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Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) is a chemical product used to suppress fires that arise from flammable liquids. The foam may contain multiple types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS),which are toxic chemicals. Exposure to PFAS is associated with several types of cancer and other negative health effects. PFAS are also known as “forever chemicals” because they take an exceptionally long time to break down in the environment and in the body.

Thousands of lawsuits have been filed claiming that individuals exposed to AFFF suffered serious health problems. In 2018, a multidistrict litigation (MDL) was set up to combine these cases in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. Plaintiffs primarily include military and civilian firefighters, airport and industrial workers, and people living in communities affected by PFAS contamination. The plaintiffs allege a wide variety of severe injuries.

We expect to see all types of healthcare liens resulting from settlements and awards stemming from this MDL. As many claimants are or were military service members at the time of their exposure, the litigation may produce a greater-than-average number of military healthcare liens.

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