By Michael Bartlett on January 09th, 2026 in Jones Act
Maritime workers often face hazardous conditions in rough seas, putting them at risk of catastrophic injuries. Seafarers may also be exposed to synthetic chemicals in firefighting foam that have been linked to increased risks of developing cancer.
While maritime law covers "maintenance and cure" benefits for workers, the standard payouts are usually not enough to cover the actual costs of severe medical conditions. Seafarers may be facing an increased risk of cancer from "forever chemicals" in aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) that are often equipped in sea vessels for transport. If you developed any of the linkable cancers mentioned below after working in a navigable vessel, you may be eligible for claims under the Jones Act. Under this federal statute, a seafarer may file legal action and seek compensation from their employer if negligence or unseaworthiness is proven.
A significant number of maritime workers in the US work with fuels and oils, especially since water vessel transport is one of the cheapest options to move fuel domestically or internationally. For several decades, AFFF has been used on these ships and tankers to suppress Class B fires, exposing workers to PFAS when the foam is used or spilled. PFAS exposure has been linked to health complications, and it has been associated with an increased risk of different types of cancers.
PFAS exposure has been strongly associated with kidney cancer after a study found that people with high levels of PFAS in their bloodstream were twice as likely to develop kidney cancer as those with low levels. Seafarers who handled PFAS-containing products or were exposed to high volumes of AFFF may be facing higher odds of developing kidney cancer. These chemicals in AFFF have also been linked to thyroid cancer, leukemia, non-Hodgkin lymphoma, and multiple myeloma. "Forever chemicals" have been found to interfere with thyroid receptors, induce oxidative stress, and disrupt endocrine functions. Because of these mechanisms that are linked to cancer development, chemicals in firefighting foam have also been linked to testicular cancer and breast cancer (male and female).
Maritime laws come with unique coverage, and understanding the coverage of each system can be complicated. When a seafarer is injured, they are entitled to "maintenance and cure" benefits under a no-fault coverage system. However, maintenance rates can be as low as $30 per day, and standard compensation systems may not cover all damages resulting from a worker's injury or illness. This is where the Jones Act, a fault-based compensation system, provides additional protection for maritime workers. Under this system, a worker may file compensation for both economic and non-economic damages, such as the following:
If you developed cancer after years of working as a seafarer, your condition might be related to your exposure to PFAS. While AFFF is the most potent source, you might also have accumulated exposure by handling different industrial products. The challenge in filing a Jones Act claim is documenting your exposure and proving a connection between your exposure pattern and cancer diagnosis. We highly encourage you to contact a specialized attorney to help you file your claim. To get a free case evaluation from our attorneys, contact ELG Law as soon as you can.