Firefighting Foam (AFFF) Lawyer In NYC

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) was a commonly used fire suppressant in civilian and military firefighting units for decades. It’s been used for firefighter training and in actual fires. However, prolonged exposure to AFFF has been linked to several types of cancer and other progressive diseases. As these chemicals build up in the body, those exposed face numerous health risks.

If you’ve used AFFF or been exposed to it by proximity, you could be entitled to seek compensation. A firefighting foam lawyer can explain your rights. Contact Hach & Rose, LLP today by calling (212) 779-0057 for a free consultation with an AFFF lawyer.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam Contains Toxic Chemicals

The popularity of Aqueous Film Forming Foam peaked in the 1960s when the U.S. Navy required it for all vessels. It’s intended for fires that cannot be put out by using only water. AFFF works by spreading a protective chemical coat over the blaze to extinguish it. It’s also used for fuel fires, preventing hot airplane fuel from re-igniting.

The danger of Class B AFFF is the toxic chemicals it contains: perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl chemical substances (PFAS). PFAS contaminates the water table and drinking water used by people who live or work near places where AFFF is frequently or consistently used, such as a Naval training base or other firefighting training area. Water contamination from PFAS can lead to an elevated risk of multiple types of cancer in users of that water source, especially when someone is exposed for a prolonged period of time.

What Are the Health Risks of Long-Term Exposure to PFAS?

Firefighters and other users of AFFF can be exposed to PFAS in several ways:

• Skin contact
• Inhalation
• Oral ingestion

Although firefighters today have protective firefighting gear to reduce the chance of dangerous PFAS exposure, there is still a risk when using AFFF.

Some serious illnesses have been linked to the “forever chemicals” in PFAS.

• Pancreatic, kidney, and bladder cancer
• Testicular cancer and prostate cancer
• Breast cancer and ovarian cancer
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma and leukemia

Besides these painful forms of cancer, PFAS exposure may lead to:

• High blood pressure and high cholesterol
• Fetal development challenges (for pregnant women exposed to PFAS)
• Child development issues
• Asthma
• Fertility problems and pregnancy-induced high blood pressure or hypertension
• Higher risk of thyroid disease
• Crohn’s disease

If you’ve been exposed to AFFF, talk to your doctor right away. You may need a cancer screening. Early detection for many types of cancer often means that you have more treatment options and a better chance of a positive outcome.

Who Is Eligible for a Firefighting Foam Lawsuit?

Veterans, active-duty military personnel, firefighters, and other individuals who may have come into contact with PFAS through contaminated groundwater may qualify to participate in the AFFF Cancer Lawsuit. However, if you don’t fall into this demographic, that doesn’t mean you don’t have legal options. People who have been exposed to AFFF and PFAS may be able to file a claim on their own with the help of an AFFF attorney.

AFFF Lawsuit Updates

Because so many separate AFFF lawsuits are pending in federal court, each of these suits has been consolidated into a Multi-District Litigation (MDL). The Firefighting Foam MDL is being heard in the United States Federal Court for the District of South Carolina.

September 2025 

Thousands of individuals harmed by toxic PFAS chemicals in firefighting foam are taking legal action, and the time to file a lawsuit may be running out.

• Court Sets September 5 Filing Deadline: The judge overseeing the AFFF lawsuits has created a special 21-day window for new claims. Cases involving kidney, testicular, liver, or thyroid cancer, thyroid disease, or ulcerative colitis must be filed by September 5, 2025, to be considered for settlement.

• Over 12,000 Cases Now Filed: The AFFF MDL continues to grow rapidly, with more than 12,000 lawsuits already pending. Many firms have stopped accepting new clients, and this filing window may serve as a cutoff for future compensation. Contact our team as soon as possible to learn if you still have time to file.

• New Study Strengthens Cancer Link: A recent study of over 300 firefighters found that PFAS exposure alters microRNAs that help regulate cancer suppression, immune function, and brain health—highlighting the serious internal harm these chemicals can cause over time.

