PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuits: Are You at Risk From Firefighting Foam Exposure?

PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuits: Are You at Risk From Firefighting Foam Exposure?

For decades, Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been used to extinguish dangerous fuel fires at military bases, airports, and fire training facilities. What many didn’t know is that this foam contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), a group of man-made chemicals now linked to serious health problems, including cancer. If you’ve been exposed to firefighting foam, you might be at risk and should understand your legal options.

What are PFAS and AFFF?

PFAS are a family of over 15,000 synthetic chemicals used in countless consumer products since the 1950s due to their heat, water, and oil-resistant properties. These “forever chemicals” don’t break down easily in the environment and can persist for thousands of years, leading to widespread contamination of soil, water, and air.

AFFF is a type of firefighting foam used to extinguish flammable liquid fires, particularly those involving jet fuel and petroleum. The military, fire departments, and private corporations have used it extensively since the 1960s. Unfortunately, older AFFF formulations contained high concentrations of PFAS, specifically perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS), which are now known to be toxic.

How Does Firefighting Foam Exposure Put You at Risk?

Exposure to PFAS through AFFF can occur in several ways:

  • Occupational Exposure: Firefighters and military personnel who regularly use AFFF are at the highest risk due to direct contact with the foam.
  • Environmental Contamination: PFAS can leach into the soil and groundwater, contaminating drinking water supplies near military bases, airports, and fire training facilities.
  • Consumer Products: Although AFFF is a primary source, PFAS are also found in many everyday products, increasing overall exposure.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has found PFAS in the blood of nearly all Americans, highlighting the widespread nature of this contamination. The likelihood of developing health problems from PFAS exposure depends on the concentration, frequency, and duration of exposure.

What are the Health Risks Associated with PFAS Exposure?

Studies have linked PFAS exposure to a range of health issues, including:

  • Cancers: Kidney, testicular, prostate, liver, and thyroid cancers, as well as non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Ulcerative Colitis
  • Thyroid Disease
  • High Cholesterol
  • Immune System Changes: Decreased response to vaccines.
  • Fertility Issues: Pregnancy-induced hypertension and preeclampsia.
  • Liver Damage
  • Fetal and Child Development Issues: Decreased infant birth weight.

The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) has classified firefighting as a Group 1 carcinogen, meaning it is carcinogenic to humans, further emphasizing the dangers associated with AFFF exposure.

Understanding PFAS Personal Injury Lawsuits

If you have been exposed to firefighting foam and developed a related illness, you may be eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturers of AFFF. These lawsuits allege that the manufacturers knew about the dangers of PFAS but failed to warn users, resulting in severe health consequences.

Who Can File a PFAS Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a PFAS lawsuit if you meet the following criteria:

  • Exposure to PFAS-contaminated water or firefighting foam for at least one year.
  • Diagnosis of ulcerative colitis or certain types of cancer (kidney, testicular, prostate, liver, or thyroid).

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you are successful in your lawsuit, you may be able to recover compensation for:

  • Medical Expenses: Current and future costs of treatment, including chemotherapy, radiation, and prescription medications.
  • Lost Income: Wages lost due to illness, treatment, or recovery.
  • Diminished Earning Capacity: Compensation if your illness forces you to take a lower-paying job or retire.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical and emotional distress caused by your illness.

AFFF Lawsuit Settlement Amounts

While no global settlement has been reached for personal injury claims, legal experts estimate that individual settlements could range from \$20,000 to \$600,000 or more, depending on the severity of the illness, extent of exposure, and other individual factors. Factors influencing settlement amounts include the type of cancer, duration of AFFF exposure, and age at diagnosis.

The AFFF Multidistrict Litigation (MDL)

Thousands of AFFF lawsuits have been consolidated into a multidistrict litigation (MDL 2873) in the U.S. District Court for the District of South Carolina. An MDL is a legal procedure that streamlines the handling of similar lawsuits by consolidating them before one judge. As of December 2025, there were over 15,334 pending cases in the AFFF MDL.

Statute of Limitations

It’s crucial to be aware of the statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. The statute of limitations for PFAS claims varies by state, ranging from one to six years. In many states, the clock starts ticking when you discover your injury or should have reasonably discovered it. Consulting with an attorney is essential to determine the applicable deadline in your case.

What Should You Do If You Think You’ve Been Exposed?

If you suspect you’ve been exposed to PFAS through firefighting foam, take the following steps:

  1. Document Your Exposure: Gather any records that can help establish your exposure, such as employment history, locations where you lived or worked, and dates of potential exposure.
  2. Seek Medical Attention: Consult with your doctor and discuss your concerns about PFAS exposure. Undergo any recommended screenings or tests.
  3. Consult with an Attorney: Contact an experienced personal injury attorney who specializes in PFAS litigation. They can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and help you navigate the complex legal process.
  4. Gather Evidence: Collect medical records, proof of residence or employment in contaminated areas, and any other documentation that supports your claim.

The Future of PFAS Litigation

The AFFF litigation is ongoing, and the outcome of bellwether trials will likely influence future settlement amounts. Several companies have already reached settlements related to PFAS contamination, including:

  • 3M: Agreed to a \$10.3 billion settlement to address PFAS pollution in public water systems.
  • DuPont, Chemours, and Corteva: Agreed to a \$1.18 billion settlement for PFAS pollution in drinking water.
  • Carrier Global: Reached a \$730 million settlement to resolve claims against its subsidiary, Kidde-Fenwal, related to AFFF contamination.

These settlements demonstrate the potential for significant compensation in PFAS lawsuits.

Are You at Risk?

If you or a loved one has been exposed to firefighting foam and developed cancer or another serious illness, you may be at risk and entitled to compensation. Contact a qualified attorney to discuss your case and protect your rights.