Firefighting Foam

Michigan Consumer Rights Lawyers Advocating for Firefighters

It seems to be a repeating pattern that some of the most effective and useful industrial and consumer inventions, such as talcum powder and asbestos, end up causing cancer. There are several types of firefighting foam that have been used over the past 70 years containing toxic substances known as polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS. PFAS are a group of human-made chemicals that have been widely used in various industrial and consumer products due to their water- and grease-resistant properties. In the context of firefighting foam, PFAS-containing foams have been used to suppress flammable liquid fires, such as those involving jet fuel.

This group of chemicals have been linked to cancer, as well as stunting growth in children. Both the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the United States Center for Disease Control (CDC) have reported PFAS can be associated with cancer, and that the substance poses an environmental risk. Attorneys working for the Department of Environmental Protection for the state of New Jersey filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of the foam for knowingly producing and selling products containing toxic substances.

Dangerous exposure to firefighting foam may come in many forms, and affect many people besides those directly working with the products may have suffered serious adverse medical consequences from such exposure. Types of exposure may include:

Inhalation: Firefighters and individuals in the vicinity of a fire where PFAS-containing foam is used may inhale airborne particles or vapors. Prolonged exposure to certain PFAS chemicals has been associated with respiratory issues.

Skin Contact: Direct contact with the foam or contaminated surfaces may lead to skin absorption of PFAS chemicals. Skin exposure can contribute to the overall body burden of these substances.

Water Supply Contamination: PFAS can leach into the environment and contaminate water supplies. Runoff from fire fighting activities, especially in areas where large volumes of foam have been used, can result in the presence of PFAS in surface water and groundwater.

Some PFAS compounds have been associated with adverse health effects, including liver damage, immune system dysfunction, developmental issues, and an increased risk of certain cancers. The potential health impacts of PFAS exposure are an active area of research. It’s important to note that not all firefighting foams contain PFAS, and there are efforts to develop and use alternative foams that are less harmful to human health and the environment. Additionally, regulatory agencies and firefighting organizations are working to establish guidelines and regulations to minimize the use of PFAS-containing foams and address their potential impacts.

If you or a loved one have suffered kidney damage or cancer, testicular cancer, or pancreatic cancer, or other adverse effects after exposure to firefighting foam, you may have a claim for compensation for your medical expenses and the pain and suffering you have endured. The Michigan attorneys at Neumann Law Group are currently accepting clients who may have suffered injury from exposure to dangerous firefighting foam. Our legal team understands all of the steps that must be taken to successfully hold manufacturers accountable for your injuries by pursuing a product liability claim.

At no out of pocket cost to you, our attorneys will evaluate the circumstances surrounding your exposure to firefighting foam and assess the potential strength of your case. This includes determining whether there is evidence of negligence, defect, or failure to warn on the part of the manufacturers, distributors, or other parties involved in the production and use of the foam.

One crucial aspect of a product liability claim is establishing a direct link between your exposure to the firefighting foam and the harm you suffered. Our Michigan lawyers work with experts, such as toxicologists and medical professionals, to establish causation. We will help gather and organize relevant documents, such as medical records, incident reports, safety data sheets, and any other evidence that supports your claim. These documents play a crucial role in building a strong case.

Once a strong case has been built, we will engage in negotiations with the responsible parties or their insurers to seek a fair settlement on your behalf. This may involve negotiations for compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disability-related costs, and other damages. If a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiations, we won’t hesitate to file a lawsuit and represent you in court.

If you may have been exposed, contact the experienced dangerous product attorneys at Neumann Law Group. We offer a free consultation and will evaluate your claim. We represent clients throughout Michigan, and out of our offices on the east and west coasts. Reach out through our website or call (800) 525-6386 to schedule a no-obligation consultation today.