• Veterans and Firefighters at Highest Risk: Many plaintiffs are military veterans or career firefighters who were exposed to AFFF on the job and later diagnosed with life-changing health conditions. Unfortunately, there’s still no national registry or coordinated government response to track these exposures.

• New Lawsuit Filed in August: A former firefighter from Arcola, Illinois, has joined the litigation, alleging that decades of PFAS exposure through firefighting and contaminated water caused his kidney cancer. His story echoes many others.

Now is the time to act if you’ve been diagnosed with cancer or another serious illness after being exposed to firefighting foam or contaminated water. The attorneys at Hach & Rose are here to help you understand your rights and take the next steps toward justice and compensation if possible.

September: The AFFF MDL was created to consolidate thousands of AFFF lawsuits. The purpose of combining so many individual cases into one MDL is to streamline pre-trial proceedings and discovery in the cases. All cases are heard before one judge. So, releases and updates from an AFFF lawsuit filed in federal court will usually be updates about the MDL.

February 2023: The state of Illinois filed a lawsuit against manufacturers of AFFF. The lawsuit states that manufacturers of AFFF pose a significant risk to drinking water. Illinois has some of the country’s largest drinking water reservoirs.

March 2023: The U.S. Air Force discontinued fire-suppression systems using AFFF. The phase-out is to be completed by October 2024.

April 2023: The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) established the National Firefighter Registry for Cancer. The purpose is to track the instances of cancer in firefighters and analyze its cause. The chances of firefighters developing cancer are higher than those of the general population.

February 2024:

• A new study linked high-PFAS blood levels to everyday foods like processed meats, fast food, and bottled drinks, providing additional background evidence of cumulative exposure in affected individuals.
• Plaintiffs and BASF entered a tolling agreement in nine cases, pausing deadlines while negotiations or litigation strategies develop behind the scenes.

March 2024: The court issued a new order requiring custom Plaintiff Fact Sheets for turnout gear cases, signaling growing attention on claims that PFAS in firefighter protective clothing caused cancer and other illnesses.

May 2024: Parties submitted a framework for selecting personal injury and wrongful death bellwether plaintiffs, focusing on four major injury types and setting deadlines for discovery, expert review, and trial prep.

June 2024: A new peer-reviewed study confirms that PFAS chemicals can be absorbed through the skin, especially in shorter-chain forms—adding strong scientific support to claims of dermal exposure in AFFF lawsuits.

July 2024: In a win for plaintiffs, Judge Gergel selected nine bellwether cases for early trials involving cancer and ulcerative colitis tied to PFAS exposure—mostly aligning with the cases plaintiffs had recommended.

September 2024: Key Daubert motions are underway as defendants attempt to block plaintiffs’ scientific experts from testifying, but past rulings suggest the courts are likely to side with plaintiffs on causation issues.

October 2024: A new Navy veteran from Texas filed suit in the MDL, claiming PFAS exposure from firefighting foam during military service caused thyroid cancer and other serious health issues.

November 2024: The first personal injury bellwether trial is set for October 6, 2025, but whether it happens may depend on the outcome of upcoming Daubert hearings over the admissibility of plaintiffs’ expert testimony.

January 2025:

• Punitive Damages Pressure: Internal documents show manufacturers knew about PFAS risks for decades. With trials approaching, fear of massive punitive damage awards may push defendants like 3M and DuPont to settle soon.
• Most Strongly Linked Illnesses: The science continues to support claims involving kidney cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid disease, and ulcerative colitis, especially in those with repeated exposure over time. Other cancers, like pancreatic, liver, and prostate, are also being actively pursued.
• New Arizona Lawsuit: A longtime firefighter from Flagstaff, re-diagnosed with testicular cancer after years of direct AFFF exposure, has joined the MDL. His case highlights how PFAS exposure may trigger rare cancer recurrences even in young, otherwise healthy firefighters.
• PFAS and Brain Health: A new study shows certain PFAS compounds may interfere with neural development and cognitive function. This research could help juries understand how PFAS may cause neurological harm.

February 2025: Momentum is building again in the AFFF firefighting foam litigation, with new lawsuits and renewed urgency.

