North Carolina Firefighter Foam Lawsuit: Get the Right Attorney

North Carolina Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Overview

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) lawsuits involve firefighters, military personnel, and residents near military bases who developed cancer after exposure to toxic PFAS chemicals in the foam.

According to the Division of Spill Prevention and Response, AFFF is an acronym for Aqueous Film Forming Foam, a specialized firefighting foam designed for extinguishing Class B fires, which are fueled by hydrocarbon-based substances such as gasoline, oil, and jet fuel [1].

Manufacturers are accused of knowing about these dangers for decades without warning users. Thousands of cases have been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL), with several major settlements already announced.

The legal fight involves both personal injury claims and municipal water contamination lawsuits across the country, with new cases being filed regularly.

Latest AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit Updates

• March 2025 – A federal judge has approved a $10.3 billion settlement agreement from major AFFF manufacturers to resolve municipal water contamination claims. This marks the largest environmental settlement in U.S. history.
• February 2025 – Three more major manufacturers joined the settlement agreement, adding an additional $1.8 billion to the compensation fund for victims suffering from cancer linked to AFFF exposure.
• January 2025 – The first individual bellwether trial resulted in a $12.5 million verdict for a former firefighter diagnosed with kidney cancer after 22 years of AFFF exposure.
• December 2024 – The EPA announced stricter regulations on PFAS chemicals, classifying them as hazardous substances under federal law, strengthening the legal position of plaintiffs.
• October 2024 – DuPont and 3M offered a settlement of $4 billion to resolve approximately 30,000 personal injury claims related to firefighting foam exposure.

FDA Reports and Statistics

According to MAUDE database reports, there have been over 5,700 adverse events related to AFFF firefighting foam exposure reported to the FDA between 2010 and 2024. These reports include:

• 3,245 cancer diagnoses
• 1,872 cases of elevated PFAS blood levels
• 583 reports of other serious health complications

The FDA issued safety communications in 2019 and again in 2023 warning about the potential health risks associated with PFAS exposure from firefighting foam.

According to the National Cancer Institute, their researchers have been relentlessly striving to unveil the connection between firefighting foam and cancer, yielding surprising findings. PFAS chemicals present in AFFF have been identified as potential carcinogens [2].

AFFF Injuries & Side Effects

Exposure to PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam has been linked to numerous serious health conditions, including cancer and other long-term medical issues:

• Kidney Cancer: Increased risk, particularly after long-term exposure
• Testicular Cancer: Higher rates among firefighters compared to general population
• Breast Cancer: Including male breast cancer cases
• Liver Cancer: Associated with bioaccumulation of PFAS in liver tissue
• Ovarian Cancer: Emerging research shows potential links
• Pancreatic Cancer: Elevated risk observed in exposed populations
• Prostate Cancer: Higher incidence in firefighters
• Thyroid Disorders: Including hypothyroidism and thyroid cancer
• Ulcerative Colitis: Inflammatory bowel condition linked to PFAS exposure
• Elevated Cholesterol: Consistent finding in PFAS-exposed individuals

According to Legal News, nearly 20% of firefighters are diagnosed with cancer during their lifetime, including kidney and testicular cancer, indicating the severity of the situation and the growing number of AFFF firefighting foam cases, leading to an increasing interest in AFFF lawsuits [3].

As stated by the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, firefighting foam does contain PFAS, a group of artificial chemicals that are extremely resistant to heat, water, and oil, making them effective for firefighting but dangerous for human health [4].

Do You Qualify for an AFFF Lawsuit?

You may qualify for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit if:

• You were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam between 1970 and 2023
• You worked as a firefighter, airport employee, military personnel, or lived near a military base or training facility where AFFF was used
• You have been diagnosed with kidney, testicular, breast, liver, ovarian, pancreatic, or other cancer after exposure
• Your exposure to AFFF can be documented through employment records or residency history
• Your cancer diagnosis can be confirmed through medical records

Evidence Required for an AFFF Lawsuit

To strengthen your AFFF cancer lawsuit, the following evidence is typically required:

• Medical records documenting your cancer diagnosis
• Employment records showing work with or around AFFF
• Military service records (if applicable)
• Residency history near facilities using AFFF
• Documentation of PFAS levels in local water supplies (if claiming environmental exposure)
• Expert testimony linking your specific cancer to PFAS exposure

Damages You Can Recover

Victims of AFFF exposure who develop cancer may be eligible to recover compensation for:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Punitive damages against manufacturers who concealed risks

With billions already allocated to settlement funds and thousands of cases still pending, consulting with an experienced firefighter foam attorney promptly could make a significant difference in the compensation you receive.

