Firefighting Foam Lawsuit | 2025 Latest Updates

If you or a loved one experienced cancer or other severe health problems following exposure to firefighting foam containing PFAS, you may be entitled to pursue compensation. At Schmidt & Clark, we are dedicated to helping individuals who have suffered due to PFAS contamination. Our experienced legal team is here to guide you through the process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact Schmidt & Clark today for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Overview

For more than 50 years, firefighting foam, known as aqueous film-forming foam or AFFF, has been used at airports and on military bases across the United States. However, firefighting foam contains dangerous PFAS, which don’t break down over time. PFAS can accumulate for years or even decades in the human body, leading to cancer and other severe health problems. Many firefighters have chosen to file Aqueous Film Forming Foam lawsuits over their occupational exposure to PFAS.

Latest Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Updates

December 2022 – At least 100 new AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits were added to the class action MDL, bringing the total number of cases in the litigation to nearly 3,500. These cases are a mix of individual personal injury lawsuits filed on behalf of former firefighters and veterans with cancer and municipal water contamination lawsuits brought by local water authorities.

June 2023 – The first bellwether trial was set for this date; however, this was in a municipal water contamination case, not a personal injury case.

Firefighting Foam Injuries & Side Effects

PFAS in firefighting foam can lead to serious health conditions when they accumulate in the human body over time:

• Cancer: Various forms of cancer linked to PFAS exposure
• Long-term health effects: PFAS can remain in the body for years or decades
• Occupational hazards: Firefighters face increased exposure risks

Do You Qualify for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

You may qualify for a Firefighting Foam lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam as a firefighter, military personnel, or through contaminated water
• You developed cancer or other serious health conditions following exposure
• You can provide documentation linking your injuries to PFAS exposure

Evidence Required for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit

Evidence needed includes medical records showing health issues, documentation of foam exposure, employment records, and proof of the link between foam use and health conditions.

Damages You Can Recover

Successful Aqueous Film Forming Foam lawsuits result in the following types of compensation:

• AFFF lawsuit settlement – Compensation negotiated by the injured party and agreed to by the defendants without the case going to court.
• AFFF verdict – If the parties fail to reach a settlement, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides present their case, and a judge and jury decide the outcome in a verdict.

Firefighting Foam Recall Information

While the amount of AFFF firefighting foam at petroleum facilities has been greatly reduced in recent years, large quantities of the product remain at airports and military installations across the U.S., which are still required by federal standards to use AFFF.

GreenFire Firefighting Foam, or GFFF, is a fluorine-free foam replacement for AFFF and the leading foam that is safe for firefighters. GFFF is a class B foam that is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.

Statute of Limitations for Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

The time to file a firefighting foam lawsuit is limited. Based on information from the FAQ section, individuals can file claims for firefighting foam exposure even if it occurred years ago, but this depends on the applicable statutes of limitations in your state. The ability to file is also contingent on whether you can prove ongoing health effects from the exposure. It’s critical to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to understand how time limitations may affect your specific case.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. How does the amount of compensation in firefighter foam cases vary?

Compensation amounts vary based on factors such as the severity of health issues, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of liability or negligence proven in the case.

2. What evidence is needed to support a firefighter foam exposure claim?

Evidence needed includes medical records showing health issues, documentation of foam exposure, employment records, and proof of the link between foam use and health conditions.

3. Can individuals who used firefighter foam years ago still file for compensation?

Yes, individuals can file claims for firefighter foam exposure even if it occurred years ago, depending on statutes of limitations and whether they can prove ongoing health effects from the exposure.

4. How does AFFF firefighting foam work?

AFFF foams are composed of a thin aqueous film that spreads rapidly above the fuel surface, separating the fuel from the oxygen supply. In contrast, alcohol-resistant foams (AR-AFFF and AR-F3) form a polymer layer to extinguish class B polar solvent fires. This prevents foam destruction by the fuels.

5. Is AFFF foam still being used?

While the amount of AFFF firefighting foam at petroleum facilities has been greatly reduced in recent years, large quantities of the product remain at airports and military installations across the U.S., which are still required by federal standards to use AFFF.

6. What is replacing AFFF firefighting foam?

GreenFire Firefighting Foam, or GFFF, is a fluorine-free foam replacement for AFFF and the leading foam that is safe for firefighters. GFFF is a class B foam that is non-toxic and non-carcinogenic.

7. What types of cases are included in the current litigation?

The current litigation includes a mix of individual personal injury lawsuits filed on behalf of former firefighters and veterans with cancer and municipal water contamination lawsuits brought by local water authorities.

See all related toxic tort cases we’ve covered.

Take Action Now: Time-Sensitive Legal Claims

Time is limited to pursue legal action for injuries related to firefighting foam exposure. If you or a loved one was injured by PFAS contamination, you should contact our law firm immediately.

The Litigation Group at Schmidt & Clark, LLP offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No upfront costs or fees
• Payment only if we win your case