• Case Filings Surge: After a brief slowdown, the MDL added 459 new cases in January, bringing the total to over 8,000 pending lawsuits. This uptick is fueled by growing speculation that a global settlement may soon be announced, and plaintiffs are moving fast to secure their place before any filing deadline is set.
• New York Firefighter Sues Over Thyroid Disease: A retired Yonkers firefighter has filed suit after being diagnosed with thyroid disease following decades of exposure to AFFF foam and PFAS-laced gear. His case points to a pattern seen in many claims: long-term occupational exposure, no warnings, and a life-changing diagnosis years later.

March 2025: Three new plaintiffs claiming ulcerative colitis caused by AFFF exposure have been added to the discovery pool. These cases are now moving into a deeper fact-finding phase and could be among the first selected for early bellwether trials.

April 2025: April brought important signs that the AFFF litigation is entering its final phase, and that plaintiffs’ cases, especially for cancer and ulcerative colitis, are gaining momentum.

• Case Surge Continues: Another 498 lawsuits were filed in March, bringing the MDL total to 8,928 pending cases. The steady increase suggests a rush to file before a potential settlement is finalized.
• Settlement May Be Imminent: With law firms reviewing cases at top speed and some no longer accepting new claims, all signs point to a possible global settlement approaching soon. Anyone still considering a claim should act now; there may be no warning before the window closes.
• Science Day Scheduled: A special Science Day on June 20 will focus on expert testimony linking PFAS exposure to liver and thyroid cancer. This session may heavily influence how the court handles scientific evidence moving forward.
• Ulcerative Colitis Cases Advancing: The judge issued a new order updating discovery timelines and directing the parties to prepare at least one new ulcerative colitis case for trial. These cases are now on track for bellwether selection as early as late 2025.

May 2025: May saw significant movement in the AFFF litigation, including trial scheduling, strategic case consolidation, and a steady rise in new claims as settlement talk heats up.

• MDL Adds 414 More Cases: With settlement speculation growing, plaintiffs’ lawyers added 414 new lawsuits, pushing the total to 9,342 pending cases as of early May.
• First Bellwether Trial Set for October 2025: Judge Gergel confirmed the first personal injury trial will center on kidney cancer claims, starting October 20. The court is still deciding whether to try one case or consolidate multiple plaintiffs for a more powerful showing.
• Push for Consolidated Trial: Plaintiffs are urging the court to combine five related Pennsylvania cancer cases—all involving the same PFAS-contaminated water and foam manufacturers—arguing that shared facts and science support a single, more efficient trial.
• Which Case Will Lead?: Plaintiffs ranked their preferred trial candidates, recommending cases with minimal risk factors to keep jurors focused on PFAS exposure and corporate accountability, not unrelated medical history.

June 2025: The AFFF litigation moved closer to trial in June, with new scientific evidence supporting firefighter claims and a detailed schedule for the first personal injury bellwether.

• Trial Timeline Locked In: Judge Gergel issued a comprehensive scheduling order for the first AFFF personal injury trial, set to begin with jury selection on October 20, 2025. While the final plaintiff has not yet been chosen, the court is clearly shifting from pretrial prep to trial execution.
• Judge Sets Clear Rules: Both sides must now coordinate on jury materials, deposition transcripts, and up to 500 core exhibits, signaling that delays are over and real courtroom strategy is underway.
• New Study Confirms Firefighter PFAS Exposure: A major Arizona study of nearly 2,000 essential workers found that firefighters had the highest levels of toxic PFAS chemicals in their blood, even compared to other frontline occupations. The results strongly reinforce plaintiffs’ core argument that occupational use of AFFF foam leads to measurable, dangerous exposure.

August 2025: The AFFF firefighting foam litigation has entered its most intense phase yet, with thousands of new lawsuits, heightened settlement pressure, and a powerful new push from the courts and Congress to support injured firefighters.

