City of Stuart, Florida is gearing up for the first bellwether trial in the AFFF firefighting foam class action lawsuit, which is scheduled to begin on June 5, 2023. The city alleges that PFAS from firefighting foam products made by companies like 3M and DuPont contaminated their water supply. This trial will be a crucial event for the litigation, and a successful verdict for the plaintiff could potentially lead to a multi-billion dollar global settlement.
Occupational exposure to AFFF firefighting foam is a significant concern in this litigation. Firefighters, as well as individuals working in airports and industrial facilities where AFFF was used extensively, are considered to have occupational exposure to PFAS. Numerous studies have confirmed that prolonged exposure to PFAS can elevate the risk of developing various types of cancer, including kidney, testicular, prostate, pancreatic, liver, bladder, breast, leukemia, and more.
Further complicating the AFFF litigation is the issue of groundwater contamination. Many residential areas near military bases and airports, where AFFF was frequently used, have reported high levels of PFAS in their drinking water. Individuals exposed to this contaminated water are also at risk of developing cancer.
Currently, there are over 3,000 pending cases in the AFFF class action MDL, with a continuous influx of new lawsuits each month. The upcoming bellwether trial will focus on the contamination of the City of Stuart’s water supply, and the outcome of the trial will likely set the stage for future settlement discussions.
In predicting potential settlement amounts, the top tier cases, involving individuals with long-term occupational exposure and severe cancer types, could receive an average settlement range of $300,000 to $600,000. Second-tier cases, with less exposure or less severe cancer types, may result in settlements ranging from $150,000 to $280,000. Third-tier cases could potentially receive settlements of $75,000 or less.
It is important to note that these settlement predictions are not guaranteed, and the final settlement offers will depend on various factors, including the severity of the individual cases and the negotiations between the parties involved.
Individuals eligible to bring an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit include those who can demonstrate occupational exposure to AFFF and subsequent cancer diagnosis. They may have been firefighters, airport workers, or individuals living near contaminated groundwater sources.
For those seeking legal representation for their AFFF claims, Miller & Zois is currently accepting new cases in all 50 states. Contact their AFFF class action lawyers at 800-553-8082 or via their website for a free consultation.
In conclusion, the AFFF firefighting foam class action lawsuit is a significant legal battle against manufacturers like 3M and DuPont. The upcoming bellwether trial in the City of Stuart v. 3M Co., et al. case will provide important insights into the future of the litigation and potential settlement discussions. Individuals who have been exposed to AFFF and subsequently diagnosed with cancer have the opportunity to seek compensation for their injuries through legal action.