Question 1

Can you tell me how long it will take before I get my compensation?

Accepted Answer

Every asbestos case is unique, and there are numerous factors that might influence the waiting time. Depending on the situation, asbestos claims will result in financial compensation within one month to a year.

Question 2

Am I eligible to file a claim if I have a previous diagnosis of gastroparesis?

Accepted Answer

If you have been diagnosed with gastroparesis in the past, the link between your semaglutide use and a subsequent diagnosis of gastroparesis will be difficult to prove. Unfortunately, those with a previous history of gastroparesis are not eligible to file a claim against Novo Nordisk as you will not have enough evidence to strengthen your claim.

Question 3

Am I still eligible for compensation for AFFF kidney cancer if I served in the military many years ago?

Accepted Answer

Yes. You are still eligible and can seek compensation for kidney cancer even if you served years ago. Kidney cancer is typically a slow-growing disease and is latent for ten to fifteen years before signs and symptoms start showing. Therefore, you may develop kidney cancer long after you have served in the military.

Question 4

Are disability benefits available for Parkinson's disease caused by paraquat exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. According to the Social Security Administration's Blue Book, the list of health conditions that can qualify someone for disability benefits, Parkinson's disease is considered a disability. Therefore, people who developed it as a result of paraquat exposure can obtain disability compensation.

Question 5

Are facilities liable for the health issues caused by their ethylene oxide emissions?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The facilities in the United States that emit ethylene oxide (EtO) can be held legally responsible for the injuries linked to their toxic emissions. Several individuals have filed lawsuits against EtO-using establishments over the years, and many have successfully received compensation for their medical conditions, specifically for cancer diagnoses.

Question 6

Are family members of 9/11 victims eligible for compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes, family members of 9/11 victims are eligible for just compensation through the federally funded 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF).

Question 7

Are self-employed workers eligible to file an asbestos claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Eligibility for an asbestos claim is based on where and how exposure occurred, not employment status at the time of diagnosis or even at the time of exposure. Many people who later worked for themselves were first exposed to asbestos years or decades earlier while employed in industrial settings. According to the NIOSH, asbestos-related disease typically develops after occupational exposure in earlier work environments, often 20 to 50 years before a diagnosis.

Question 8

Are there any regulations concerning exposure to AFFF?

Accepted Answer

The widespread public exposure to dangerous levels of PFAS chemicals has prompted the EPA’s release of a PFAS “Action Plan” in February 2019. The plan focused almost exclusively on perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) the main precursors in AFFF.

Question 9

Are there other gastrointestinal concerns with semaglutide?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Gastrointestinal concerns from the use of semaglutide range from mild to severe. The use of semaglutide may result in nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, excessive gas, and stomach pain, as well as gastroparesis and bowel obstruction. If you’re worried about the severity of your symptoms, contact your medical provider as soon as possible.

Question 10

Are there studies connecting AFFF exposure to thyroid cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes, recent research has linked PFAS exposure with thyroid cancer risk, and specific PFAS chemicals are involved in the development of thyroid cancer. Civilian and military firefighters who used AFFF in the long term are likely to have been exposed to these PFAS chemicals.

Question 11

Are trust transparency laws beneficial for asbestos plaintiffs?

Accepted Answer

Trust transparency laws have been enforced by some U.S. states to protect the legal system from fraud and abuse. Some argue that these laws make the process of recovering compensation more difficult for asbestos victims.

Question 12

Asbestos exposure: who is responsible?

Accepted Answer

Since asbestos exposure occurred in the workplace, you may think that it is the employer who will be held accountable for the victims' terrible diseases. In reality, the issue of liability is much more complex.

Question 13

Can a smoker with lung disease receive compensation?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Smokers who struggle with lung cancer as a consequence of asbestos exposure are still eligible for compensation, as the asbestos fibers in their lungs are often the primary cause of their disease.

Question 14

Can AFFF exposure cause liver cancer?

Accepted Answer

Aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) contains toxic PFAS chemicals that have been linked to liver cancer. One study, in particular, linked these chemicals to an increased risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the most common type of liver cancer.

Question 15

Can cities with water utilities participate in the PFAS lawsuit settlement?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Any water utility in which PFAS lurk can join our PFAS Settlement Payout Program to benefit from water testing, remediation, and treatment. While the NRWA mostly represents small and rural communities, it is also involved with larger communities.

Question 16

Can ethylene oxide cause cancer?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) concluded that ethylene oxide (EtO) is carcinogenic for humans. It was found that EtO inhalation increases the risk of lymphoid cancer and, for females, breast cancer. Moreover, according to the EPA, people who live near EtO-contaminating facilities have a 1 in 10.000 chance of developing cancer. Additional health studies link EtO exposure to leukemia, multiple myeloma, and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Question 17

Can families file wrongful death claims under the Jones Act?

