The life of a firefighter appears brave, but that is not the actual picture. In reality, their lives are laden with challenges. Unfortunately, the firefighter foam, or AFFF, they use to extinguish dangerous liquid fires leads to various health hazards. Over the years, firefighters have suffered from prostate, kidney, bladder, and testicular cancer because of AFFF exposure and have either had a poor quality of life or faced untimely death.
The firefighter foam contains PFAS, which is also called ‘forever chemicals’ and is the root cause of all harm. Since these chemicals remain in the environment and human blood, the scope of firefighters’ suffering is greater. The sad part is that most AFFF manufacturers failed to disclose the dangers of this toxic foam to people. They had always maintained a rather rigid stance that the ‘forever chemicals’ are inert ingredients, despite the CDC claiming it to be a human carcinogen.
Hence, firefighters who have suffered because of PFAS exposure want to be compensated for their loss and damage. Sadly, the VA doesn’t recognize their suffering or the need for them to get disability benefits. In this article, we will discuss this issue and whether AFFF exposure victims should consult a lawyer to get covered for their damages.
Firefighters Struggle to Receive VA Benefits
A national study states that US firefighters suffer mostly from cancer and untimely deaths compared to any other global demographic. The IACR (International Agency for Cancer Research), in July 2022, upgraded the firefighting rating to Group 1 profession, which indicates maximum carcinogenic risks.
The enforcement of the PACT Act in August 2022 declared the long-awaited reforms to assist the veterans who have witnessed the lasting outcomes of toxic AFFF exposures during their service tenure. Despite the established side effects of PFAS, the VA failed to consider earlier firefighters’ exposure to this toxic foam as a presumptive service-allied factor qualifying them for compensation or disability benefits.
In September 2023, The Bibb Voice reported that veteran firefighters asking for help from the VA for ailments resulting from AFFF exposure should establish a service correlation with the disease. That is an uphill task. It’s because they have to source service records that date back decades. The chances are that they might not get it or face delays.
And the medical data provided as PFAS causal links isn’t considered valid enough for the majority of diagnoses. Hence, most firefighters are facing challenges with filing VA claims for exposure to AFFF. Considering this situation, a few veteran service members feel that they might not receive VA benefits at all.
The Unfortunate Story of Michael Lecik
Veteran firefighter Michael Lecik’s story reveals how the VA’s lack of recognition of the side effects of AFFF has affected people. In 2019, Lecik was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. The VA had denied his disability claim repeatedly, which added more challenges to his situation. It stopped him from having access to the correct treatment because of the high expenses. As a result, at the age of 41, he passed away.
Before his demise, a legislative proposal in his name was introduced to the House of Representatives. The attempt was to recognize the presumptive service-related conditions he suffered from. But despite being mentioned in 2021 for the second time, the proposal could never progress beyond the congressional subcommittee. In June 2023, the Michael Lecik Military Firefighters Protection Act was submitted again for the third time.
But it seems things are slightly better now. The awareness of AFFF exposure and its side effects has brought about regulatory initiatives. For instance, the Department of Defense aims to completely phase out toxic firefighter foam by October 2024. Additionally, there are attempts to adopt fluorine-free foams that will pose less danger.
How Can a Lawyer Help?
Today, many firefighters have failed to receive VA benefits for AFFF exposure, like Michael Lecik. If you are one of them or have received a cancer diagnosis because of PFAS exposure, it is best to file a lawsuit under the guidance of a lawyer.
TorHoerman Law states that an expert lawyer will study your case during the first consultation and determine if you are eligible to file a lawsuit. You should follow their guidance and prepare for the claim.
You have to submit necessary medical records, healthcare data, proof of your profession that had AFFF exposure, and a medicine list you used for your lawyer to build a solid case. Once they do, they will ensure that you receive the benefits and compensation that you deserve to cover your economic and non-economic damages.
In conclusion, today it is evident that AFFF exposure causes testicular, kidney, bladder, and pancreatic cancer and various other health hazards. It is natural for firefighters to expect VA benefits. If your claims have been denied, contact a lawyer and follow their guidelines to receive the compensation you need to cover the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
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