6 Tips for Gathering Strong Evidence in an AFFF Cancer Lawsuit

In the quest for justice and accountability, individuals affected by Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and its devastating link to cancer face a troublesome challenge. It is the lingering challenge of gathering strong evidence to support their lawsuits.

Can you imagine an artist attempting to paint a vivid portrait without a brush or colors? Much like an artist, building a compelling case requires a palette of tangible evidence that vividly illustrates the pain and suffering experienced. In this article, we will delve into essential tips for gathering strong evidence, enabling you to document the harm and fight for the justice you deserve.

1. Explore the Connection between AFFF and Cancer

Understanding the intricate link between Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) and cancer is vital when building a strong case for an AFFF lawsuit. AFFF, widely used in firefighting and military training, contains poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) associated with various health risks, including cancer.

The situation has caught the eye of authorities, who are now asking for a restriction on these chemicals. According to AP News, in March 2023, the EPA issued new federal regulations for PFAS synthetic chemicals or per and poly-fluoroalkyl substances.

The plan would impose strict restrictions as these are known as “forever chemicals,” which do not leave and reside when in the system. Water suppliers will be required to do PFAS testing if the regulations are enacted before the end of 2023. The EPA’s new limitations are anticipated to prevent catastrophic diseases from spreading nationwide and save thousands of lives.

Although these steps are being taken, the association between AFFF and cancer has sparked a wave of firefighter foam cancer lawsuit cases. Individuals have been seeking compensation for the harm caused by this hazardous substance. Exploring the connection can fortify your evidence and strengthen your legal claim.

According to TorHoerman Law, numerous scientific studies have demonstrated the carcinogenic potential of AFFF. These studies have highlighted the increased risk of various types of cancer, such as kidney, testicular, pancreatic, and bladder cancer.

By delving into the specific type of cancer you or your loved one has been diagnosed with, you can establish a direct connection to the AFFF exposure. It is necessary as it can help you with your firefighter foam cancer lawsuit as a first step in determining the root cause of the harm.

2. Consult with Medical Professionals

When preparing for a lawsuit, it is vital to consult with medical professionals. They can provide valuable insights and opinions regarding the link between AFFF exposure and cancer. These professionals play a crucial role in documenting the harm inflicted by this hazardous substance and can significantly strengthen your case.

Reach out to oncologists, toxicologists, and other medical specialists who have experience studying the health effects of AFFF and its associated chemicals. They can review your medical records, including diagnostic tests, treatment plans, and pathology reports, to establish a clear connection between your cancer and AFFF exposure.

Their expertise can provide compelling evidence to support your claim, reinforcing the link between AFFF and the harm you have suffered.

3. Collect Personal Medical Records and History

Personal medical records and history provide crucial insights into your health journey, documenting the harm caused by AFFF exposure and establishing a clear timeline of events.

Start by gathering all relevant medical records, including diagnoses, pathology reports, treatment plans, and surgical procedures related to your cancer. These records serve as concrete evidence of the harm inflicted by AFFF and can help establish a direct link between the exposure and your diagnosis.

Compile a detailed medical history that includes pre-existing conditions, past treatments, and relevant family medical history. This broader context helps establish a direct connection between AFFF exposure and cancer development, ruling out unrelated factors.

4. Gather Documentation of AFFF Exposure

By providing tangible evidence of your contact with AFFF, you can establish a direct link between the substance and your cancer diagnosis, reinforcing the harm caused and supporting your claim for justice.

Gathering any records or documentation related to your occupation or activities that involved exposure to AFFF. For example, if you are a firefighter, collect employment records, training materials, and incident reports that mention the use of AFFF during firefighting operations.

If you lived or worked near airports, military bases, or industrial sites where AFFF was used, gather any relevant documents that indicate the presence and usage of AFFF.

Additionally, seek out witnesses who can attest to your exposure to AFFF. It may include fellow firefighters, colleagues, or neighbors who can provide firsthand accounts of the presence of AFFF in your working or living environment.

5. Preserve Physical and Environmental Evidence

According to Science Direct, PFAS, especially PFOS, are commonly found in AFFF-impacted sites, presenting ongoing environmental risks due to their widespread use.

Their site assessments examined the presence and distribution of 23 PFAS chemicals in different environmental elements, such as soil, water, sediment, and biota, and assessed the associated risks to the environment and human health.

Thus, such studies can help you and your lawyer prepare the groundwork for your lawsuit. After instantiating the conversation, you can start with the physical and environmental evidence. Preserving this evidence is crucial when building a strong case in an AFFF cancer lawsuit.

It can provide irrefutable proof of AFFF exposure and its detrimental impact on your health. By taking prompt action to safeguard such evidence, you strengthen your position and increase the chances of a successful outcome.

Preserve and document any personal protective equipment (PPE) used during AFFF exposure, along with samples of the physical environment where AFFF was present. Testing these samples can provide scientific evidence of contamination, strengthening your claim.

6. Document Financial Losses and Damages

While it is vital to establish the connection, quantifying the economic impact strengthens your case and ensures that you are appropriately compensated for the harm caused.

Start by compiling all medical bills, including diagnoses, treatments, surgeries, medications, and follow-up care costs. Keep track of out-of-pocket expenses, such as transportation to medical appointments or home modifications to accommodate your condition.

In addition to medical expenses, document any loss of income or earning capacity resulting from your cancer diagnosis. It may include wage statements, tax returns, or employment records showcasing pre- and post-diagnosis earnings.

Gathering Strong Evidence Is Paramount in the Pursuit of Justice

Sadly, during the past ten years, the words “firefighter” and “cancer” have come to mean the same thing. Based on “sufficient” evidence of the disease in humans, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) announced in 2022 that occupational exposure from being a fireman was classed as “carcinogenic to humans” (Group 1).

This classification indicates that being a fireman and being exposed to certain substances or activities related to firefighting are known to cause cancer.

Thus, seeking justice for the devastating consequences of AFFF and its cancer-causing properties requires collecting compelling evidence. By utilizing these strategies and with a robust portfolio of evidence, you can hold those responsible accountable for the harm they caused and demand justice.