Read Blog
related attorneys
Related practice area
The Ferraro Law Firm has been selected to work on behalf of the city of Hialeah, Florida, to seek compensation for damages caused by firefighting foams containing per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances — a class of chemicals known as PFAS. These chemicals have been linked to numerous health problems, including cancer.
The Ferraro Law Firm has previously represented other communities and individuals in similar cases and is considered one of the leading law firms in toxic exposure litigation. The decision by the Hialeah City Council comes as more and more communities across the United States are becoming aware of the dangers of PFAS contamination and seeking legal recourse against companies responsible for polluting their water and soil with these toxic chemicals.
PFAS Soil and Groundwater Contamination
Firefighting foam containing PFAS can contaminate soil and groundwater and may also run off into nearby waterways. Once PFAS are released into the environment, they can accumulate in fish and other wildlife, as well as in humans who consume contaminated food or water. This can lead to health problems such as kidney and testicular cancer.
Growing Concern About PFAS-Containing Firefighting Foam
Given the risks associated with PFAS-containing firefighting foam, there is growing concern about the use of this material. Some countries and municipalities have already taken steps to ban or phase out the use of PFAS-containing foam, and many organizations are exploring alternatives.
In the recent Hialeah City Council meeting which voted to retain the services of The Ferraro Law Firm, Attorney James Ferraro, Jr. gave a powerful presentation on the dangers of PFAS and their common use in Aqueous Firefighting Foams (AFFF). He detailed how this problem is not only affecting Hialeah but also in numerous cities across the United States:
“This is not a problem that is unique to Hialeah, this is a problem all over the country…higher litigation itself has about eight thousand claimants, and a large amount of those are first responders or firefighter personnel that have been diagnosed with various illnesses.”
Ferraro then proceeded to show a picture of a graduating class from The Ocala Fire College posing unknowingly in dangerous firefighting foam containing toxic chemicals. “They were basically playing slip and slide in what they thought were soap suds…unbeknownst to them, they were playing in toxic sludge. This is some of the worst corporate malfeasance,” stated Ferraro.
The Ferraro Law Firm Retained to Represent City of Hialeah in AFFF Lawsuit
Once the firm’s presentation concluded, the Council moved to retain The Ferraro Law Firm for representation. With decades of experience in complex litigation, The Ferraro Law Firm has successfully represented clients in cases related to environmental contamination, and chemical exposure. The firm’s team has the legal knowledge, technical expertise, and resources needed to investigate and prosecute complex AFFF cases. A commitment to seeking justice is evident in the firm’s track record of securing substantial verdicts and settlements for those who have suffered harm due to exposure to AFFF and other hazardous substances.
The City of Hialeah is the sixth largest municipality in Florida, serving over 224,000 residents living in approximately 20 square miles. This multidistrict litigation suit will bring much-needed attention to the issues facing the city and emphasize the harm Aqueous Firefighting Foams have caused first responders, residents, and the environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How did PFAS chemicals end up in municipal drinking water?
For decades, AFFF firefighting foam containing PFAS was used at military bases, airports, fire training sites, and industrial facilities. The chemicals in AFFF do not break down naturally, seeping into groundwater and contaminating public water systems. Many municipalities are now discovering widespread PFAS contamination in their drinking water supplies due to years of unregulated chemical use.
02.
Who is responsible for the cost of PFAS remediation?
Chemical manufacturers, not municipalities, should bear the financial burden of PFAS cleanup. Companies like 3M and DuPont profited from selling AFFF despite knowing the risks associated with its PFAS content. Municipalities now facing cleanup costs can pursue legal action to hold these corporations accountable and recover compensation for water treatment and remediation efforts.
03.
What are the health risks associated with PFAS exposure?
PFAS exposure creates significant challenges for municipal public water systems. The contamination drives up the costs of water testing, treatment, and remediation, placing an additional financial and regulatory burden on local governments as they strive to secure safe drinking water.
04.
How can my municipality qualify for settlement funds?
If your city, county, or public water system has detected PFAS contamination in drinking water sources, you may be eligible for compensation under the $13.5 billion 3M & DuPont settlement or through separate litigation against other chemical manufacturers. Ferraro Law will assess your case and determine the best legal pathway to secure the funds your community needs.
05.
Can Ferraro Law represent municipalities outside of Florida?
Yes. Ferraro Law represents municipalities and public water systems nationwide in AFFF litigation and PFAS-related legal claims. Our firm has extensive experience handling large-scale environmental contamination lawsuits across the country.
have more questions?
Featured Articles
our attorneys
Client Experiences
When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
Working with Daniel J. Di Matteo, Attorney and Partner at The Ferraro Law Firm was and is a life-changing forever experience. He is committed to a level of professionalism and attention to detail that is at the 100th percentile. Daniel handled everything with calmness, sensitivity and support that I needed through this difficult time. He always protected me and had my best interests. I am completely satisfied with the results.
If you need an attorney that operates at the highest level, that attorney is Daniel J. Di Matteo.
Harvey W.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
Working with my attorney, Daniel J. Di Matteo was an exceptional experience from start to finish. His level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking set him apart immediately. Every step of the process was handled with precision and clarity, and I always felt informed and confident in the decisions being made.
What truly stood out was his ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and deliver results that exceeded my expectations. He was not only highly knowledgeable but also genuinely committed to protecting my best interests.
If you’re looking for an attorney who is sharp, responsive, and truly operates at a high level, I highly recommend him without any hesitation.
Ivan M.
Free Case Consultation
Our Trial and Appellate Attorneys Are Ready to Fight for You
If you were seriously injured, remember that it is crucial to choose the right law firm to represent your interests. We have been doing this for more than 40 years, and have the resources you need to challenge any opponent!