• MDL Case Count Passes 11,000: Over 705 new lawsuits were filed in July alone, bringing the total to 11,096 active cases. This spike reflects widespread belief that a global settlement is near, and attorneys are racing to ensure eligible claims are included.
• Judge Pressures Parties to Settle: At a July status conference, Judge Gergel urged defendants like 3M and DuPont to resolve personal injury claims before the first bellwether trial begins in October. His message was clear: the time for delay is over.
• Trial Prep Intensifies: The court has finalized pretrial deadlines for the first kidney cancer bellwether trial, set to begin October 20, 2025. Lawyers are now preparing witness lists, exhibits, and jury materials under tight procedural rules.
• Congress Considers Firefighter Compensation Bill: The proposed Firefighter PFAS Injury Compensation Act would establish a federal fund to pay medical and financial benefits directly to firefighters suffering from PFAS-related illnesses, including kidney, thyroid, and liver cancer. Though separate from the ongoing litigation, it reflects growing national recognition of the harm caused by PFAS exposure.
• New Illinois Firefighter Lawsuit Filed: Dozens of civilian and military firefighters from across the U.S. have filed suit in Madison County, IL, alleging cancer and chronic disease caused by AFFF and turnout gear. The case may soon be transferred to the MDL.
• Courtroom Drama Over Unfiled Claims: Tensions erupted after defense lawyers revealed tens of thousands of unfiled personal injury claims during settlement talks. Plaintiffs accused them of violating mediation confidentiality, but the judge sided with the defense, demanding transparency about pending claims.

Treating Doctors to Play Key Role at Trial: With trial season approaching, plaintiffs’ lawyers are emphasizing the unique power of treating physicians—the real-world medical providers who can testify credibly about the plaintiff’s condition, adding emotional weight and authenticity that juries trust.

The EPA steps in

May 2023: The EPA proposed acceptable limits to the amount of PFAS in drinking water. Its recommended limit is four parts per billion. The defendants, however, objected to the EPA’s limit. They allege that the EPA’s recommendation isn’t final and doesn’t reflect the level of knowledge about the dangers of PFAS when the AFFF in question was produced.

June 2023: The first AFFF trial was scheduled to begin. The City of Stuart, Florida, filed the claim. In it, the city maintains that PFAS chemicals contaminated its water sources, groundwater, and local soil in AFFF.

July 2023: DuPont, 3M, and other defendants (AFFF manufacturers) settled multiple water contamination lawsuits. These suits were to have been tried in a bellwether trial scheduled for June 2023. DuPont agreed to a $1.18 billion settlement, while 3M agreed to a $10.3 billion settlement for plaintiffs. The settlements are to be paid out over a 12-year period.

September 2023: The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) issued a press release stating the danger of  “forever chemicals” like PFAS. The EPA states that there is virtually no acceptable level of safe exposure to PFAS.

October 2023: The National Cancer Institute released a study linking AFFF exposure and PFAS to thyroid and testicular cancer. A second study estimates that high levels of PFAS exposure increase the likelihood of developing thyroid cancer by more than 50%.

December 2023: Three plaintiffs have died, individual claims are delayed again, and new cases have been filed. The total number of AFFF claims is now over 6,400. Half of these cases involved water contamination and were settled in the October 2023 agreement.

The Hach & Rose, LLP team will provide updates for the MDL as they become available.

Which manufacturers are affected by the AFFF suit?

Multiple manufacturers of firefighting foam are named as defendants in the various AFFF lawsuits:

• Kidde Fire Fighting
• 3M Company
• Dupont
• Tyco Fire Products
• Chubb Fire
• Chemguard
• The Chemours Company
• Buckeye Fire Equipment

These may not be all defendants named in the case. Visit our website for updates.

Bellwether Cases and Settlements

In November 2023, a Case Management Order was issued in the AFFF Multi-District Litigation court, requiring both plaintiffs and defendants to propose several cases to serve as bellwether trials. The deadline for submission was November 14. Fact-specific discovery will happen in these cases, and a final list of claims will be selected as initial test cases.

The courts turned to the municipal cases first, those relating to contaminated water tables and local soil. With those mostly settled, the MDL personal injury claims are being considered for bellwether trials or settlement.

May 2023: Kidde-Fenwal, Inc., an initial defendant in an AFFF bellwether trial, has been removed from the cases after filing for bankruptcy. The judge over the MDL, Judge Gergel, removed the defendant according to bankruptcy laws.

