AFFF Firefighting Foam lawsuit Updates
EPA Approves New Pesticides Containing PFAS Compound Amid Environmental Concerns
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has approved new pesticides for use on major crops like soy, corn, and wheat that are associated with a per- and polyfluoroalkyl substance (PFAS) called trifluoroacetic acid (TFA). This action follows widespread PFAS contamination of drinking water from historical use in AFFF firefighting foam. The EPA classifies TFA as safer than other PFAS. However, bipartisan environmental and public health organizations argue that this persistent chemical poses a significant risk of further contaminating soil and water resources, creating a notable policy conflict.
Department of Defense Delays Critical PFAS Cleanup at Military Bases
The U.S. Department of Defense has postponed its mandated cleanup of aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) at approximately 100 military bases, delaying the October 2025 deadline by two years. This foam contains "forever chemicals" (PFAS), which are known carcinogens that persist in the environment and have contaminated groundwater surrounding these installations. The delay prolongs the health risks for nearby communities, where residents have reported illnesses linked to the contamination. This inaction occurs amidst ongoing litigation against manufacturers of the firefighting foam.
Updated Expert Witness Schedule Issued in Thyroid and Liver Cancer Cases
On October 2, 2025, the MDL judge revised the expert witness schedule for cases involving thyroid and liver cancer. Plaintiffs have already submitted their expert reports, while defendants must file theirs by October 24, 2025. Plaintiffs’ rebuttal reports are due November 21, 2025. The judge reiterated that draft reports and private expert communications remain protected from discovery. By December 12, 2025, lead counsel must meet to set a timeline for expert depositions and admissibility arguments. A joint schedule is due December 19, 2025, or separate proposals if no agreement is reached.
MDL Judge Advances Additional Ulcerative Colitis Bellwether Cases
The MDL judge has approved three new plaintiffs alleging ulcerative colitis to proceed to Tier 2 discovery in the Group B bellwether process. These cases, selected from prior filings, were jointly proposed by plaintiff and defense leadership. After Tier 2 discovery, one plaintiff will be chosen—either by agreement or judicial selection—to advance to expert discovery, alongside a previously selected case. The order also permits defendants to remove one plaintiff if plaintiffs' counsel voluntarily withdraws any of the four current bellwether cases, unless good cause, such as medical hardship, is demonstrated.
About the AFFF Lawsuit
You may have heard about the AFFF foam lawsuit that has reached headlines. AFFF, or aqueous film-forming foam, is widely used by fire departments, military service, and Navy personnel, and in other various industries for its effectiveness in extinguishing fuel fires. There have been recent concerns about a possible link between AFFF exposure and various dangerous health conditions, including life-threatening cancers. It's important to understand how you may qualify for the AFFF lawsuit if the product has harmed you or a loved one and you would like to participate in the class action lawsuit.
AFFF is Linked to Various Health Conditions
Several serious health issues have already been associated with AFFF exposure. Among these concerns is the connection to certain types of cancer. AFFF exposure, particularly to its main component, PFAS (per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances), has been linked to an increased risk of developing cancers such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and others. Research has increasingly focused on how PFAS contribute to these illnesses, due to their resilience to naturally break down in the environment and the human body.
Who Qualifies for the AFFF Lawsuit?
There are specific criteria you must meet to potentially qualify for the AFFF lawsuit. These requirements include:
1) Occupational Requirement: You must have been a civilian, Navy, or military firefighter, or you must have been exposed to or used AFFF on the job or during training. All Navy personnel are considered military firefighters for the purposes of this lawsuit.
2) Timing of Diagnosis: Your diagnosis must have occurred at least six months after your initial AFFF exposure.
3) You must have been diagnosed with one of the following health conditions:
- Kidney Cancer
- Testicular Cancer
- Thyroid Cancer
- Ulcerative Colitis
- Liver Cancer
- Thyroid Disease (Hypo and Hyperthyroidism, Hashimoto's Disease)
If you do not have a valid cancer diagnosis from your doctor but have been experiencing health issues due to AFFF exposure, you may still be able to be included in the AFFF lawsuit. Additionally, you must not currently be represented by an attorney for AFFF exposure symptoms to partake in the AFFF lawsuit.
If you meet the above requirements, you may be entitled to compensation. We encourage you to seek legal advice to determine your eligibility. Various factors impact eligibility, and all cases are unique.
What is the Focus of the AFFF Lawsuit?
AFFF lawsuits have been filed against the manufacturers of AFFF foam across the United States. Plaintiffs allege that AFFF exposure has caused them to develop serious health conditions, including various types of cancer. The lawsuit claims that the manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and others, knew about the health risks associated with the forever chemicals in AFFF but failed to adequately warn users. These companies are accused of concealing the potential dangers, not maintaining strict safety standards, and failing to reformulate their products to make them safer for consumers and the environment.
Who is the Lawsuit for?
The AFFF lawsuit is intended for individuals who have been exposed to AFFF foam and have subsequently been diagnosed with a pre-qualifying illness. This includes civilian, Navy, and military firefighters who have used AFFF in the line of duty, as well as other personnel who were exposed to the foam during training or industrial use. The AFFF lawsuit aims to provide a path to justice and compensation for those affected by the harmful chemicals in the product, supporting them in their fight against the health issues they have endured due to their exposure.
How Much Compensation Should You Expect?
Determining the exact settlement amounts in the AFFF foam lawsuit can be challenging due to the unique factors involved in each case. However, there have been some significant case settlements that forecast individual compensations:
Significant Settlements and Trials
Municipal Water Treatment Cases: In December 2023, 3M and DuPont agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement to resolve cases related to PFAS contamination from AFFF. The City of Stuart reached a tentative settlement with 3M for $10 billion over water contamination claims. This settlement aims to address the extensive environmental damage and health risks caused by PFAS chemicals found in AFFF. This settlement is still pending final approval.
Johnson Controls Settlement: In January 2021, Johnson Controls paid $17.5 million to settle a class action lawsuit involving about 1,200 Wisconsin residents affected by PFAS contamination from AFFF.
While exact amounts can vary, the settlements in the AFFF lawsuit are expected to be substantial, reflecting the serious health risks and extensive AFFF exposure symptoms suffered by many plaintiffs. If you or a loved one were exposed to AFFF and developed health issues, we can get you in contact with an attorney in our network who may be able to help you understand your potential compensation and the steps needed to join the litigation.
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