To date, there are over 11,000 lawsuits pending against manufacturers of Aqueous Film-Forming Foam. The issue is that chemicals from this firefighting foam have permeated the water supply in certain locations, making numerous people sick. Those who have been exposed to these chemicals have developed certain forms of cancer and other illnesses. Many of these lawsuits have been consolidated into one global multidistrict litigation that is pending in federal court in the District of South Carolina.
The initial bellwether AFFF cases are going to trial in the latter part of this year. As these cases are near a jury trial, there is a possibility that the defendants in the case may get more aggressive about reaching a global settlement agreement for all of the AFFF lawsuits. Victims may be close to receiving compensation for the harm that they have suffered from exposure to these “forever chemicals.”
Plaintiffs, and those who may be considering filing a lawsuit, may be wondering how much they can qualify for in financial compensation. Although your personal injury compensation depends on the nature of your illness, some potential settlement amounts may be coming into view. You should consult with a product liability lawyer to learn more about filing a potential AFFF lawsuit and how much you can receive for your injuries. A product liability attorney will review the facts and circumstances of your case during a free initial consultation and explain the potential legal path forward.
Understanding AFFF and PFAS Exposure
Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) is a firefighting foam commonly used to suppress flammable liquid fires, particularly at military bases, airports, and industrial sites. While effective in extinguishing fires, AFFF contains chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), often referred to as “forever chemicals” due to their resistance to breaking down in the environment or human body.
PFAS compounds—such as PFOA and PFOS—are extremely persistent and can accumulate over time in soil, water supplies, and human tissue. Repeated or long-term exposure to PFAS has been linked to serious health issues, including kidney and testicular cancer, liver damage, high cholesterol, thyroid disorders, immune system suppression, and developmental effects in infants.
Individuals most at risk include firefighters, military personnel, airport workers, and nearby residents exposed through contaminated drinking water. PFAS can enter the body via ingestion, inhalation, or skin contact. Because these chemicals bioaccumulate, even small exposures over time may result in harmful concentrations.
Despite growing scientific concern, AFFF remained in widespread use for decades. Many individuals were unaware of the risks, and companies producing PFAS-containing products have faced increasing scrutiny and litigation for failing to warn users.
Recognizing the dangers, federal and state agencies are moving toward tighter regulations on PFAS use and cleanup. However, many communities and individuals continue to struggle with the consequences of past exposure.
Understanding AFFF and PFAS exposure is important if you believe you’ve been affected. Medical monitoring, environmental testing, and legal action may be appropriate steps for those impacted. Consulting with professionals experienced in PFAS-related cases can help determine if exposure has occurred and what rights or remedies may be available.
Will the AFFF Lawsuits Reach a Settlement Agreement?
As of July 2025, the AFFF (Aqueous Film-Forming Foam) firefighting foam lawsuits are approaching a pivotal juncture, with settlement discussions intensifying. The multidistrict litigation (MDL No. 2873) has grown to over 11,000 active cases, primarily involving firefighters, military personnel, and residents exposed to PFAS chemicals through AFFF. These cases have wrapped up with the discovery process and are heading to trial shortly. Each individual plaintiff will be entitled to their day in court in a jury trial if the lawsuits do not result in a global settlement agreement.
A significant development is the scheduled bellwether trial set for October 20, 2025, focusing on kidney cancer claims linked to AFFF exposure. These test cases are critical as they can influence settlement negotiations and provide insight into potential jury verdicts. If the defendant loses one or more of the bellwether trials, and they are assessed large damages verdicts, they become much more likely to settle the cases. Defendants may still explore settlements, even when they have a mixed record in front of the jury during bellwether cases, so they can mitigate their own risk.
Legal industry authorities predict that a global settlement may be reached by the end of 2025, driven by the pressure of upcoming trials and the substantial financial stakes involved. Previous settlements in related water contamination cases, amounting to over $11 billion, suggest that defendants may prefer settlement to mitigate the risk of high jury awards.
What Are the Different Tiers of AFFF Lawsuits?
Victims who were exposed to toxic AFFF may have experienced varying degrees of symptoms. Of course, the severity of the injury would determine how much a plaintiff may qualify for in a settlement. Overall, there are three general tiers of AFFF lawsuits that will be factored in for an eventual settlement agreement.
Tier One AFFF lawsuits involve individuals with the most severe health effects and the strongest evidence of exposure to PFAS chemicals through firefighting foam. Plaintiffs typically include firefighters, military personnel, or airport workers who were regularly exposed to AFFF and have developed serious illnesses such as kidney cancer, testicular cancer, or pancreatic cancer. These cases often have extensive medical documentation and clear occupational exposure histories, making them the most compelling for settlement or trial.
Tier 2 AFFF lawsuits typically involve plaintiffs with moderate health conditions linked to PFAS exposure, such as thyroid disorders, ulcerative colitis, or early-stage cancers with good prognoses. These cases may not carry the same severity or economic damages as Tier 1 claims, but still involve significant medical expenses, pain, and suffering. Plaintiffs in this tier may still receive meaningful compensation, especially if future medical monitoring or long-term health risks are involved.
