AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Key Takeaways

Linked Injuries

Cancer, kidney disease, liver disease from PFAS in AFFF firefighting foam exposure

Product

AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) firefighting foam

Companies

3M, DuPont, Chemours, Tyco, Buckeye

Status

Federal MDL ongoing - Major settlement pending

About AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Health Risks & Effects Do I Qualify? Settlements & Verdicts Lawsuit Timeline How to File a Claim Frequently Asked Questions

About AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

AFFF (aqueous film-forming foam) has been used by military, aviation, and emergency responders for over 50 years to suppress fuel fires. However, AFFF contains high concentrations of PFAS (forever chemicals) that contaminate soil and groundwater where it's used. Military bases, airports, and fire training facilities using AFFF have created some of the most heavily PFAS-contaminated sites in the United States.

Firefighters and military personnel were exposed to AFFF through skin contact, inhalation, and contaminated drinking water at their facilities. PFAS from AFFF has infiltrated groundwater, affecting drinking water supplies for millions of civilians living near military bases and airports. Manufacturers including 3M and DuPont knew about PFAS contamination risks but continued producing and promoting AFFF.

In June 2023, 3M agreed to pay $4.7 billion to settle AFFF-related water contamination claims. However, litigation continues against other manufacturers. If you were a firefighter, military personnel, or civilian exposed to AFFF or PFAS-contaminated water and developed a related health condition, you may be eligible for compensation.

Health Risks & Effects

Exposure to this product has been linked to serious health conditions and injuries. Research and case settlements have documented the following health risks:

Kidney cancer

Testicular cancer

Thyroid disease

Liver disease

Pancreatic cancer

Immune system effects from PFAS in foam

Do I Qualify for This Lawsuit?

You may be eligible to file a claim if you meet the following criteria. Each case is unique, and a qualified attorney can provide a definitive assessment during a free case review.

AFFF Exposure

You were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam through occupational firefighting, military service, or drinking water contamination.

Health Condition

You developed kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, liver disease, or other PFAS-related illness.

Documented Exposure

Your exposure location (military base, airport, fire station) was documented to use AFFF extensively.

Medical Diagnosis

You have a physician diagnosis of your health condition with medical documentation.

Important: Family members who lost a loved one may also be eligible to file a wrongful death claim. A free case review can help determine your specific options and eligibility.

Settlements & Verdicts

Recent settlements and verdicts demonstrate the significant compensation available to qualified claimants:

June 2023

3M AFFF Settlement

$4.7 billion settlement by 3M for AFFF-related water contamination claims.

2021-2023

MDL Consolidation

Federal MDL established for AFFF water contamination (MDL 2918) alongside PFAS MDL.

2023-Present

Ongoing Litigation

Litigation continues against other AFFF manufacturers including DuPont, Chemours, Tyco.

Settlement amounts vary based on individual circumstances, medical severity, and liability factors. Consult with a qualified attorney for personalized settlement estimates.

Lawsuit Timeline

The litigation timeline shows how this lawsuit has developed from initial complaints through current settlement discussions:

1960s+

AFFF developed and adopted for military and aviation fire suppression

1970s-2000s

AFFF contamination of soil and groundwater accumulates at military bases

2000s-2010s

Scientific studies establish PFAS health risks from AFFF exposure

2018-2021

Litigation begins; MDL consolidation initiated

2023

3M settles for $4.7 billion; other manufacturers' litigation continues

2023-Present

Ongoing settlement negotiations with remaining defendants

How to File a Claim

Filing a claim is a straightforward process designed to minimize hassle while maximizing your recovery potential:

Get a Free Case Review

Contact LegalCove and answer brief questions about your exposure and medical condition. Your information remains completely confidential.

Speak with an Attorney

If you qualify, a legal advocate will contact you to discuss your situation and explain your options.

Get Matched

We connect you with an experienced attorney who specializes in this litigation — at no upfront cost.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you were a firefighter, military personnel, or lived near a military base or airport with documented AFFF use, you likely had exposure.

PFAS-related illnesses can develop over years or decades of exposure. Some health effects manifest within years, others take longer.

Use has been restricted but not completely eliminated. The military and some airports continue using AFFF, though alternatives are being developed.

Yes. PFAS remains in your body (half-life of years) even after exposure ends. Accumulated exposure can cause health effects long after use stops.