AFFF Lawsuit

AFFF Lawsuit

Personal Injury Claims For Those Injured by Firefighting Foam 

If you or a loved one was exposed to AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) and later diagnosed with cancer or other serious health problems, you may be entitled to compensation. The AFFF lawsuit is a nationwide legal effort to hold manufacturers accountable for knowingly selling a product that contained toxic chemicals and exposed firefighters, military members, airport workers, and people who lived near places where this foam was used to long-term health risks.

For decades, fire departments, military bases, and aviation facilities have used this firefighting foam to suppress flammable liquid fires. However, AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals," which have been linked to a range of life-threatening illnesses, including several types of cancer.

Lawsuits across the country allege that foam manufacturers knew of the dangers but failed to warn users. Now, with personal injury cases consolidated in federal court and settlement talks underway, time may be running out for new claimants to be included.

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after working with AFFF, contact LawsuitUpdates.com today. Your case could be part of an upcoming global settlement.

Call 888-322-3010 or fill out our secure form now to find out if your claim may qualify for compensation before deadlines close.

What Is the AFFF Lawsuit?

The AFFF lawsuit is a series of personal injury and product liability claims filed against companies that manufactured firefighting foam containing PFAS chemicals. These lawsuits are part of a broader multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) pending in federal court, where thousands of individuals allege that their exposure to toxic foam caused life-threatening health complications.

AFFF has been used since the 1960s in:

• Military bases and training facilities
  
• Commercial airports
  
• Municipal fire departments
  
• Industrial sites and chemical plants
  

PFAS chemicals, found in AFFF, do not break down easily and can build up in the bloodstream over time. Scientific studies have now connected PFAS exposure to a variety of cancers and systemic conditions. Lawsuits allege that foam manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco, and others, were aware of these risks but did nothing to protect the people who used or were exposed to the product regularly.

What Cancers and Illnesses Are Linked to AFFF?

Medical research and toxicological studies have associated PFAS exposure from AFFF with several types of cancer and chronic health problems. Claimants in the AFFF lawsuit report being diagnosed with:

• Kidney cancer
  
• Testicular cancer
  
• Prostate cancer
  
• Bladder cancer
  
• Pancreatic cancer
  
• Liver damage or liver cancer
  
• Thyroid disease
  
• Ulcerative colitis
  

Many of these diagnoses have occurred years or decades after exposure, and often in individuals with no family history or other major risk factors. Because PFAS stays in the body for long periods, the damage may not become obvious until it is irreversible.

AFFF Lawsuit Updates

December 1, 2025 - Thousands More Join the Battle for Compensation Related to AFFF Harm

The legal battle over the harm caused by firefighting foam is growing fast.

By the beginning of last month, more than 1,300 new lawsuits were added to the national AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL). That brings the official total to 15,249 pending lawsuits, making this one of the largest mass torts in the country. This litigation ranks in third place, to be exact.

And these numbers might just be the tip of the iceberg.

Back at the end of September, law firms scrambled to file tens of thousands of claims before a possible settlement cutoff date. But here’s the twist: those September filings haven’t all shown up in the court’s monthly status reports yet. That means the actual number of AFFF lawsuits could be significantly higher, and the court is still sorting through them.

What’s Happening With the First Bellwether Trial Now?

Although the first bellwether trial (a test case) was delayed due to the flood of new claims, the overall litigation is still moving forward. Lawyers on both sides are preparing expert reports and getting ready for future trials once the dust settles and a new trial date is announced.

No major court rulings came out this month, but deadlines for depositions and expert testimony are coming up soon, and those will shape what happens next in this high-stakes case.

Thinking About Filing a Lawsuit?

If you or a loved one was exposed to AFFF and developed a related illness, you may still be able to take legal action. But deadlines are getting tighter, and it’s best to speak with an attorney quickly to protect your rights. 

