At Rueb Stoller Daniel, we focus on fighting for individuals harmed by dangerous products, toxic exposures, and corporate negligence. With years of experience in mass tort litigation, including AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits, we know what it takes to hold large companies accountable. We’re here to guide you, answer your questions, and work hard to get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Exposure to AFFF firefighting foam has been linked to serious health conditions, including several types of cancer and other long-term illnesses. If you worked with or lived near areas where AFFF was used, you may be eligible to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit and seek compensation.
Understanding the eligibility criteria is the first step. Working with an experienced mass tort attorney who handles AFFF lawsuits can help you build a strong case and ensure your rights are protected throughout the legal process.
What Is AFFF and Why Is It Dangerous?
AFFF, or aqueous film forming foam, is a firefighting product used to suppress flammable liquid fires. While effective, it contains chemicals that can cause serious health risks after long-term exposure.
What Is AFFF?
AFFF stands for aqueous film forming foam. It is a synthetic firefighting foam used to extinguish high-intensity fires, especially those involving jet fuel or petroleum. Firefighters use AFFF in military, airport, and industrial settings. The foam creates a film that smothers fire and prevents re-ignition.
What Chemicals Are in AFFF?
AFFF contains PFAS, short for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances. These are man-made chemicals known for their resistance to heat, oil, and water. PFAS do not break down easily in the environment or the human body, earning them the name “forever chemicals.” Common PFAS in AFFF include PFOA and PFOS.
Why Is AFFF Considered Toxic?
AFFF is considered toxic due to its PFAS content. PFAS exposure has been linked to a range of serious health conditions. These include kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and ulcerative colitis. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and other health agencies have raised concerns about the risks of PFAS in drinking water and human exposure.
How Does AFFF Exposure Happen?
People can be exposed to AFFF by using it directly or by living near areas where it was used, such as military bases or airports. Firefighters and military personnel face the highest risk. Exposure can also happen through contaminated groundwater.
Why Are AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits Being Filed?
Many individuals who were exposed to firefighting foam and later developed serious illnesses are now filing AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. Plaintiffs allege that manufacturers failed to warn users about the health risks of PFAS. These toxic AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit are now part of ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) in federal court.
The Legal Landscape: AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits
Thousands of individuals have filed lawsuits after exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, claiming serious health problems linked to toxic PFAS chemicals.
Why Are AFFF Lawsuits Being Filed?
AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits focus on the health risks tied to PFAS chemicals found in firefighting foam. Plaintiffs claim that AFFF manufacturers knew the dangers but failed to warn users. These AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits involve personal injury claims for cancers such as kidney, testicular, thyroid, liver, and prostate, as well as other illnesses like ulcerative colitis.
Who Are the Defendants?
Major chemical companies are named in these cases. Common defendants include 3M, DuPont, Chemguard, Tyco Fire Products, and other AFFF manufacturers. Lawsuits claim these companies sold firefighting foam products for decades despite knowing about the long-term health risks from PFAS exposure.
What Is the AFFF MDL?
The AFFF litigation is currently part of multidistrict litigation (MDL) in the United States District Court. The MDL combines thousands of individual AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits under one federal court to streamline pretrial proceedings. This includes personal injury claims, property damage, and municipal water contamination claims.
What Is the Goal of the Litigation?
Plaintiffs seek compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and pain caused by PFAS exposure. Some also seek punitive damages due to alleged corporate negligence. AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits aim to hold manufacturers accountable for failing to protect users from toxic firefighting foam.
What Is the Current Status?
The AFFF firefighting foam MDL is ongoing, with new plaintiffs joining regularly. No global settlement has been reached yet, but several bellwether trials are expected to shape future outcomes. These pending AFFF lawsuits are expected to influence potential AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit settlement amounts in the future.
Are You Eligible to File an AFFF Lawsuit?
To qualify for an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit, you must meet certain exposure and medical criteria linked to PFAS-related health risks.
Who May Qualify?
