Firefighter Gear PFAS Lawsuit Updates
As of June 2024, there is no specific MDL for firefighter turnout gear lawsuits; however, several cases may be consolidated within the Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) MDL 2873, which has 9,576 pending cases. AFFF, used to combat fuel-based fires, contains toxic PFAS chemicals linked to cancer—similar to those found in firefighter gear, also known as bunker gear. This overlap justifies their consolidation to streamline the legal process.
We have conducted thorough research, analyzing court documents and consulting with legal experts to provide the latest updates on turnout gear lawsuits.
Diagnosed with cancer or ulcerative colitis after PFAS exposure?
Timeline of Firefighter PFAS Litigation
May 2024
- San Francisco became the first major U.S. city to ban PFAS in firefighter gear, marking a significant step toward improved safety for firefighters. Leading law firms, including Simmons Hanly Conroy and Motley Rice, are collaborating with the International Fire Fighter Association to push for PFAS-free alternatives in turnout gear. While no trials have been scheduled yet, lawyers are working to establish a trial pool and finalize discovery schedules, with expectations for the first trial to begin in late 2025.
February 2024
Judge Richard Mark Gergel, overseeing the AFFF MDL 2873, ordered the creation of Plaintiff Fact Sheets specific to turnout gear cases. This could help streamline litigation, as many plaintiffs cite both AFFF and turnout gear as exposure sources.
Highlights from 2023
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A law firm in South Carolina filed lawsuits on behalf of over 130 firefighters and first responders who have developed various cancers, including prostate and bladder cancer. These lawsuits claim that manufacturers knowingly sold PFAS-containing turnout gear without adequately warning users of the health risks.
- We will continue to provide updates on firefighter turnout gear litigation, as the AFFF MDL has become a central hub for various PFAS-related lawsuits, including those involving water contamination and turnout gear.
March 2023
In March, the International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) filed a lawsuit against the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), alleging that NFPA required PFAS for turnout gear testing standards, which NFPA has labeled as baseless.
Why Are Firefighters Filing Turnout Gear Lawsuits?
Firefighters and first responders are pursuing lawsuits against manufacturers of turnout gear because they believe PFAS chemicals used in the gear have caused them to develop serious health issues, including cancer. Plaintiffs allege that these manufacturers were aware of the risks for years but failed to disclose them, even concealing dangers.
Firefighters also face additional exposure to PFAS through their use of AFFF during training and operations. A study published in Environmental Research highlighted that PFAS can accumulate in the blood of firefighters, linking their exposure to an increased risk of several cancers, including thyroid, kidney, and testicular cancer.
Who Qualifies to File a AFFF Lawsuit?
Firefighters, paramedics, and first responders who have used turnout gear and subsequently developed specific cancers may be eligible to file a lawsuit. Such legal action can provide compensation for physical, financial, and emotional damages. Families of affected firefighters can also file wrongful death lawsuits against manufacturers of PFAS-containing gear.
Conditions Named in Firefighter Gear Lawsuits:
Bladder cancer
Blood cancer
Breast cancer
Kidney cancer
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Leukemia
Liver cancer
Myeloma
Multiple Myeloma
Non Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Pancreatic cancer
Preeclampsia / Low Birthweight
Prostate cancer (males only)
Testicular cancer
Thyroid cancer
Ulcerative Colitis
As firefighters currently lack safe gear alternatives, these lawsuits aim to raise awareness and push for better protective options.
See if you qualify for a PFAS Water Contamination Lawsuit?
How to Find a Turnout Gear Cancer Lawyer
To find a lawyer specializing in turnout gear lawsuits, consider filling out a free case evaluation form. You can also search online or contact your local bar association for referrals.
When looking for legal representation, seek firms with a strong track record in handling complex mass tort litigations like PFAS lawsuits. While these firms may not have local offices, they can assist clients nationwide. It’s advisable to consult multiple firms to discuss their credentials, experience, and success rates in securing settlements and winning jury trials.
Advocate for Change
As Edward Kelly, General President of the International Fire Fighter Association (IAFF), stated, “We need to combat what is killing us. Cancer is the number one killer of firefighters, and for years, corporate interests have put profits over our lives. It stops now.”
The IAFF has partnered with leading law firms to advocate for safer alternatives to PFAS in turnout gear, striving to ensure the well-being of firefighters and first responders.