May 2023: The first bellwether (test trial) case for AFFF groundwater contamination was brought by the City of Stuart against 3M Co. et al. It named the following defendants:

• Tyco Fire Products
• DuPont
• 3M

Preliminary motions by the defendants attempted to get some evidence barred from the proceedings, but the court denied the motions.

How Can an AFFF Lawyer Prove My Claim?

Your AFFF lawyer must prove the validity of your suit using layers of evidence to connect your PFAS exposure to your current medical condition. Evidence that may be used in your case includes:

Your medical records, with the initial diagnosis and when the exposure occurred. Your doctor should note how severe your symptoms are and how your condition impacts your life. If you require specialist care, like seeing an oncologist, surgery, or chemotherapy, save those medical records, too.

Your medical bills related to your condition. Also include the cost of prescription medications and treatment, as you’re entitled to seek full compensation for all medical costs related to AFFF exposure. If you need durable medical equipment, in-home care, or a stay in a nursing home, include statements of those costs, too.

You’ll also need proof you were exposed to the PFAS in firefighting foam. The defense may ask in what context you were exposed to the chemicals and for how long. If you cannot provide direct proof that you were exposed to harmful PFAS, your attorney may need other evidence to substantiate your claim. This could include your employment records if you were a firefighter (or volunteer records). If you were in the military, your military file, including duty stations, may be needed.

Compensation Available in AFFF Cases

You could be eligible to demand the following compensation in your AFFF personal injury claim:

• All medical costs related to treatment required because of the exposure
• Lost wages from time missed at work because you were ill or at the doctor’s office or because you had to reduce your hours
• Loss of earning potential if you can’t remain in the same job you had and must take a lower-paying job because of your medical condition
• Pain and suffering from the disease and treatments, like surgery or chemo
• Emotional trauma. Many cancer patients may develop depression or anxiety after receiving the diagnosis
• Diminished quality of life. Your condition can impact your ability to enjoy activities you once loved
• Loss of companionship, consortium, and guidance. Often, chronically ill people’s relationships with family suffer.

These may not be the only losses you suffered because of toxic PFAS exposure. Work with your firefighting foam injury lawyer to determine the maximum compensation available to you.

Who Is Most Affected by AFFF Exposure?

Certain groups of people have a much higher risk of developing cancer and other progressive diseases from AFFF exposure. These include:

• Firefighters, both paid and volunteer
• Members of the U.S. military, especially the Air Force, Navy, and those assigned to firefighting duties
• Families of service members who lived near where AFFF was commonly used
• People who lived in communities where AFFF and PFAS leached into the groundwater
• Airport workers, especially emergency responders and firefighters

Why Work with Hach & Rose, LLP?

A firefighting foam lawyer from Hach & Rose, LLP can advise you of the viability of your firefighting foam personal injury claim. We’ve been following these cases closely since the beginning and working with clients and their families who may have been harmed.

We can evaluate the total cost of your PFAS exposure. We can properly value your claim to account for every dollar you may be entitled to obtain. Our advice is tailored to your situation and condition, focusing on your interests – no one else’s.

Our firm delivers results, even in the most complex MDL, class-action, and mass tort cases. We’re tenacious and experienced, and we’re not afraid to fight for you, even against global corporations like 3M, DuPont, and the rest.

Our services allow you to rest, heal, and spend time with your family. We can take care of all the legal aspects of moving your case forward, including filing the initial case, associated motions, and responding to motions filed by the defense. We can also communicate with the other side on your behalf, so you won’t have to talk with insurance companies or company representatives. You can refer any communication you receive from them to our firm.

At Hach & Rose, LLP, we believe in the rights of people who have been negligently exposed to PFAS from firefighting foam. We work on a contingency basis, which means that you’ll have access to our high-quality legal representation and resources without paying up front. We only assess legal fees if we win your claim.

Are you ready to learn more about your rights after harmful PFAS exposure from firefighting foam? Contact Hach & Rose, LLP today at (212) 779-0057 for a free consultation about your case.