According to recent settlements, AFFF lawsuit settlement amounts have ranged from $150,000 to over $10 million, depending on the severity of illness, exposure duration, and strength of evidence.

AFFF Recall Information

While not a traditional product recall, the Department of Defense issued a directive in 2022 to phase out all AFFF containing PFAS chemicals from military installations by the end of 2024.

This followed the National Defense Authorization Act of 2020 which mandated the military transition away from these chemicals.

Major manufacturers, including 3M, announced in 2023 they would cease production of PFAS-containing firefighting foams in response to growing concerns and lawsuits.

The EPA has instituted restrictions on the use of certain PFAS chemicals in firefighting foams, effectively serving as a de facto recall.

The replacement foams must meet military specifications for fire suppression effectiveness without containing the harmful PFAS compounds linked to cancer and other health issues.

Statute of Limitations for AFFF Lawsuits

The statute of limitations for filing an AFFF lawsuit varies by state but generally ranges from 2-6 years from the date of cancer diagnosis or discovery of the link between your condition and AFFF exposure.

Specific state deadlines include:

• North Carolina: 3 years from diagnosis or discovery of the injury’s cause
• California: 2 years from diagnosis
• New York: 3 years from discovery of the illness
• Texas: 2 years from diagnosis
• Florida: 4 years from diagnosis

The federal multidistrict litigation has special provisions that may extend these deadlines in some circumstances. An experienced firefighting foam attorney can advise you on the specific time limitations applicable to your case.

Related Article: New York Firefighter Foam Attorney

See all related toxic tort lawsuits our attorneys covered so far.

FAQs

1. What is the PFAS Lawsuit in North Carolina?

The PFAS lawsuit in North Carolina was initiated by military veterans, firefighters, and residents affected by AFFF contamination. It specifically targets chemical manufacturers who produced PFAS-containing firefighting foam that contaminated water supplies and caused serious health effects.

2. What Are PFAS Chemicals and Why Are They Concerning?

PFAS are synthetic chemicals with water and oil-resistant properties used in numerous applications, including firefighting foam. They are known as “forever chemicals” due to their persistence in human bodies, leading to bioaccumulation over time. Studies link them to cancer and other serious health conditions.

3. Who Are the Defendants in the North Carolina Firefighter Foam Lawsuit?

The primary defendants include major firefighting foam manufacturers and distributors of AFFF, such as 3M, DuPont, and Chemours. These companies are accused of manufacturing and selling AFFF despite knowing about its potential health hazards.

4. What Types of Damages Are Being Sought in These Lawsuits?

Damages sought in AFFF lawsuits include medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, diminished quality of life, and future medical monitoring. For affected municipalities, costs of water system decontamination are also being pursued.

5. How Much Compensation Can North Carolina Firefighting Foam Cancer Victims Receive?

Settlement amounts vary based on diagnosis, exposure duration, and case strength. Recent individual settlements have ranged from $150,000 to $800,000, while municipal water contamination settlements have reached billions collectively.

6. Do All Firefighters Qualify for AFFF Lawsuits?

Not all firefighters automatically qualify. Eligibility depends on documented AFFF exposure, specific cancer diagnosis, and timeline of exposure relative to diagnosis. The strongest cases involve cancers with established scientific links to PFAS, such as kidney and testicular cancer.

7. What Evidence is Needed to Prove an AFFF Cancer Case?

Critical evidence includes employment records confirming AFFF exposure, medical documentation of qualifying cancer diagnosis, expert testimony establishing causation, and proof that manufacturers knew about risks but failed to warn users.

8. How Long Does it Take to Settle an AFFF Lawsuit?

Most AFFF lawsuits take between 1-3 years to resolve. Individual factors affecting timeline include case complexity, strength of evidence, defendant response, and whether the case settles or proceeds to trial. Recent settlements have been accelerating the process.

Get A Free North Carolina Firefighter Foam Lawsuit Evaluation With Our Lawyers

Time is limited to pursue legal action for AFFF-related cancer. In North Carolina, you have only 3 years from the date of diagnosis or discovery of the cause to file your claim. Don’t risk losing your right to compensation.

Our experienced AFFF firefighting foam attorneys offer:

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

As the settlement negotiations for North Carolina firefighting foam cases progress, compensation limits may be established. Acting promptly ensures you won’t miss out on the compensation you deserve.

Reference:

1. https://dec.alaska.gov/spar/csp/pfas/firefighting-foam/
2. https://dceg.cancer.gov/research/what-we-study/pfas
3. https://lawsuitlegalnews.com/news/afff-lawsuit-updates/
4. https://www.atsdr.cdc.gov/pfas/health-effects/index.html