You may be eligible to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit if you were directly exposed to firefighting foam and later developed a related illness. This includes firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and industrial workers who handled AFFF. People living near contaminated sites, such as military bases or airports, may also qualify.
What Conditions Are Linked to AFFF Exposure?
AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits focus on specific health conditions tied to PFAS exposure. These include:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Breast cancer
- Ulcerative colitis
A medical diagnosis of one or more of these illnesses strengthens your claim.
What Type of Exposure Is Considered?
You must show evidence of AFFF exposure. This can include occupational records, military service documents, or proof of residence near known contamination sites. Exposure does not need to be continuous, but it must be credible and linked to AFFF use.
What Documentation Is Needed?
To file an AFFF claim, you will need:
- Medical records showing diagnosis
- Work or military history confirming AFFF contact
- Any environmental test results or reports on PFAS contamination, if applicable
These records help support your case and connect your illness to firefighting foam exposure.
Are Family Members Eligible?
In some cases, family members exposed to AFFF through secondary contact or environmental exposure may also qualify. This includes individuals who developed a qualifying illness after living near contaminated areas or sharing a household with an AFFF user.
Professions and Groups Most Likely to Qualify
Certain jobs and living situations increase the risk of exposure to AFFF firefighting foam and the toxic PFAS chemicals it contains.
Firefighters
Firefighters are the most commonly affected group. This includes municipal, volunteer, and airport firefighters. AFFF has been widely used in fire departments for training and emergency response. Repeated use of firefighting foam increases the chance of long-term PFAS exposure, especially without protective gear rated for chemical resistance.
Military Personnel
AFFF has been used by the U.S. military for decades, especially by the Navy and Air Force. Service members who worked on aircraft, handled fuel fires, or conducted fire training exercises are at high risk. Veterans who later developed PFAS-related illnesses may be eligible to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
Airport and Industrial Workers
Airport workers who maintained or operated foam-based fire suppression systems often came into direct contact with AFFF. Industrial workers in facilities with fuel storage or chemical processing may have also been exposed. These workers are commonly included in current AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits.
Residents Near Contaminated Areas
People living near military bases, airports, or industrial sites may have been exposed to PFAS through municipal water contamination. Long-term exposure through drinking water has been linked to the same serious health risks as direct contact with AFFF.
First Responders and Emergency Crews
Other first responders, such as paramedics or hazmat workers who were present at fire scenes or fuel spills, may have handled firefighting gear or been near AFFF use. These secondary exposures are being evaluated in current AFFF personal injury cases.
Common Health Conditions in AFFF Lawsuits
Health problems linked to AFFF exposure are central to AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits and personal injury claims.
Cancer Linked to PFAS Exposure
Many AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits involve cancer diagnoses tied to PFAS exposure. The most common include:
- Kidney cancer
- Testicular cancer
- Thyroid cancer
- Prostate cancer
- Liver cancer
- Bladder cancer
- Breast cancer
Studies have shown a link between these cancers and long-term exposure to the toxic chemicals in firefighting foam. Plaintiffs in AFFF litigation allege that manufacturers failed to warn users about these risks.
Non-Cancer Conditions
Some claims also include serious non-cancer illnesses. One of the most cited is ulcerative colitis, a chronic inflammatory condition of the colon. This disease has also been associated with PFAS exposure in scientific studies.
Importance of Diagnosis
A confirmed medical diagnosis is required to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit. Medical records showing the condition and its timeline can help prove the connection to AFFF foam exposure. Early symptoms may appear years after exposure, making it important to seek medical attention if you were exposed and notice health changes.
Conditions Under Review
Other conditions are still under review in AFFF multidistrict litigation. As research continues, more illnesses may be added to the list of qualifying health problems for future firefighting foam lawsuits.
The Role of AFFF Lawyers and How Rueb Stoller Daniel Can Help
Legal guidance is critical for individuals seeking to file an AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit and pursue compensation.