Tier Three AFFF lawsuits typically involve plaintiffs with lower levels of exposure to firefighting foam or weaker evidence linking their health conditions directly to PFAS chemicals. These may include individuals who lived near contaminated sites or had incidental, less frequent contact with AFFF. Health issues in these cases might be less severe or not clearly associated with PFAS exposure. As a result, Tier Three cases face greater challenges in proving causation and are expected to receive lower settlement amounts. However, affected individuals in this tier may still be eligible for compensation, depending on the specifics of their case.
Settlement Ranges for AFFF Lawsuits
Estimated AFFF (Aqueous Film Forming Foam) settlement ranges vary widely based on factors such as the severity of the plaintiff’s health condition, the strength of the evidence linking the condition to PFAS exposure, and the extent of AFFF use or contact. While no universal figures have been finalized for individual cases, estimates can be categorized into tiers:
Tier 1 claims generally involve plaintiffs diagnosed with serious, well-documented PFAS-related illnesses such as kidney or testicular cancer. These cases may have strong occupational exposure histories (e.g., firefighters or military personnel). Estimated settlements for Tier 1 cases may range between $200,000 and $500,000 or more, depending on the strength of the evidence.
Tier 2 claims often involve moderate exposure or illnesses possibly linked to PFAS, such as ulcerative colitis or thyroid disease. These cases may settle for $50,000 to $200,000, depending on supporting medical documentation and exposure history.
Tier 3 claims involve lower exposure levels or conditions with less direct linkage to PFAS. These plaintiffs may receive under $50,000, especially where causation is weak or symptoms are less severe.
It’s important to note that these figures are speculative and depend on ongoing multidistrict litigation (MDL) proceedings. Some municipal water contamination settlements have already occurred, but individual personal injury claims are still progressing. As bellwether trials move forward, clearer compensation guidelines will likely emerge. Anyone affected should consult with an AFFF lawsuit attorney to understand their potential claim value and eligibility.
What Factors Influence the Size of Your AFFF Settlement?
Several key factors can influence the size of your AFFF settlement. First, the severity of the illness or injury linked to AFFF exposure, such as cancer types like kidney, testicular, or pancreatic, can significantly impact the compensation amount. Second, the strength of the evidence connecting your exposure to AFFF with your diagnosis is crucial. This includes military service records, firefighting history, or environmental contamination documentation. Third, the duration and intensity of your exposure play a role in proving causation.
Additionally, your age, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and future care needs may be considered in calculating damages. Defendants’ liability, the jurisdiction of your case, and the specific law firms involved may also affect the outcome. Finally, whether your case is part of a mass tort settlement or resolved individually can influence the final payout. Each case is unique and evaluated on its specific facts when determining compensation.
Can AFFF Plaintiffs Receive Punitive Damages?
Yes, AFFF plaintiffs may be eligible to receive punitive damages, depending on the facts of the case and the jurisdiction in which it is filed. Punitive damages are not awarded in every lawsuit—they are intended to punish a defendant for especially egregious or reckless behavior and to deter similar misconduct in the future.
In AFFF lawsuits, plaintiffs allege that manufacturers like 3M and DuPont knowingly produced and sold firefighting foam containing PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances), despite being aware of its toxic and carcinogenic properties. If plaintiffs can demonstrate that these companies acted with willful disregard for public safety—such as suppressing scientific research, failing to warn users, or concealing risks—courts may consider awarding punitive damages in addition to compensatory damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Whether punitive damages are awarded depends on the specific evidence presented at trial, including internal company documents, expert testimony, and proof of negligence or misconduct. Some states place caps or restrictions on punitive damages, while others allow significant awards. If a case proceeds to trial and the jury finds gross negligence, plaintiffs may receive substantial punitive awards on top of actual damages. You need to go to trial and win to be in a position to receive punitive damages. Defendants will not pay these damages as part of a settlement agreement.
How Can a Product Liability Lawyer Help Me in an AFFF Case?
A product liability attorney can be instrumental in helping you pursue compensation in an AFFF lawsuit. These cases typically involve complex legal and scientific issues, as AFFF contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), which have been linked to serious health problems, including cancer. A knowledgeable product liability attorney will understand how to navigate the multidistrict litigation (MDL) system, which consolidates thousands of similar claims against major manufacturers like 3M, DuPont, and others.
First, your product liability attorney can evaluate your case to determine if you qualify for compensation. This involves reviewing your exposure history—whether you were a firefighter, military service member, airport worker, or lived near a contaminated site—and connecting it to your medical condition. They will gather critical evidence, such as medical records, service history, and expert testimony, to build a strong causal link between your illness and AFFF exposure.
Next, an experienced attorney will handle all procedural aspects of your claim, including filing documents, negotiating with defendants, and advocating for your best interests in court or during settlement discussions. Since many AFFF cases are part of mass tort litigation, your attorney will ensure your individual circumstances are not overlooked within the larger group.
Additionally, a product liability lawyer can assess the full value of your claim by accounting for medical expenses, lost income, reduced earning capacity, and pain and suffering. They will also determine whether punitive damages are appropriate based on the conduct of the manufacturers.
A Product Liability Attorney is Standing By
Ultimately, having a dedicated product liability attorney significantly increases your chances of obtaining a fair and just settlement. Their experience with similar cases, legal strategy, and understanding of scientific evidence will be vital in holding corporations accountable for harm caused by AFFF exposure. Don’t delay, make the call today.
