Louisiana lawyers explain how AFFF claims are processed for United States Veterans.

Louisiana – February 7, 2023

Many military service firefighter veterans have suffered physical, emotional, and financial harms through illnesses related to Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), which is a chemical used in training exercises and to combat fires in the field. The chemicals contained in AFFF have been found to build up in a person’s body over time and can cause serious, life-threatening sickness, including cancer.  An experienced toxic exposure attorney in Louisiana can assist victims of toxic exposure and their families by reviewing their case and processing claims to the Department of Veterans Affairs.

Veterans Affairs recognizes dangers of AFFF to service personnel.

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has accepted that veterans may have been affected by exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances during firefighting requesting them to report any health problems associated with exposure to AFFF foam in all military facilities.  Veterans who have been harmed by toxic AFFF exposure may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems they believe are related to in-service exposure to the chemicals. To receive disability benefits on these grounds, it is necessary to satisfy the elements of service connection, including:

• a current, diagnosed disability or related illness,
• military records revealing firefighter activities, dates of service and region,
• medical records, which must state the causal link between a diagnosis and named toxic exposure.

Veterans can receive assistance from the United States Government through financial and medical assistance programs at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).  These programs have been set up to address service-related illness effects that diminish the quality of life and may be a factor in premature death.

Toxic exposure claims.

Veterans may consider working with legal counsel experienced with toxic exposure claims, who can streamline the application and follow-up processes.  Qualifying veterans may receive monetary benefits for:

• Medical treatment,
• Necessary medications,
• Medical equipment,
• At home care and nursing services,
• Mental health counseling,
• Physical therapy,
• Dependents,
• Burial and funeral expenses.

Seek legal counsel.

Depending upon the severity of the illness, and the particulars of the individual case, lawyers may be able to find other avenues to secure compensation by taking legal action against companies that produced and supplied AFFF firefighting products. Experienced attorneys at Stag Liuzza understand how important it is to seek financial assistance through VA benefits, and comprehensive financial awards for damages from the manufacturers and suppliers of AFFF.

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 – Perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances – Public Health (va.gov)
2. https://legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=110567
3. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109387
4. http://www.legis.la.gov/legis/Law.aspx?d=109371