AFFF Liver Cancer Lawsuit

Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF) has been the standard firefighting tool for military bases, airports, and fire departments since the 1960s, containing synthetic chemicals called PFAS that are now scientifically linked to liver cancer through multiple peer-reviewed studies.

Recent research from the University of Southern California demonstrates that individuals with high levels of PFOS (a key PFAS component in AFFF) face a 4.5-fold increased risk of developing hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common form of liver cancer, findings supported by ongoing National Cancer Institute research into PFAS cancer risks.

The National Cancer Institute (NCI) and Environmental Protection Agency have both issued warnings about the cancer-causing potential of these “forever chemicals” that accumulate in human bodies over decades of exposure.

What Makes AFFF Dangerous to Human Health

PFAS chemicals are known as “forever chemicals” because they don’t break down naturally in the environment or human body, accumulating over decades of exposure and causing long-term health damage.

These synthetic compounds include perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS), which are the primary toxic components found in firefighting foam products used by firefighters and military personnel.

The specific PFAS compounds found in AFFF typically include:

• PFOA (Perfluorooctanoic acid): Associated with both liver cancer and kidney cancer development in exposed individuals.
• PFOS (Perfluorooctane sulfonic acid): Strongly linked to hepatocellular carcinoma risk, with studies showing 4.5-fold increased cancer rates.
• PFHxS (Perfluorohexane sulfonic acid): Causes direct liver toxicity and disrupts metabolic functions.
• PFNA (Perfluorononanoic acid): Connected to elevated liver enzyme levels indicating hepatic damage.
• PFBS (Perfluorobutane sulfonic acid): Contributes to chronic liver inflammation and cellular stress.

These chemicals damage liver cells through oxidative stress and inflammation, with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and CDC issuing specific warnings about PFAS toxicity levels exceeding safe exposure limits in firefighting personnel.

The liver’s role in filtering toxins makes it particularly vulnerable to PFAS accumulation, leading to cellular damage that can progress to cancerous tumors over time.

Scientific Evidence Linking AFFF to Liver Cancer

The landmark University of Southern California study published in JHEP Reports found that individuals with PFOS blood levels at the 90th percentile (above 55 μg/L) had a 4.5-fold increased risk to develop hepatocellular carcinoma compared to those with lower exposure levels.

This groundbreaking research examined blood samples from a multiethnic cohort and used advanced metabolomics to identify the biological pathways through which PFAS chemicals cause liver cancer.

The types of liver cancer linked to exposure to PFAS include, but are not limited to:

• Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC): The most common primary liver cancer, accounting for approximately 75% of cases.
• Cholangiocarcinoma: Bile duct cancer specifically associated with long-term PFAS exposure.
• Non-viral hepatocellular carcinoma: Liver cancer developing without hepatitis infection as a contributing factor.
• Liver metastases: Secondary cancers that spread to liver tissue from other primary sites.

The connection between PFAS and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) serves as a precursor to liver cancer, with CDC/ATSDR documenting various health effects showing that PFAS exposure increases NAFLD risk by up to 73% in heavily exposed individuals.

This progression from fatty liver disease to cirrhosis and eventually to liver cancer represents a well-documented pathway that affects thousands of firefighters and military personnel exposed to AFFF.

Recent studies have also identified links between PFAS exposure and other cancers, including testicular cancer, prostate cancer, and thyroid cancer, demonstrating the widespread carcinogenic effects of these chemicals beyond just liver tissue.

Who Faces the Highest Risk of AFFF-Related Liver Cancer

Military personnel, civilian firefighters, airport workers, and industrial facility workers face the highest risk of AFFF-related liver cancer due to repeated occupational exposure during training exercises, emergency responses, and equipment maintenance.

Veterans who served at military installations between 1970 and 2024 experienced particularly intense levels from prolonged exposure to AFFF (as AFFF was routinely used in training exercises without proper protective equipment or health warnings).

The specific exposure scenarios that increase liver cancer risk frequently consist of:

1. Military firefighting training exercises: Direct contact with AFFF foam during repeated training drills without protective equipment.
2. Emergency response activities: Active firefighting at airports and military bases involving concentrated AFFF deployment.
3. Equipment testing and maintenance: Regular handling of AFFF systems during routine inspections and repairs.
4. Base housing contamination: Living in military housing near PFAS-contaminated groundwater sources.
5. Industrial facility exposure: Working at facilities using PFAS-containing fire suppression systems.
6. Cleanup and remediation work: Direct contact during PFAS-contaminated site cleanup operations.

Veterans face particularly elevated exposure levels from years of repeated contact during training exercises firefighters conducted at military installations with documented PFAS contamination, including Camp Lejeune, Dover Air Force Base, and hundreds of other facilities where groundwater contamination exceeds EPA safety limits.

The Department of Defense has acknowledged PFAS contamination at military installations and is working to phase out AFFF use.

If you or a loved one developed liver cancer after exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an AFFF Lawsuit today.

