North Carolina Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Firefighters put their lives on the line every day, not knowing what challenges they may face. Unfortunately, many firefighters have developed severe illnesses through exposure to firefighting foams that contain PFAS chemicals. These substances are linked to various severe health problems, leaving affected firefighters needing to seek justice and compensation.

At Ward Black Law, our firefighting foam lawyers are committed to helping the brave men and women who protect our communities. We have represented injured people in North Carolina for over 30 years, helping them pursue the money they need through workers’ compensation and personal injury claims. We’re ready to handle all the complicated legal work of a toxic foam claim while you focus on your medical treatment and spend time with your family.

Contact our firefighting foam attorneys today or complete our contact form for a free case review.

How Our Firm Helps NC Firefighters Harmed by Toxic Foam

Our PFAS and AFFF lawyers are here to support you through every step of the legal journey, whether you’re pursuing a personal injury lawsuit or a workers’ compensation claim. Our AFFF attorneys start by discussing your specific situation and evaluating the best course of action during a free case review.

Next, our team diligently gathers evidence to prove the link between your health issues and PFAS exposure. We work with medical experts to document your conditions and with industry specialists to demonstrate how the exposure occurred during your job. Our thorough preparation is crucial for building a robust and compelling case on your behalf.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, our goal remains the same: to achieve the best possible outcome for you. Our North Carolina firefighter workers’ compensation attorneys stand ready to pursue all the support necessary to cover your medical expenses, lost income, and other related costs. Let us handle the legal burdens while you focus on your health and recovery.

What Are PFAS and AFFF?

Toxic firefighting foam lawsuits center on two chemicals with complex names and acronyms: perfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS, and aqueous film-forming foam, or AFFF.

According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), PFAS are a group of manufactured chemicals widely used in various industries since the 1940s. Known for their resistance to heat, oil, stains, grease, and water, PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in the environment and the human body, where they can accumulate over time. The widespread use and environmental persistence of the toxic substances mean that PFAS are found globally in water, air, and soil, as well as in the bloodstreams of people and animals.

AFFF is a type of firefighting foam that is particularly effective against fuel fires. It works by spreading a thin aqueous film that quickly suppresses the fire and coats the fuel, preventing its contact with oxygen, which effectively stops the fire from reigniting. AFFF has been extensively used during emergency response and training exercises, particularly in locations like airports, military bases, and firefighting training facilities. Unfortunately, because AFFF contains PFAS, its use has led to environmental contamination and health risks for people exposed to it, especially firefighters.

Overview of PFAS Firefighting Foams Used in North Carolina

Many lawsuits are already pending against companies that made AFFF containing PFAS. According to news reports, some of the firefighting foam manufacturers that are now facing firefighter foam lawsuits include chemical companies such as:

• DuPont
• Chemours
• 3M Company
• AGC Chemicals
• Daikin Industries Ltd.
• Solvay Specialty Polymers

Health Risks to NC Firefighters from Foam Exposure

The EPA notes that research has linked PFAS exposure to many human health risks, including:

• Cancer risks – Exposure to PFAS-containing firefighting foams increases the risk of several types of cancer, including prostate, kidney, and testicular cancers.
• Immune system impact – PFAS exposure can weaken the immune system, reducing the body’s ability to fight infections.
• Birth defects – Children exposed to PFAS chemicals may experience low birth weight, accelerated puberty, and behavioral changes.
• Cholesterol and weight problems – PFAS exposure is linked to increased cholesterol levels and a higher risk of obesity.
• Reproductive concerns – There can be negative effects on fertility and an increased risk of high blood pressure during pregnancy among people exposed to PFAS.

Other Chemical Exposures

• Asbestos
• Benzene
• Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH)
• Formaldehyde
• Diesel Fumes
• Phosgene gas
• Fine Particulate Matter
• Smoke
• Arsenic

Seeking Compensation for PFAS Foam Exposure

North Carolina firefighters who have developed illnesses from PFAS exposure have two main routes to pursue compensation for their losses: workers’ compensation claims and personal injury lawsuits.

Workers’ Compensation Claims

Because many firefighters were exposed to toxic PFAS chemicals from spraying AFFF as part of their jobs at fire departments and commercial airports, they often qualify for workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits, which are available without having to prove fault, cover occupational diseases or injuries firefighters develop.

Under workers’ compensation, affected firefighters can receive several types of benefits, such as:

• Medical expenses – Coverage for all medical treatments related to exposure to PFAS-containing foams.
• Lost wages – A portion of the income firefighters have lost due to their illness.
• Disability benefits – If the exposure leads to long-term health impacts, sick firefighters may qualify for disability benefits, varying from temporary to permanent benefits for partial or total disabilities.

Personal Injury Lawsuits

Unlike workers’ compensation, winning an AFFF lawsuit requires firefighters to prove that someone – typically the manufacturer of the foam – was negligent. This legal route can help firefighters recover money for a greater range of losses than a workers’ comp claim, including money for:

• Full medical costs – All past, present, and estimated future medical expenses resulting from the exposure.
• Lost wages and earning capacity – Compensation for all wages lost during recovery (unlike partial wage replacement under workers’ compensation) and possibly reduced earning capacity if the firefighter cannot return to work in the same capacity.
• Pain and suffering – Financial compensation for physical and emotional distress caused by the illnesses.
• Punitive damages – In cases of egregious negligence, courts may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar actions in the future.

Many firefighters with toxic foam injuries could be entitled to both workers’ compensation benefits and a settlement or judgment from a personal injury lawsuit. Our attorneys are prepared to pursue maximum compensation for you from every available source.