Accepted Answer

A claim for wrongful death can be filed under the Jones Act if a seaman dies due to an injury sustained while employed on a qualifying vessel as a result of their employer's negligence. Survivors and children, as well as parents and siblings who are dependent, are entitled to file a claim on behalf of the deceased seaman.

Question 18

Can firefighters access VA disability due to AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

Disability compensation for exposure to AFFF is available only for firefighters who served in the military. However, civilian firefighters can also recover compensation by filing a lawsuit against the company which manufactured the product.

Question 19

Can I apply for asbestos compensation as a former industrial worker?

Accepted Answer

Because asbestos was highly prevalent in numerous industries during the last century, former industrial workers who developed cancer as a result of asbestos exposure are eligible for compensation.

Question 20

Can I file a 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund claim by myself?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can file a Victim Compensation Fund claim on your own, but the process is very complex, which is why we encourage you to contact a toxic exposure attorney with relevant experience in these cases. They are the only professionals who can help you efficiently file your claim and obtain the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Question 21

Can I file a PFAS water contamination claim online?

Accepted Answer

Yes. If the drinking water source of your community is contaminated with PFAS, you might be eligible to file a water system contamination claim online. Our diligent attorneys will take care of the legal process remotely so that you can obtain the compensation you need for water treatment.

Question 22

Can I get my Victim Compensation Fund claim status accelerated?

Accepted Answer

Yes. In cases involving terminal illnesses or imminent financial hardship, you can request that the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund expedite the processing of your claim or amendment.

Question 23

Can I pursue both Jones Act and Workers' Compensation claims for my injury?

Accepted Answer

Seamen who qualify under the Jones Act generally cannot simultaneously file a Jones Act claim and traditional state Workers' Compensation claim because these statutes are mutually exclusive. Maritime law, such as the Jones Act and the Longshore and Harbor Workers' Compensation Act, replaces state workers' compensation coverage.

Question 24

Can I still file an Ozempic claim if the FDA approved the drug?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Despite FDA approval, you may still be eligible to file a claim against the manufacturer of Ozempic, but this depends on the specifics of your individual case. Patients who started taking Ozempic after the label update in September 2023 may no longer be eligible. Contact our firm for more information.

Question 25

Can medical tests confirm exposure to ethylene oxide?

Accepted Answer

Medical tests, such as a breath sample or a blood test, may detect the presence of ethylene oxide (EtO) in your system. However, these tests have their limitations and cannot predict future health problems.

Question 26

Can military service increase my risk of developing kidney cancer from AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Serving as a military firefighter may increase your chances of developing kidney cancer. The Department of Defense (DOD), after a preliminary investigation found that over 700 military sites were contaminated with PFAS, a toxic compound in firefighting foam (AFFF).  AFFF is used against jet fuel and other liquid fires, and frequent usage of this product exposes individuals to cancer-causing chemicals like PFAS.

Question 27

Can military service increase the risk of testicular cancer due to AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

A recent study from the National Cancer Institute's Division of Cancer Epidemiology and Genetics suggests that U.S. Air Force members exposed to PFAS have an increased risk of testicular cancer.

Question 28

Can multiple jobs be responsible for asbestos exposure?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Oftentimes, former industrial workers were exposed to asbestos by more than one employer and, thereby, they have the legal right to seek compensation for all of them.

Question 29

Can semaglutide cause bowel obstruction?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The use of semaglutide is known to cause constipation, as well as ileus. Ileus is a critical condition where the muscles of the small intestine become paralyzed, leading to serious bowel obstructions. This is one of the most severe side effects of the ingredient, and it can be fatal if left unchecked.

Question 30

Can surviving family members recover compensation on behalf of an AFFF exposure victim?

Accepted Answer

A wrongful death lawsuit can be filed with the help of a specialized attorney by the surviving family members of a victim of AFFF exposure.

Question 31

Can those near military bases also recover AFFF compensation?

Accepted Answer

If you were exposed to AFFF by living in close proximity to a military base, which used the product, you do not qualify for compensation, as only firefighters and military personnel can take legal action.

Question 32

Can using semaglutide damage the vagus nerve?

Accepted Answer

Yes. The use of semaglutide affects the vagus nerve by reducing appetite while slowing down the emptying of the stomach. This is why drugs containing this ingredient are marketed as weight loss aids. Unfortunately, in some cases, semaglutide causes irreparable damage to the vagus nerve.

Question 33

Can veterans with liver cancer file an AFFF exposure claim?

Accepted Answer

Military firefighters who have been diagnosed with service-connected liver cancer may file for toxic exposure claims. They may also file VA disability claims for liver cancer.

