louisiana can assist victims of toxic exposure and their families.

Research supports dangers to health.

Scientific research over many years testing lab animals has established a strong correlation between AFFF and PFAS to cancer and other deadly diseases. Louisiana firefighters and miliary firefighters may become sick from prolonged direct exposure to the AFFF/PFAS chemical agents and can make a workers’ compensation or VA claim if they become sick. Veterans and workers may consider working with legal counsel experienced with AFFF claims who can streamline the government paperwork and follow-up processes for either a worker or veteran claim. Private corporations may also be held responsible for withholding the dangers of AFFF use, or when toxic substances filter into the groundwater and cause danger to residents.

Damage compensation.

AFFF victims may seek monetary compensation for a variety of cancer related illnesses including kidney, testicular, pancreatic, prostate, ovarian, lymphoma and leukemia. Damage recovery could address:

Medical treatment,
Necessary medications,
Medical equipment,
At home care and nursing services,
Mental health counseling,
Physical therapy,
Dependents,
Burial and funeral expenses.

A skilled toxic exposure attorney can initiate a legal claim supported by proof of the exposure and illness provided by medical personnel related to military service, through a job, or because of poor environmental practices causing hazards to residents.

Talk to an attorney about litigation.

Depending upon the severity of an AFFF-, PFAS-related illness, lawyers may be able to find other avenues to secure compensation by taking legal action against companies that produced and supplied the AFFF products, or those who breach environmental laws. Mediation and arbitration can allow victims and businesses to achieve a successful damage award in some cases. Experienced attorneys at Stag Liuzza understand how important it is to seek financial assistance to combat AFFF-related illnesses, and death harms.

STAG LIUZZA, LLC

One Canal Place
365 Canal Street
Suite 2850
New Orleans, LA 70130

Ph: 504-593-9600
Fax: 504-593-9601

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