Why You Need an AFFF Lawyer
AFFF litigation involves major chemical manufacturers, federal court procedures, and medical evidence. AFFF lawyers understand how to build a strong case based on exposure history, health records, and expert testimony. They manage the legal process and protect your rights throughout the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
What an AFFF Lawyer Does
A qualified firefighting foam lawyer will:
- Review your medical and exposure history
- Collect supporting documents
- File your case in the appropriate court
- Represent you in AFFF multidistrict litigation (MDL)
- Negotiate potential settlement terms
These steps increase your chance of a successful outcome in an AFFF personal injury case.
Why Choose Rueb Stoller Daniel
Rueb Stoller Daniel has experience handling complex product liability cases, including AFFF lawsuits. Our team works with clients nationwide who were exposed to toxic firefighting foam. We provide clear guidance, handle the paperwork, and keep you informed at every step.
How We Help You File
We offer a free case review to determine if you are eligible. If you qualify, we begin building your claim immediately. There are no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
If you were exposed to AFFF and developed a related illness, Rueb Stoller Daniel can help you take legal action.
Don’t Wait: Time Limits and Statute of Limitations
Filing deadlines apply to AFFF lawsuits, and waiting too long could prevent you from pursuing a claim.
What Is the Statute of Limitations?
The statute of limitations is the legal deadline to file a lawsuit. Each state sets its own time limits for personal injury claims. In AFFF cases, the clock usually starts when you are diagnosed with a PFAS-related illness, or when you discover the link between your illness and AFFF exposure.
Why Acting Fast Matters
If you miss the deadline, your case may be dismissed. Even if you meet all other eligibility criteria, the court may not hear your case if it is filed too late. This is why it’s important to contact an AFFF lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis or learning of PFAS exposure.
Special Rules in AFFF Lawsuits
Some AFFF cases may qualify for exceptions, especially if exposure happened over many years or through contaminated municipal water. An experienced firefighting foam lawyer can determine how much time you have based on your state and your case history.
Start Your Claim Today
Delays can hurt your chances. The sooner you file, the sooner you may be included in the AFFF multidistrict litigation or future settlement talks. If you believe you were exposed to toxic firefighting foam, speak with a lawyer to protect your legal rights before time runs out.
How to File an AFFF Lawsuit Today
Filing an AFFF lawsuit is a clear process that begins with confirming your exposure and medical condition.
Step 1: Contact an AFFF Lawyer
The first step is to speak with a lawyer who handles AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits. A free consultation allows you to explain your exposure history, medical diagnosis, and ask questions. The lawyer will assess whether you meet the criteria to file a claim.
Step 2: Confirm Eligibility
To file a lawsuit, you must show that you were exposed to AFFF and later developed a qualifying illness. This includes cancers like kidney, testicular, thyroid, or prostate cancer, or conditions such as ulcerative colitis. Your lawyer will review your background, employment or military records, and medical documents to confirm eligibility.
Step 3: Gather Evidence
Supporting documents are critical. This includes:
- Medical records
- Work or military service records
- Proof of AFFF use at your job or in your area
- Water contamination reports, if applicable
Your legal team will help gather and organize this information for your case.
Step 4: File Your Claim
Once evidence is collected, your lawyer will file the claim. Most AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits are part of a larger multidistrict litigation (MDL) process in federal court. Your case will be submitted into this ongoing legal action, alongside other plaintiffs with similar claims.
Step 5: Monitor the Process
After filing, your lawyer will track your case through the AFFF litigation process. This may involve updates on court deadlines, settlement discussions, or trial preparations. You will be kept informed of every step.
If you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and developed a related illness, you can begin your AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit today. A lawyer will help you file, protect your rights, and pursue compensation.
Contact Rueb Stoller Daniel About Your AFFF Lawsuit Claim Today!
If you believe you were exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and have been diagnosed with a related illness, don’t wait. Our team at Rueb Stoller Daniel is ready to review your case, explain your legal options, and help you file your claim.
Contact us at 1-866-CALL-RSD for a free case consultation today!