Early detection of liver cancer is vital for AFFF-exposed individuals, as this aggressive disease often develops without noticeable early symptoms and can progress rapidly once established.

Discussing your AFFF exposure history with healthcare providers is important for proper diagnosis and documentation that supports both medical treatment and potential legal claims.

The latency period between AFFF exposure and developing cancer can range from 10 to 40 years, making it important for exposed individuals to maintain regular medical monitoring throughout their lifetime.

Common Symptoms of AFFF-Related Liver Cancer

The primary symptoms of liver cancer include unexplained weight loss, persistent upper right abdominal pain or swelling, and jaundice (yellowing of skin and eyes), which often appear as the disease progresses beyond early stages.

These symptoms develop as liver tumors grow and interfere with normal liver function, causing toxins to accumulate in the bloodstream and affecting multiple body systems.

Additional symptoms that may indicate liver cancer include:

• Persistent fatigue and weakness: Extreme tiredness not relieved by rest or sleep.
• Complete loss of appetite: Lasting several weeks and accompanied by unintentional weight loss.
• Upper abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting: Particularly severe after meals or when lying down.
• Enlarged liver or spleen: Detectable during physical examination as abdominal swelling.
• Fluid accumulation (ascites): Visible abdominal distention from fluid buildup.
• Dark urine and pale stools: Indicating bile duct obstruction or liver dysfunction.
• Fever and night sweats: Recurring episodes without infection present.
• Easy bruising or bleeding: Due to liver’s inability to produce clotting factors.

Symptoms may develop gradually over months or years, with early-stage liver cancer often presenting no noticeable symptoms until the disease reaches advanced stages where treatment options become more limited.

The insidious nature of liver cancer makes regular screening important for individuals with known AFFF exposure, as early detection greatly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates.

PFAS exposure has also been linked to other serious health issues including ulcerative colitis and thyroid disease, which may occur alongside or independently of cancer development.

Medical Testing and Diagnosis for AFFF Exposure

Blood tests can detect PFAS levels in the body, measuring specific biomarkers for PFOA and PFOS concentrations that indicate exposure levels and help establish causation links between AFFF contact and liver cancer development.

These specialized tests require particular laboratory capabilities and should be performed by healthcare providers familiar with occupational exposure assessment and PFAS toxicology.

Diagnostic tests used to detect liver cancer can include:

1. Liver function tests (ALT, AST, bilirubin): Initial screening to assess liver damage and functionality.
2. Alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) tumor markers: Blood tests showing elevated levels in liver cancer cases.
3. Imaging studies (CT, MRI, ultrasound): Advanced visualization to identify and measure liver tumors.
4. Liver biopsy: Definitive tissue sampling for cancer diagnosis and staging determination.
5. Complete blood count: Checking for anemia and infection that may complicate treatment.
6. Coagulation studies: Assessing blood clotting function before invasive procedures.
7. Hepatitis B and C testing: Ruling out viral causes to strengthen AFFF causation claims.

Documenting exposure history, test results, and medical records is vital for both treatment planning and supporting future AFFF personal injury claims against AFFF manufacturers.

Healthcare providers should be informed about occupational AFFF exposure to ensure appropriate testing protocols and to establish medical records that demonstrate the connection between chemical exposure and cancer development.

The legal process of filing an AFFF liver cancer lawsuit involves gathering comprehensive evidence of exposure and medical diagnosis, working with attorneys experienced in mass tort litigation, and acting within statute of limitations deadlines that vary by state.

Knowing the AFFF MDL procedures and scientific evidence requirements is important for building a strong case that optimizes compensation potential.

Early action is vital, as evidence preservation and timely filing can greatly impact case outcomes and settlement values.

Qualifying for an AFFF Liver Cancer Claim

Qualifying for AFFF liver cancer lawsuits requires documented occupational exposure to firefighting foam, typically lasting at least six months, along with a primary liver cancer diagnosis after 1970.

Exposure can include:

• Direct contact during firefighting activities, training exercises, equipment maintenance; or
• Residing near contaminated military bases, airports, or industrial facilities where AFFF was used (as prolonged contact with contaminated drinking water represents another major risk factor).

Qualifying criteria for AFFF liver cancer claims typically involve:

• Liver cancer diagnosis: Confirmed hepatocellular carcinoma or cholangiocarcinoma diagnosis from qualified oncologist.
• Documented AFFF exposure: Verifiable contact through employment records or military service documentation.
• Exposure duration: Typically exceeding six months of regular occupational contact with firefighting foam.
• Timeline requirements: Cancer diagnosis occurring after 1970 when AFFF became widely used.
• Employment verification: Records showing firefighting, military service, or work at contaminated facilities.
• Medical documentation: Complete records confirming primary liver cancer diagnosis and treatment history.

Both hepatocellular carcinoma and cholangiocarcinoma diagnoses qualify for compensation, and having multiple risk factors such as alcohol use or hepatitis doesn’t automatically disqualify claims if AFFF exposure can be documented.

