Firefighting foam was designed to save lives. But for many people, it came at a serious cost. Aqueous Film-Forming Foam, or AFFF, has been linked to long-term health risks, including several types of cancer. And the people most exposed to it, including firefighters, military personnel, and airport workers, were often never warned.
Now, those affected are taking legal action. If you or someone you love was exposed to AFFF and later developed serious health problems, you may have the right to file a claim. To file an AFFF foam lawsuit in North Carolina, you start by consulting a lawyer, who will review your medical records, investigate your case, and file the claim on your behalf.
Here’s everything you need to know about filing an AFFF lawsuit in North Carolina and how a Charlotte AFFF foam lawsuit lawyer can help.
What is AFFF, and Why are Lawsuits Being Filed?
AFFF is a firefighting foam used to extinguish fuel-based fires. For decades, it was used in military bases, airports, and fire departments across the country. The problem is that AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as “forever chemicals.” These substances stay in the body and the environment for years.
Studies have shown links between PFAS exposure and a number of serious health conditions, including:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Pancreatic cancer
- Liver damage
- Thyroid disease
- Immune system disorders
Many of the companies that manufactured AFFF, such as 3M, DuPont, and Chemours, knew about the risks but failed to warn users. Now, they’re being held accountable with the help of our Charlotte mass tort lawyers.
For a free legal consultation, call (877) 333-1000
Who Qualifies to File an AFFF Foam Lawsuit?
You may qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit if:
- You worked as a firefighter, on a military base, or at an airport where AFFF was regularly used.
- You were directly exposed to AFFF or lived near a site where it was used or dumped.
- You were later diagnosed with certain cancers or illnesses linked to PFAS exposure.
Each case is different, and you don’t have to figure it out on your own. A Charlotte personal injury lawyer can help you determine if your exposure and medical history line up with current litigation.
What Steps are Involved in Filing a Claim?
Pursuing a lawsuit may sound overwhelming, but the process to file an AFFF foam lawsuit in North Carolina is usually more straightforward than people think. Here’s what to expect:
Initial Consultation
You’ll speak with a lawyer about your background, work history, exposure to AFFF, and any medical diagnoses. This step is completely free, and there’s no obligation to move forward.
Medical Record Review
Your legal team will gather and review your medical records to see how your diagnosis may be connected to AFFF exposure. They’ll also look at your exposure timeline, location, and relevant job duties.
Case Investigation
If your case appears viable, your lawyer will start building your claim. This includes identifying the manufacturer, establishing liability, and connecting your case to ongoing mass tort litigation.
Filing the Lawsuit
Your lawyer will formally file your case and join it with others in active litigation, usually through federal multidistrict litigation (MDL), which streamlines similar cases.
Negotiation or Trial
Depending on the outcome of larger settlements or bellwether trials, your case may settle or continue to trial. Either way, your individual circumstances will factor into your outcome.
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What Can a Charlotte AFFF Foam Lawsuit Lawyer Do for You?
An experienced Charlotte AFFF foam lawsuit attorney can provide the guidance and support you need during this process. We’ll take on the burden of:
- Gathering your medical and exposure records
- Identifying which manufacturer may be responsible
- Coordinating with national mass tort litigation
- Preparing your claim for settlement or trial
- Keeping you informed every step of the way
You’re not just another number. Your story matters, and it deserves the time and attention it takes to pursue real accountability.
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What Types of Compensation are Available?
The value of an AFFF foam lawsuit will depend on the specific details of your case. But in general, these lawsuits seek compensation for:
- Medical expenses, both past and future
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of quality of life
- Wrongful death damages (for surviving families)
Every case is individual. A firefighter exposed to foam for years might have different needs than someone affected through water contamination. That’s why these lawsuits aren’t filed as class actions. Your outcome is based on your specific injuries and losses.
What Is the Time Limit to File in North Carolina?
In North Carolina, the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or product liability claim is typically three years from the date of injury or diagnosis. For wrongful death claims, the deadline is usually two years from the date of death.
However, AFFF lawsuits involve PFAS exposure that may have happened years or even decades ago. In these cases, the state’s “discovery rule” may apply. This rule allows the deadline to start from the date you discovered (or reasonably should have discovered) the harm caused by exposure.
Don’t guess when your clock started. An attorney can evaluate your situation and tell you exactly how much time you have left to file.
Can You Still File if You Used AFFF Years Ago?
Yes. Many people filing these lawsuits were first exposed decades ago but were only recently diagnosed. That’s the nature of PFAS-related illnesses; they can take years to develop.
Because of this delay, the legal system allows for extended filing windows under specific circumstances. The sooner you speak with an attorney, the sooner you can find out if your case still qualifies.
Why are These Cases Important?
Holding chemical manufacturers accountable isn’t just about one person. It’s also about changing how these companies operate. When profits are put ahead of public health, people get hurt. And if no one speaks up, it keeps happening.
AFFF lawsuits are already having an impact. Courts are pushing manufacturers to release internal documents. Settlements are happening. More people are realizing they don’t have to stay silent about what happened to them or their families.
If you were exposed to AFFF, your voice matters. Your claim could be the one that drives real change.
Talk to a Charlotte AFFF Foam Lawsuit Lawyer Today
You don’t have to know all the answers right now. That’s what we’re here for. At DeMayo Law Offices, we offer free consultations to help you understand your rights and whether your case qualifies. If we take your case, you won’t owe us anything unless we win.
Reach out today to speak with a Charlotte AFFF foam lawsuit lawyer who’s ready to fight for you. We’re Your North Carolina Law Firm™, and we’re here when it matters most.
Call or text (877) 333-1000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
