Legal Options for Veterans Harmed by Toxic Exposure and Defective Products

Military veterans and active service members may have been exposed to unique environmental hazards and toxic products on the job that can increase the risk of certain types of cancer and other health problems. Because cancer can take a long time to develop, veterans may be more likely to receive a diagnosis than active-duty members.

Certain roles in the military, such as firefighters, insulation workers, construction workers, shipbuilders and building demolition personnel, may receive more exposure to cancer-causing hazards such as PFAS and asbestos.

Symptoms of health problems may not appear for years after military discharge. Veterans and their families may file lawsuits against product manufacturers to seek compensation for injuries.

Since the 1970s, the Department of Defense (DOD) has used aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) to fight fires. AFFF has links to kidney and testicular cancers.

Experts believe these cancers and other health problems are associated with chemicals called perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) used in firefighting foam. Potential PFAS health effects include fertility issues, increased cancer risk and liver damage.

Veteran firefighters may file AFFF lawsuits for cancer claims against chemical manufacturers. This litigation is ongoing. Companies such as DuPont and 3M are among those named as defendants in AFFF lawsuits.

PFAS in Military Base Water Supplies

AFFF is a major source of PFAS groundwater contamination on military bases. Because of the health problems associated with AFFF and PFAS, the Department of Defense is currently winding down its usage of AFFF and pledges to stop using it entirely by October 1, 2026, with exceptions for shipboard use.

While firefighters are at risk because of direct AFFF exposure, groundwater contamination at military bases also puts other veterans and family members at risk. Veterans and family members diagnosed with cancer and other health problems may qualify for PFAS water contamination lawsuits.

Firefighter Turnout Gear and PFAS Exposure

In addition to PFAS in AFFF, firefighter turnout gear used by military and civilian firefighters may also contain PFAS. Studies have indicated that firefighters have higher levels of PFAS in their blood than the general population.

Firefighter turnout gear lawsuits seek compensation for injuries such as cancer.

Veterans and their families exposed to contaminated water at Camp Lejeune from the 1950s through 1980s have an increased risk of developing liver, kidney and bladder cancer, as well as non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Parkinson’s disease.

According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, dry cleaning solvents and chemicals from underground fuel tanks led to the contamination.

The Camp Lejeune Justice Act (CLJA) of 2022 is part of the Honoring our Promise to Address Comprehensive Toxics (PACT) Act of 2022. These acts make it possible for veterans to file a claim for compensation for injuries stemming from Camp Lejeune water contamination.

The deadline to file a claim with the Navy expired in August 2024, but lawyers are still accepting Camp Lejeune lawsuits from veterans who developed cancer and other illnesses because of exposure to the toxic chemicals in the water.

In the past, the military used asbestos, a naturally occurring mineral, because of its fire and heat resistance. Some veterans exposed to asbestos developed mesothelioma, a rare cancer that forms in the lining of the organs. Pleural mesothelioma, which develops in the lining of the lungs, is the most common type.

Manufacturers used asbestos in brakes, gaskets, floor tiles, roofing shingles, heat-resistant fabrics and more. Veterans who worked around these materials or in the demolition of older buildings could be at risk.

Manufacturers of asbestos-containing products still face mesothelioma lawsuits. Many of these companies, such as W.R. Grace and Johns Manville, have set up trusts to pay out settlements.

Another potential for asbestos exposure is asbestos-contaminated talcum powder, such as baby powder. Some people who developed ovarian cancer or mesothelioma after using talcum powder filed talcum powder lawsuits against Johnson & Johnson.

Veterans or their loved ones can take legal action for toxic exposures such as PFAS, asbestos or water contamination. We’ve outlined some steps to take action.

Veterans should act right away to preserve their ability to file a legal claim because each state has a time limit to file, called a statute of limitations. A lawyer can help determine these timelines and properly file a lawsuit.