The key is establishing a clear timeline between exposure and diagnosis, supported by employment records and medical documentation demonstrating the adverse health effects of PFAS exposure.

Evidence Needed for Your AFFF Lawsuit

Required documentation includes employment records showing firefighting or military service, DD-214 military discharge forms, and complete medical records confirming liver cancer diagnosis and treatment history.

Preserving all relevant documents is vital, as these records form the foundation of your personal injury claims and help establish the connection between AFFF exposure and cancer development.

Supporting evidence that strengthens AFFF cancer lawsuits commonly includes:

• Witness statements: Sworn testimonies from colleagues confirming exposure circumstances and duration.
• Training records: Documentation showing participation in AFFF-related exercises and drills.
• Base housing records: Proof of residence in contaminated areas for family member exposure claims involving drinking water contamination.
• PFAS blood test results: Laboratory reports showing elevated PFOA/PFOS levels above background populations.
• Medical expert opinions: Specialist reports linking chemical exposure to cancer development.
• Employment history: Complete work records at facilities with documented PFAS contamination.
• Visual documentation: Photographs or videos showing direct AFFF exposure during service.

Preserving all documents and avoiding destruction of any potential evidence is vital once litigation is contemplated, as spoliation of evidence can severely damage your AFFF firefighting foam cases.

Even seemingly minor documents like training schedules or work assignments can provide valuable evidence of exposure timing and duration.

Working with an AFFF Attorney

Specialized legal representation provides important advantages including comprehensive knowledge of the AFFF firefighting foam MDL procedures, access to leading scientific experts, and extensive experience with mass tort litigation against major corporations.

Experienced AFFF lawyers know the detailed scientific evidence required to prove causation and have established relationships with medical experts who can support your case.

Attorney services that support successful firefighting foam cancer lawsuits may include:

1. Free case evaluation: Initial assessment to determine eligibility and potential case strength.
2. Evidence gathering assistance: Professional support in obtaining comprehensive exposure documentation.
3. Expert witness coordination: Connecting cases with leading toxicologists and oncologists for testimony.
4. Settlement negotiation: Experienced representation in discussions with defendant corporations.
5. Trial preparation: Full litigation support if cases proceed beyond settlement negotiations.
6. MDL coordination: Managing procedural requirements and court deadlines within the multidistrict litigation.

Contingency fee arrangements mean no upfront costs for clients, with attorneys typically receiving 33-40% of any settlement or verdict amount only if the case is successful.

This fee structure allows injured individuals to pursue justice against major corporations without financial risk, ensuring access to high-quality legal representation from an experienced law firm regardless of economic circumstances.

If you or a loved one developed liver cancer after exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an AFFF Lawsuit today.

Our lead AFFF firefighting foam attorney at TruLaw is dedicated to supporting clients through the process of filing a claim in the AFFF litigation.

With extensive experience in chemical-exposure litigation, Jessica Paluch-Hoerman and our partner law firms work with industry leaders to prove how toxic PFAS chemicals in AFFF firefighting foam — and the resulting contamination of water supplies—caused you harm.

TruLaw focuses on securing financial compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, property damage, lost income, and ongoing health monitoring resulting from your AFFF exposure and the associated health risks.

We know the health and environmental impacts of AFFF firefighting foam on your life and provide the personalized guidance you need when seeking justice.

Meet the Lead AFFF Firefighting Foam Attorney at TruLaw

Meet our lead AFFF Firefighting Foam attorney:

• Jessica Paluch-Hoerman: As founder and managing attorney of TruLaw, Jessica brings her product-liability and personal-injury experience to a client-centered approach that prioritizes open communication and personalized attention. Through TruLaw and its partner firms, she has helped recover more than $3 billion for injured individuals across all 50 states via verdicts and negotiated settlements.

How much does hiring an AFFF firefighting foam lawyer from TruLaw cost?

At TruLaw, we believe financial concerns should never stand in the way of justice.

We operate on a contingency-fee basis — you pay legal fees only after you recover compensation.

If you or a loved one developed cancer or another serious illness after long-term exposure to AFFF firefighting foam (or PFAS-contaminated water linked to AFFF use), you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and determine whether you qualify to join others in filing an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit today.

AFFF lawsuits are being filed by firefighters, military veterans, airport personnel, and others nationwide after years of repeated exposure to toxic firefighting foam (AFFF) that contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).

TruLaw is currently accepting clients for the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.

A few reasons to choose TruLaw for your AFFF cancer lawsuit include:

• If We Don’t Win, You Don’t Pay: The AFFF firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms work on a contingency-fee basis— we only get paid if you win.
• Expertise: We have decades of experience handling toxic-exposure cases like the AFFF firefighting foam lawsuit.
• Successful Track Record: TruLaw and our partner firms have helped clients recover billions of dollars in compensation through verdicts and negotiated settlements.

If you or a loved one developed cancer or another serious illness after long-term exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be eligible to seek compensation.

Contact TruLaw using the chat on this page to receive an instant case evaluation and learn whether you qualify for the AFFF Lawsuit today.