In the course of their jobs, many Montana firefighters have been exposed to toxic substances, including aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) and other products containing per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Exposure to these foams, which were used to fight petroleum and jet-fuel fires, has been connected with the development of cancer.
If you are, or were, a firefighter and developed cancer after being exposed to toxic substances, you may be entitled to file a firefighter cancer lawsuit. At Kovacich Snipes Johnson, our team of workplace injury lawyers can help you understand your rights under the Montana firefighter cancer presumption law.
Montana Occupational Disease Law and How It Applies to Firefighters
Occupational diseases, like cancer, are covered by the Montana Workers’ Compensation Act. Additionally, firefighters who meet eligibility requirements have even more protections under Montana’s new presumptive occupational disease law.
This law was passed to help firefighters after connections were made between exposure to substances like AFFF and the development of cancer. It strives to make the process of getting compensation easier for firefighters who fit certain criteria.
To be eligible under the firefighter cancer presumption law, a firefighter must have developed one of the presumptive occupational diseases within a certain time period. The diseases include:
- Colorectal cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Cervical cancer
- Brain cancer (any type)
- Breast cancer
- Lung cancer
- Leukemia
- Esophageal cancer
- Kidney cancer
- Multiple myeloma
- Mesothelioma
- Testicular cancer
- Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
- Myocardial infarction (heart attack)
The Challenges of Montana Firefighter Cancer Compensation Cases
Filing a lawsuit might offer the compensation you need after you develop an occupational illness because of exposure to toxic substances like AFFF. However, these cases are complicated.
First, you must prove that you are eligible. This means gathering evidence that you worked as a firefighter and had no underlying health issues that led to the condition. Depending on the type of cancer you developed, your eligibility may rest on how many years have passed from the last day you worked as a firefighter.
You can expect all of this information to be looked at very closely. Any deviation can make you ineligible to file an occupational illness claim. Our experienced lawyers can present your evidence in a way that will prevent delays associated with claim refusals. If you’re filing for a loved one who died as a result of one of these illnesses, we can help you file the most appropriate legal action.
With a lawyer helping you, you can understand the strengths and potential weaknesses of your case. In some instances, filing a lawsuit against the manufacturer of the toxic product is a better option.
Compensation Available for Firefighters
Filing a claim for workers’ compensation for firefighters in Montana would allow you to get coverage for the medical expenses you’ve incurred because of your illness, including coverage of future care.
If you can no longer work, you can receive some of your lost wages, along with a portion of the future wages you would otherwise have been able to earn. However, you cannot receive compensation for your pain and suffering through this type of claim. That requires filing and winning a firefighter cancer lawsuit in Montana.
Contact a Montana Firefighter Cancer Lawyer at Kovacich Snipes Johnson
If you’ve developed cancer as a result of your firefighting duties, you may be able to recover your losses through a claim. Although Montana has made the process a bit more streamlined by passing a presumptive occupational disease law, you shouldn’t begin any legal action without assistance from experienced attorneys.
At Kovacich Snipes Johnson, we’re prepared to take on your workplace-illness claim. Contact us to schedule a free consultation with an attorney.
