Can Louisiana residents who have received a cancer diagnosis file an AFFF legal claim?

Louisiana – March 31, 2021

Toxic chemical-based firefighting foam, also known as aqueous film forming foams (AFFF) have a history of effectiveness in extinguishing petroleum and jet fuel fires. Because of the industry surrounding Louisiana, its residents, petroleum workers, plant workers, and firefighters may have been exposed to AFFF toxins in higher amounts, and for prolonged periods of time compared to other U.S. Communities. Despite harmful toxic exposures, AFFF has been used for decades. Occupational risks are higher for military firefighters who used the foam without knowing the risks of exposure decades ago. The common cancers associated with AFFF exposure include kidney, testicular, and pancreatic cancer in firefighters who were regularly exposed to the foam. If individuals, or loved ones are diagnosed with any of the associated cancers, due to use of the foam, or through contaminated drinking water, they should seek legal counsel to discuss the possibility of compensation for harmful damages.

Residual danger to groundwater.

Utilization of AFFF during firefighting activities involve ground saturation when the firefighting foam is sprayed over the ground. It can be absorbed into the ground through the dirt contaminating the groundwater that becomes part of community drinking water. Despite the decrease, or cessation of AFFF firefighting foam use, which has been banned in many states, and its phasing out of military use, the harmful effects and health risks remain due to previous high level use and the inability of PFOA and PFOS chemicals to break down in the environment, or in an individual’s body. Environmental attorneys at Stag Liuzza can build a case to secure damage awards utilizing legal remedies against harmful illnesses when proven exposure may be the cause.

Cancer.

About one in three people are diagnosed with cancer at some time in their life, and about one in five dies of cancer. Most cancers develop slowly and can appear any time spanning 5 to 40 years after exposure to a carcinogen. Victims should speak to an experienced toxic exposure attorney if they believe there is a direct relationship between a cancer diagnosis and AFFF, or PFAS exposure. The five most common forms of cancer from Louisiana data sets reveals it as frequent for prostate, breast, lung, colon, and kidney.

Toxic chemical transparency.

Experienced environmental attorneys understand the responsibility of oil refinery, airports, and manufacturing plants to initiate and make transparent the danger of toxic chemical use, and to complete pre and post-cleanup activities to lessen toxic exposures in drinking water. If they fail to do this, negligence may be proven to support a claim for illness related to toxic exposure from AFFF.

Talk to an attorney.

Attorneys at Stag Liuzza can review a case when illness has been documented and believed to be the result of AFFF exposure, or related PFAS exposure from drinking water. They can build a case for negligence in many cases toward the recover of necessary monetary compensation.

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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