FAQ: Will There Be an AFFF Foam Settlement in 2024?

As we’ll discuss further in this article, the potential settlement amounts for AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits depend on several factors.

To build a successful AFFF lawsuit, plaintiffs must provide detailed evidence of exposure to the foam, medical documentation of treatments, and other related information to support their claims.

No settlements have been finalized in the AFFF litigation yet, but AFFF lawyers believe that settlement amounts could range from $20,000 to $600,000 (or more), based on the details and individual circumstances of each case.

These estimates are not guaranteed and are based on previous mass tort cases and settlements involving cancer diagnoses.

The final compensation will vary depending on the unique details of each case.

Previous Settlement Amounts in AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

AFFF lawsuits have been filed on behalf of individuals exposed to firefighting foam either through occupational contact or environmental contamination.

While specific AFFF-related settlements are still pending, previous lawsuits involving PFAS contamination offer some insight into potential outcomes.

For instance, in March 2020, a court ordered DuPont to pay $50 million to a testicular cancer victim who had been exposed to PFAS chemicals through contaminated drinking water.

The lawsuit claimed the victim’s diagnosis was linked to PFAS seepage into the water supply from AFFF.

Notable AFFF Lawsuits include, but are not limited to:

• In February 2020, the National Rural Water Association (NRWA) initiated a lawsuit against leading AFFF manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products. The lawsuit alleged that these companies knowingly produced and sold products containing harmful PFAS chemicals, which have had adverse effects on humans, animals, and the environment.
• A separate lawsuit was filed in New York on behalf of military personnel who were exposed to AFFF during their service. This case also names several AFFF manufacturers, including 3M, DuPont, Chemours, and Tyco Fire Products, among others.

Historical Settlement Amounts in PFAS Contamination Cases

Lawsuits related to PFAS contamination in drinking water have led to settlements:

• In September 2022, 3M and Wolverine Worldwide reached a $54 million settlement in a PFAS lawsuit involving residents of Kent County, Michigan.
• In February 2017, DuPont agreed to a $671 million settlement to resolve thousands of lawsuits connected to PFAS contamination in West Virginia waterways.

Although some AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have led to settlements in the past, the potential settlement amounts in each case can vary significantly, depending on the strength of the claim and individual circumstances.

Factors that can influence a settlement amount in an AFFF lawsuit include:

• The degree and duration of exposure to firefighting foam
• Diagnosis details, particularly any cancer linked to AFFF exposure
• Medical expenses and the cost of ongoing treatment
• Other compensatory or punitive damages related to the case

The overall strength of an AFFF lawsuit is determined by the evidence gathered, the extent of the damages calculated, and the liability established by the legal team.

Importance of Evidence in Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

In AFFF lawsuits, gathering the right evidence is important to the success of a claim.

Documented evidence can impact the outcome of the settlement process.

Evidence in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits may include:

• Details of cancer diagnosis or other related health conditions
• Medical records
• Documentation of AFFF exposure sites
• Employment history or records of AFFF exposure
• Testimonies from individuals or witnesses
• Any other proof validating exposure to firefighting foam

Compensation for Damages in AFFF Lawsuits

Damages refer to the various losses, both economic and non-economic, that individuals may have suffered due to AFFF exposure.

These can range from medical bills to the broader impacts on quality of life.

Damages in AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits may include:

• Medical costs, including treatment and therapies
• Lost wages due to inability to work
• Emotional distress, pain, and suffering
• Reduced earning capacity
• Diminished quality of life
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Anticipated future medical expenses
• Loss of companionship or support

Establishing Liability in AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuits

Establishing liability is a key component in an AFFF lawsuit.

The experienced firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner law firms will work to identify the companies responsible for manufacturing or distributing the firefighting foam that led to the harmful exposure cited in these cases.

Many companies have been involved in AFFF lawsuits, with several being held accountable for their role in producing these harmful chemicals.

These companies include, but are not limited to:

• Chemguard Inc.
• DuPont de Nemours Inc.
• Tyco Fire Products
• 3M
• Other AFFF manufacturers

Liability is determined based on the evidence gathered and the circumstances of the exposure.

The AFFF firefighting foam lawyers at TruLaw and our partner firms work diligently to build strong AFFF firefighting foam cases that seek compensation from those responsible for damages caused by their AFFF products.

Use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to determine if you qualify to file an AFFF cancer lawsuit.

Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF) has been extensively used by fire departments, military bases, and airports to combat highly flammable liquid fires, such as those involving oil, gasoline, and jet fuel.

Since its introduction in the 1970s, AFFF has served as a powerful fire suppressant, though its use has diminished in many firefighting operations today.

However, in some high-risk situations, AFFF is still in use.

AFFF contains PFAS chemicals, commonly known as “forever chemicals,” because they remain in the environment and the human body for extended periods without breaking down.

These chemicals have been linked to a range of health concerns.

PFAS contamination has been associated with numerous health effects, including:

Cancer Diagnoses Linked to AFFF Exposure

Thyroid cancer, bladder cancer, and various other forms of cancer diagnoses have been linked to long-term AFFF firefighting foam exposure.

Types of cancers linked to AFFF exposure include, but are not limited to:

• Bladder cancer
• Breast cancer
• Colon cancer
• Colorectal cancer
• Endometrial cancer
• Kidney cancer
• Leukemia
• Liver cancer
• Lymphoma
• Mesothelioma
• Multiple Myeloma
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
• Ovarian cancer
• Pancreatic cancer
• Prostate cancer
• Rectal cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Thyroid cancer

Other Health Issues Associated with AFFF Foam

Other health issues linked to AFFF exposure include, but are not limited to:

• Thyroid disease
• Ulcerative Colitis
• Birth defects and other reproductive issues
• Developmental problems
• Heart disease
• Hormonal imbalances
• Immune system disorders
• Increased cholesterol levels
• Increased risk of high blood pressure or pre-eclampsia in pregnant women
• Liver damage and changes in liver enzymes
• Neuroendocrine tumors
• Reproductive issues
• Skin and eye irritation
• Other health complications

At TruLaw, we recognize the serious health challenges faced by individuals exposed to AFFF and its harmful chemicals.

We are actively working to help those affected explore their legal options and seek potential compensation for health complications related to AFFF exposure.

At TruLaw, we are actively accepting clients for AFFF lawsuits across all 50 states.

It’s important to note that TruLaw is only accepting clients with AFFF personal injury claims — we are not accepting clients for the AFFF municipal water contamination cases.

We understand the challenges faced by individuals dealing with health issues potentially linked to long-term exposure to harmful chemicals in firefighting foam.

If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with cancer or experienced other health problems after consistent exposure to AFFF firefighting foam, you may be eligible to file an AFFF Firefighting Foam Lawsuit.

Use the chat on this page for an instant case evaluation to determine if you qualify to file an AFFF lawsuit.