Question 34

Can volunteer firefighters file an AFFF claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Volunteer firefighters who are often exposed to PFAS-containing aqueous film-forming foam may be eligible to file a claim for AFFF if they are later diagnosed with a qualifying cancer.

Question 35

Can Wegovy cause GI issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the use of Wegovy or any drugs containing semaglutide is known to cause both mild and severe GI issues. Some of these issues are nausea, vomiting, and gas. In more serious cases, patients may develop gastroparesis and bowel obstruction.

Question 36

Can workers who maintained or inspected foam systems file an AFFF claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Even if you were not a firefighter, you may qualify for an AFFF claim. Many occupations required workers to install, inspect, maintain, test, or repair aqueous film-forming foam systems without serving on a fire department.

Question 37

Could exposure from shipboard firefighting drills sustain an AFFF claim?

Accepted Answer

Use of AFFF during shipboard drills may be relevant to the assessment of a potential claim. For many years, the U.S. Navy and other maritime organizations used PFAS-containing foam in firefighting training to prepare crews for flammable-liquid fires involving aviation fuel, diesel, and other petroleum products.

Question 38

Do hair relaxer manufacturers use false advertising practices?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Like many other companies whose goal is to sell as many products as possible and to gain the trust and loyalty of consumers, hair relaxer manufacturers often use false advertising practices to attract potential buyers. Some good examples of false advertising are misleading advertisements and discriminatory advertising.

Question 39

Do I need to join a class-action lawsuit if I want compensation for paraquat exposure?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not need to join a class-action lawsuit if you want to recover compensation for Parkinson's disease that occurred due to paraquat exposure. However, if this is the situation of one of your family members, you are eligible for filing a claim for compensation on their behalf.

Question 40

Do you have to pay taxes on 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund awards?

Accepted Answer

No, you do not have to pay federal taxes on your 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund (VCF) settlement. Under federal law, compensation from the 9/11 VCF is not taxable.

Question 41

Do you have to pay taxes on asbestos trust fund compensation?

Accepted Answer

Usually not. Because asbestos trust fund payments are intended to compensate for a physical illness or injury, federal law generally doesn't treat them as taxable income. Compensation received for personal physical harm is excluded from taxable income under federal tax law, putting most asbestos trust payments outside the scope of what needs to be reported to the IRS.

Question 42

Does AFFF exposure aboard an aircraft carrier support a claim?

Accepted Answer

Yes, exposure aboard an aircraft carrier may be a consideration in a possible AFFF claim. Carriers have long used aqueous film-forming foam to suppress jet fuel fires on flight decks, hangar bays, and aviation support areas.

Question 43

Does AFFF exposure during firefighter training support a potential claim?

Accepted Answer

AFFF exposure that occurred during training may be considered as part of a claim evaluation. Many firefighters handled aqueous film-forming foam repeatedly through live-fire drills, aircraft rescue exercises, and foam system testing across their careers, beyond emergency response situations.

Question 44

Does childhood exposure to ethylene oxide matter for breast cancer risk?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Early life exposure is important for environmental health researchers for two reasons: children’s bodies are still developing, which can make them more susceptible to environmental contaminants, and they have more years ahead for a disease to develop after exposure. The NIEHS notes that children also breathe more air relative to their body weight than adults, which can increase the dose of airborne contaminants they absorb over time.

Question 45

Does ethylene oxide exposure cause long-term health risks?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Prolonged exposure to ethylene oxide (EtO) can cause long-term health risks. A person exposed to EtO emissions may develop various kinds of cancers, such as leukemia, lymphoma, and more.

Question 46

Does living near an ethylene oxide facility for two decades support a breast cancer claim?

Accepted Answer

Living near an ethylene oxide facility for 20 years may be relevant when evaluating potential environmental exposure. The EPA assesses EtO cancer risk based on long-term cumulative exposure, and its National Air Toxics Assessment identifies elevated EtO-related cancer risks in communities based on chronic exposure over decades, not isolated or short-term contact. Someone who lived near emissions for 20 years may have accumulated significantly greater exposure than someone who lived in the same area for only a few years.

Question 47

For how long do you have to be exposed to AFFF to develop cancer?

Accepted Answer

Although the PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid ) in AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) can be harmful to the human body in any amount, exposure needs to occur for several years for a person to develop cancer.

Question 48

For what cancers can I access compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to the toxic chemicals and materials released in the aftermath of the 9/11 attacks can result in dozens of cancers, and you can obtain compensation for most of these diseases. Some of the cancers for which you can access compensation from the 9/11 Victim Compensation Fund are breast cancer, leukemia, and kidney cancer.

Question 49

For what diseases can I file a paraquat claim?

