Firefighters endure more health hazards by using AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) to extinguish fires. It is a sprayable foam that is designed for diffusing high-intensity fires that are fueled by accelerants, such as gasoline. A few of the active chemicals that are present in AFFF usually belong to a group of chemicals called PFAS (perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances).
PFAS can be defined as a distinctive chemical cluster that is highly resistant to the utmost heat and doesn’t get broken by water or oil. The indestructible nature of this chemical doesn’t allow it to break down or biodegrade in the environment. They even accumulate in the human bloodstream for the longest time and cause several fatal ailments.
The reason this chemical persists in the environment or the human body is because it is characterized by many carbon-fluorine bonds that are highly enduring and robust. It is also called forever chemicals because of its persistence.
Over the years, AFFF exposure has caused much harm to human health, especially for firefighters and military personnel. It’s natural for them to file a lawsuit and ask for the compensation that they deserve. Legal processes take time, and claimants need to adhere to the correct legal formalities. In this article, we will shed light on how individuals affected by AFFF exposure can have the maximum chance of getting their compensation to cover the damages.
Getting Compensated for Your Loss: Useful Tactics to Count On
In the last decade, scientific studies have shown that chronic exposure to PFAS present in AFFF can result in multiple kinds of cancer. According to a health advisory, published by the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), studies done on animals reveal that staying exposed to PFAS leads to testicular and kidney cancer.
Additionally, the IARC (International Agency for Research on Cancer) carried out many studies that stated that humans exposed to the toxic PFAS lead to prostate, testicular, and kidney cancer. On the other hand, the American Cancer Society and the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) share similar conclusions and consider PFAS a human carcinogen.
Therefore, it is necessary for individuals affected by this chemical to seek fair compensation to cover the medical expenses and other losses they have undergone. Considering the previous payouts for the mass tort cases on cancer, one can figure out the probable firefighter foam cash settlements. Even though the amount is case-specific, the average settlement amount ranges between $300,000 and $600,000.
Diseases like thyroid, rectal, pancreatic, colon, and breast cancer affect the quality of an individual’s life. It makes them unable to work and results in the loss of monthly earnings, which increases their financial burden. Therefore, it is necessary for the ones affected, which can be airport and military personnel along with firefighters, to ensure they receive the monetary compensation they deserve.
Here are a few tactics that can help victims maximize their chances of getting successfully compensated with the right payout.
Document All Your Damages
It can comprise any emotional distress, financial losses, and physical injuries you have experienced because of AFFF exposure. You need to keep a record of every cost owing to lost earnings, medical tests and treatment, and various other expenses incurred to heal your injuries.
Also, it will prove helpful if you also document the way your injuries have impacted your everyday life. It can comprise the pain and suffering you have witnessed and any restrictions that you have developed in your hobbies or work because of your physical weakness. When you document all the damages precisely, it’s possible to explain your losses to the accountable party and enhance your base for negotiating the settlement payout.
The AFFF MDL at the South Carolina District Court witnessed 3.5 million documents produced by petitioners for more than three years. These comprised documented damages, such as property damage, personal injury claims, and medical monitoring. Also, all these cases included allegations that the AFFF manufacturers were aware of the health hazards linked to AFFF but didn’t inform the public about them.
Connect With an Ace Lawyer
Managing an AFFF lawsuit is daunting. There are intricate legal processes that are challenging for a layperson to decipher. Therefore, the guidance and skill of an expert lawyer are essential to ensure that you file your legal complaint correctly and get compensated without any delay or hindrances.
A lawyer can negotiate with the other party and ensure that you get an increased settlement amount to cover all the damages you have endured. For this, it is necessary to have a compelling case.
TorHoerman Law states that this can be achieved by presenting the lawyer with every crucial piece of evidence related to your case. It includes medical records, medicine receipts, AFFF exposure duration, and other healthcare data. The lawyers will use this data to develop a strong case that will ensure you get compensated with no hassle or delay.
Try To Anticipate the Argument of the Other Party
For the other party, you need to consider their weaknesses and strengths. It will help you know how they can negotiate for a reduced settlement payout and be prepared to debate against it. Ideally, it’s the lawyer who takes on the duty of negotiation, but you need to know about similar AFFF lawsuits and settlements so that you know what to answer should a question be addressed to you.
Once you can comprehend the arguments the other side can make, you will be better prepared to deal with them.
Exercise Flexibility and Patience
When you are awaiting the payout for your AFFF lawsuit, you need to be flexible and patient all through the negotiation process. It can take time, and you should not rush the process. Also, you need to have a practical expectation of the settlement amount, which will help you stay content when you get the payout and not be disappointed.
Often, when victims expect a high settlement payout and don’t receive it, they tend to get upset. A lawyer can help you set your expectations correctly for the payout settlement and the clearance time.
Summing up, every legal case takes time to get resolved and transfer the individual compensation to the victim’s banking account. But that shouldn’t deter you from seeking legal guidance. Instead, it is necessary to get your claim process correct with the assistance of an ace lawyer and follow the guidelines that they share so that you can maximize your chances of receiving the payout.