November 1, 2025 - Where the AFFF Litigation Stands as of November 2025

Toxic firefighting foam has been used for decades across military bases, airports, and fire departments. Now, thousands of people—especially firefighters and military veterans—are filing lawsuits after being diagnosed with serious illnesses believed to be caused by exposure to the chemicals in that foam. Here's a look at what’s happening in the lawsuits as of the end of October 2025.

What Are AFFF Lawsuits About?

At the heart of these lawsuits is AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam. It was commonly used to fight fuel-based fires and contained PFAS chemicals, often called “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down in the body or the environment. Over time, PFAS have been linked to a number of serious health issues, including:

• Kidney cancer
  
• Testicular cancer
  
• Liver cancer
  
• Thyroid cancer and thyroid disease
  
• Ulcerative colitis
  

Most people who filed lawsuits were exposed to AFFF through their jobs as firefighters, service members, and others who used the foam during training or emergency response. Some were also exposed by drinking contaminated water near military bases or airports where AFFF was used regularly.

What’s Happening Now in the AFFF MDL?

All of these lawsuits have been combined into what’s called a multidistrict litigation (MDL) in a South Carolina federal court. Near the end of September 2025, more than 13,000 cases were officially pending, but that number is expected to climb significantly after more than 37,000 new lawsuits were filed last month during a short 21-day filing window. The court is still reviewing these filings, so we don’t have an official case count at this time.

Because of this overwhelming surge in new claims, the first bellwether trial, which was scheduled for October and would have focused on kidney cancer, has been postponed. The judge has not yet set a new trial date, but the trial is expected to move forward once the court finishes processing the new filings.

What’s Next?

Even though the trial was delayed, important work is still happening. The court is moving forward with expert testimony in cases involving liver and thyroid cancer:

• The plaintiffs (those bringing the lawsuits) have already submitted their expert medical reports.
  
• Defendants (companies like 3M, DuPont, and Chemours) were to submit their expert responses by October 24.
  
• Rebuttals from the plaintiffs are due November 21.
  
• A schedule for expert depositions is expected in December.
  

These expert reports are critical to proving that PFAS exposure caused the illnesses suffered by the plaintiffs who have filed these lawsuits.

Public Water Settlements Are Ongoing

While these personal injury cases are moving toward trial, there have already been major settlements with contaminated public water systems. Companies like 3M and DuPont agreed to pay billions of dollars to help communities clean up PFAS contamination in their water supplies. These settlements don’t directly pay individuals, but they support the larger argument that these companies knew PFAS were dangerous and chose to keep selling the foam anyway.

What You Should Know

If you or a loved one worked with firefighting foam or lived near a contaminated area and later developed cancer or a serious illness, you may still be able to file a claim. The process is moving quickly, so you don’t need to act quickly. Talk to a qualified attorney who can help you understand your options and protect your rights today.

Who Is Eligible to File an AFFF Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file an AFFF claim if you:

• Worked in an environment where AFFF was routinely used, including:
  
  • Fire departments (career or volunteer)
    
  • Military bases (active duty or retired service members)
    
  • Airports or aviation maintenance
    
  • Industrial sites where flammable liquid suppression was required
    
• Were regularly exposed to AFFF or PFAS chemicals
  
• Were later diagnosed with a related illness, especially one of the cancers listed above
  
• Have medical records supporting your diagnosis and treatment
  

Eligibility also depends on the extent of your exposure, your occupational history, and the timeline of your diagnosis. Our lawyers can evaluate your situation and determine whether your case fits the current MDL or is better handled as an individual injury claim.

What Compensation May Be Available in an AFFF Lawsuit?

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or another illness after prolonged exposure to AFFF, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Lawsuits filed against the manufacturers of AFFF seek damages for the medical, emotional, and financial hardships that victims have suffered, and continue to suffer.

