How do lay people file Aqueous Film-Forming Foam injury lawsuits in Louisiana?

Louisiana – February 6, 2023

Individuals do not have to be current firefighters or members of the miliary to file a toxic exposure action.  As of January 2023, there were a total of 3,387 active cases pending in the Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) class action multi district litigation. Some of these cases involve claims by local governments that PFAS in firefighting foam contaminated the water supply. The rest are traditional product liability cases alleging that exposure to AFFF caused cancer. Guidance from a toxic exposure lawyer at the Law Offices of Stag Liuzza can reduce worries and put individuals who have suffered illness or loss caused by (AFFF) exposure on a path toward financial compensation to aid in illness recovery or disease maintenance as well as supporting families that are negatively impacted by the death of a breadwinner. Current lay people who have worked as firefighters or been enlisted in the miliary run the risk of being diagnosed with medical conditions caused by exposure to work-related chemicals and should be screened if they are concerned about the named health problems associated with AFFF.

Supporting documentation.

To make a claim against the manufacturers of AFFF, individuals will need to collect supporting materials for their case.  They may include employment or military records that show a time period and they type of exposure, and medical records that will prove a related diagnoses caused by toxic exposure.  Legal experts will be utilized to research additional proof of a claim for AFFF exposure harms. This toxic foam contains PFAS, or poly-fluoroalkyl substances, which can remains in the environment and builds up in the human body resulting in a variety of health problems that can be very serious and lead to death.

AFFF illness.

Liver malfunction, alterations in hormones, thyroid disruption, colitis, obesity, high cholesterol and kidney and testicular cancer are related to AFFF exposure.  Other studies have cited decreased fertility, negative affects to immune system, impacts to children’s growth and learning disabilities to these chemicals.  The Centers for Disease Control claims more research needs to be concluded to rule out a definite link between negative health effects and exposure to PFAS.  Louisiana attorneys can discuss concerns surrounding extended use of AFFF and guide legal action when appropriate.

Worker’s compensation means of support.

The Louisiana Workforce Commission has a specific process to be undertaken when a person becomes injured on the job, contracts an illness that is job-related, or dies on the job, necessitating a workers’ compensation claim for monetary damages. Environmental attorneys at Stag Liuzza can work with  victims of toxic exposures that result in death or leave workers with permanent disability.

Talk to a toxic exposure lawyer.

Individuals who have been harmed by AFFF exposure, either suffering their own illness or through the deterioration and death of a loved one should discuss their case particulars with experienced attorneys who understand the dangers of AFFF exposure.

STAG LIUZZA, LLC

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

Ph: 504-593-9600
Fax: 504-593-9601

Sources.

1. PFAS AFFF MDL Moves Ahead (natlawreview.com)
2. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/firefighters/health.html
3. https://blogs.cdc.gov/niosh-science-blog/2014/12/17/cancer-ff/
4. https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/pgms/worknotify/pdfs/ff-cancer-factsheet-final-508.pdf
5. https://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=83496
6. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=814789
7. https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=110567
8. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109387
9. http://www.laworks.net/WorkersComp/OWC_MainMenu.asp
10. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371