Accepted Answer

While paraquat poisoning can lead to numerous serious health problems, such as heart failure and kidney failure, paraquat exposure has a strong causal relation with Parkinson’s disease. Thereby, only people who have this diagnosis can file a paraquat claim.

Question 50

Has any hair relaxer been recalled?

Accepted Answer

No. Although the news regarding the health risks of using chemical hair relaxers is nationwide, with numerous manufacturers named as defendants in lawsuits, no product has yet been taken off the market. Neither the U.S. Food and Drug Administration nor any of the hair relaxer companies took the initiative to recall these products.

Question 51

Has anyone won a hair relaxer lawsuit yet?

Accepted Answer

As of August 2024, no toxic hair relaxer cases have gone to trial or been settled. Yet, the filing of hair relaxer lawsuits continues to increase.

Question 52

How are paraquat and other pesticides regulated in the U.S.?

Accepted Answer

The Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act is the statute governing the registration, distribution, sale, and use of pesticides in the U.S. It also requires pesticides sold or distributed in the country to be registered by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Question 53

How can AFFF exposure affect my health?

Accepted Answer

Exposure to PFOS (perfluorooctane sulfonic acid ) and PFOA (perfluorooctanoic acid), the toxic chemicals in AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam), can lead to the development of multiple serious diseases over the years, including kidney cancer and bladder cancer.

Question 54

How can I file a claim for testicular cancer linked to AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

You can file a toxic exposure claim against AFFF manufacturers by contacting ELG Law. Civilian and military firefighters are eligible for these claims. Additionally, military firefighters may also qualify for medical services and disability compensation from the Department of Veterans Affairs by filing a VA claim.

Question 55

How can people be exposed to ethylene oxide?

Accepted Answer

People are mainly exposed to ethylene oxide (EtO) through the inhalation of contaminated air. This highly toxic chemical typically makes it into the air during industrial processes.

Question 56

How can you remove PFAS from drinking water?

Accepted Answer

A reverse osmosis water filter is one of the most effective tools for removing PFAS from drinking water. Moreover, filters containing activated carbon are also efficient in removing these chemicals from water. Dual-stage filters - activated carbon and reverse osmosis - are also a good option.

Question 57

How close to an ethylene oxide facility do you need to have lived to pursue an EtO breast cancer claim?

Accepted Answer

Eligibility for an EtO breast cancer claim requires that you lived within three miles of an ethylene oxide emitting facility. EtO is an odorless airborne gas, and facilities can emit significant quantities of it each year. Residents within that three-mile radius may have been breathing contaminated air for months or years without any awareness of the exposure.

Question 58

How do asbestos trust funds work?

Accepted Answer

In order to receive compensation, you need to file a claim with the asbestos trust fund set up by the company responsible for your injury. A lawyer will speed up the process significantly.

Question 59

How do courts determine compensation amounts in Jones Act cases?

Accepted Answer

Damages under the Jones Act are not computed using fixed statutory schedules. A court or jury will instead evaluate a variety of factors to arrive at fair, full compensation awards based on the specific circumstances of each injury and its impact on the seaman's life and earning potential.

Question 60

How do I check the status of my Victim Compensation Fund application?

Accepted Answer

If you have questions about the status of your claim, you can call the Victim Compensation Fund toll-free Helpline at 1-855-885-1555 or log onto the online system and check your claim status. There, you will find the information you are looking for regarding the status of your claim.

Question 61

How do I file a claim if I developed kidney cancer from AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

To file an AFFF kidney cancer claim, you can contact us and provide us with the necessary documents that prove eligibility. We will file the claim on your behalf.

Question 62

How do I know if I qualify to claim asbestos compensation?

Accepted Answer

The asbestos victims who are planning to file an asbestos trust fund claim must be able to provide the circumstances of their medical claim and connect their symptoms to an asbestos product.

Question 63

How do I prove my kidney cancer is related to service-connected AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

Kidney cancer is one of the presumptive diseases added by the PACT Act. This means that if you have sufficient evidence for any toxic exposure during your service (including PFAS from firefighting foam), you are eligible for healthcare and monthly compensation. Some documents that would help prove your case include medical records that confirm your diagnosis and military records that indicate where you were stationed.

Question 64

How do I prove my testicular cancer is connected to military service & AFFF exposure?

Accepted Answer

If you served as a firefighter in the military, you can prove service connection with your military records. These records must show where you were deployed, your history of AFFF use, and your reason for discharge (if a veteran).

The questions clients ask us most — answered.

AFFF exposure

Ethylene oxide

FELA

Jones Act

Asbestos exposure

9/11 Victim Compensation Fund

Paraquat exposure

Toxic hair relaxer

Semaglutide/Ozempic

Water Systems Contamination

Tell us what happened. We’ll tell you whether you have a case.