Compensation may include:

• Medical expenses: Past and future costs related to diagnosis, treatment, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing care
  
• Lost wages: Income lost during treatment and recovery, as well as loss of future earning capacity for those unable to return to work
  
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain, psychological distress, diminished quality of life, and loss of enjoyment
  
• Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation, caregiving support, accommodations, or other costs tied to your condition
  
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one passed away due to cancer caused by AFFF exposure, their surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional loss
  

The amount you may receive depends on many factors, including the severity of your illness, its impact on your life, and the strength of the evidence linking your condition to AFFF exposure. Our legal team can help you understand what your case may be worth and ensure your claim is part of the proper legal proceedings.

Is There a Deadline to File an AFFF Claim?

Yes. If you were exposed to AFFF and later diagnosed with cancer or another qualifying condition, it’s critical to know that deadlines apply.

Every state has its own statute of limitations for filing a product liability or personal injury claim. In many cases, the clock starts ticking from the date of diagnosis or the point at which you learned (or should have learned) that your illness was connected to firefighting foam exposure.

Depending on where you live and how long ago you were diagnosed, you may have only a short window left to act. What makes the timeline even more pressing is the fact that settlement talks are actively underway in the AFFF multidistrict litigation. If you wait too long, you may miss your opportunity to be included in a global resolution.

To protect your rights, speak with one of our qualified attorneys as soon as possible. Even if you're not sure whether you qualify, a brief complimentary consultation can help clarify your options and preserve your eligibility.

How Much Does It Cost to Hire an AFFF Attorney?

At LawsuitUpdates.com, we represent AFFF injury victims on a contingency fee basis. This means:

• You do not pay anything upfront or out-of-pocket
  
• There is no hourly billing
  
• We only receive legal fees if we recover compensation for you
  

The initial consultation is always free, confidential, and carries no obligation to move forward. If we decide to work together, we will cover the costs of filing, investigation, and negotiation. Our fee is collected only if we successfully resolve your case.

This approach ensures that everyone, regardless of financial circumstances, has access to legal representation when it matters most. You do not need to fight this battle alone or worry about the cost of holding billion-dollar manufacturers accountable.

How Our Lawyers Can Help You File an AFFF Firefighting Foam Claim

Navigating a mass tort case like the AFFF lawsuit is complex, especially with ongoing MDL proceedings, potential global settlements, and strict filing deadlines. Hiring a lawyer who understands this litigation is one of the most important steps you can take to protect your future.

Here’s how our legal team can support you:

• Evaluate your eligibility: Reviewing your occupational history, exposure levels, and medical records to confirm you meet the criteria for filing
  
• Collect and organize evidence: Gathering documentation that supports your claim, including medical diagnoses, treatment records, employment history, and military or fire service documentation
  
• Determine claim value: Estimating the full scope of damages, including both current and long-term financial and emotional impacts
  
• Ensure timely filing: Meeting all statute of limitations requirements and submitting the appropriate documentation within court-ordered deadlines
  
• Represent you in settlement negotiations: Working to secure the maximum possible compensation from the defendants, whether through MDL proceedings or individual resolution
  
• Keep you informed: You’ll receive regular updates on your case’s progress, the MDL, and any relevant settlement developments
  

Legal action cannot undo the harm you’ve suffered, but it can provide the resources you need to support your recovery and your family’s well-being.

Contact Our Trusted AFFF Lawsuit Legal Team Today

If you’ve been diagnosed with cancer after years of serving your community, protecting lives, or serving your country, you deserve justice. The companies that manufactured firefighting foam with toxic PFAS chemicals did not protect the people who relied on their products, and now, you have the chance to hold them accountable..

At LawsuitUpdates.com, we’re here to make this process easier. We follow current, verified information on AFFF lawsuits and actively help firefighters, military members, and aviation workers across the country.

Call 888-322-3010 or complete our confidential intake form now. Time may be running out to join a potential settlement or file your own claim. Let us help you take the next step forward — starting with a free, no-obligation consultation.

AFFF Lawsuit Frequently Asked Questions