AFFF Lawsuit: What Firefighters Need to Know About Filing a Legal Claim After Exposure

For decades, firefighters across the country used Aqueous Film-Forming Foam (AFFF), a fire retardant  to suppress fuel-based fires, often unaware that the foam contained PFAS, a group of toxic “forever chemicals” now linked to serious health conditions, including kidney cancer, testicular cancer, and other PFAS-related illnesses. This toxic firefighting foam contains harmful chemicals that can be absorbed through skin contact or inhalation, increasing the health risks faced by firefighters.

At The Ferraro Law Firm, we’ve supported firefighters and first responders in toxic exposure litigation, including high-stakes cases involving AFFF manufacturers who failed to warn about the dangers. This includes involvement in AFFF litigation and AFFF cancer lawsuits, which address the broader legal context of health risks and water contamination caused by AFFF exposure. If you or someone you serve with has been diagnosed with one of the known PFAS-related conditions, this guide is for you.

What Is Aqueous Film Forming Foam (AFFF)—and Why Is It Dangerous?

AFFF, or aqueous film forming foam, is a fire suppressant foam used by military units, airport crews, and civilian fire departments to extinguish flammable liquid fires. While effective, it often contains per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)—man-made chemicals known to accumulate in the body over time.

PFAS exposure has been linked to:

• Kidney cancer
• Testicular cancer
• Liver cancer
• Thyroid disease
• Thyroid cancer
• Ulcerative colitis

PFAS are the primary harmful chemicals in AFFF.

Despite internal research showing long-term health risks, many AFFF manufacturers failed to adequately warn firefighters about the dangers. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals, especially among firefighters and military personnel, increases the risk of developing these serious health conditions.

Understanding Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)

Per and polyfluoroalkyl substances, commonly known as PFAS, are a group of man-made chemicals that have been widely used in products like AFFF firefighting foam because of their resistance to heat, water, and oil. These unique properties made PFAS essential in fighting dangerous fires, but they also come with significant health risks.The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has recognized that exposure to PFAS can lead to serious health outcomes, including kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, and thyroid disease.

If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently developed a health condition such as kidney cancer or thyroid cancer, you may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit. Even if your exposure happened years ago, or you’re unsure of the exact circumstances, you may still be eligible to file an AFFF injury claim. Understanding the risks associated with PFAS is crucial for anyone who has worked with firefighting foam and subsequently experienced health issues. If you have been exposed to AFFF or suspect exposure to PFAS, it’s important to know your rights and explore your legal options.

The Dangers of Forever Chemicals

PFAS are often called “forever chemicals” because they do not break down easily in the environment or the human body. This means that once you are exposed to AFFF firefighting foam, these chemicals persist and can accumulate over time, increasing the risk of developing serious health problems. Studies have linked AFFF exposure to kidney cancer, thyroid cancer, liver cancer, and testicular cancer.

AFFF firefighting foam lawsuits have been filed by individuals who believe manufacturers failed to warn them about these health risks. If you have been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and are worried about your health, it’s important to speak with an experienced AFFF lawyer. Firefighting foam lawsuits are helping to hold manufacturers accountable for the dangers of forever chemicals, and a knowledgeable attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of filing an AFFF lawsuit.

Health Risks Associated with AFFF Exposure

Being exposed to AFFF firefighting foam can increase your risk for several serious health conditions. Research has linked AFFF exposure to kidney cancer, testicular cancer, liver cancer, thyroid disease, thyroid cancer, and ulcerative colitis. These health risks are significant, and anyone who has worked with or around AFFF firefighting foam may be eligible to file an AFFF lawsuit if they have subsequently developed a related illness.

AFFF lawyers are actively investigating claims for individuals who have been diagnosed with these conditions after exposure to AFFF. If you or a loved one has been exposed to AFFF firefighting foam and subsequently developed a health problem, you may be eligible to receive compensation through an AFFF settlement. Don’t wait to seek help—understanding your eligibility to file and working with experienced legal professionals can make all the difference in your recovery and your future.

Who Can File an AFFF Claim?

If you’re a current or former firefighter, military firefighter, military personnel, or worked in a facility where AFFF was regularly used and you were later diagnosed with a PFAS-related condition, you may be eligible to file a claim.

You may qualify even if:

• Your exposure was decades ago
• You no longer work in the fire service
• You’re not sure exactly when or where you were exposed
• You’ve never filed a lawsuit before

Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to pursue AFFF personal injury claims, personal injury claims, AFFF claims, or firefighter personal injury lawsuits.

The Ferraro Law Firm is actively reviewing AFFF cases nationwide. There are no upfront costs, and consultations are always free.

What Does the Legal Process Look Like?

AFFF cases are part of multi-district litigation (MDL), which allows similar lawsuits to be grouped together for more efficient handling. Here’s what the general process looks like:

Step-by-Step Timeline of an AFFF Case:

Step 1 – Initial Consultation: You speak with an attorney to determine whether your health history, exposure timeline, and diagnosis qualify for a claim.

Step 2 – Case Review and Documentation: We gather medical records, work history, and exposure details—no upfront costs to you.

Step 3 – Filing the Claim: Most cases are filed and consolidated in the United States District Court for the District of South Carolina, which serves as the federal court overseeing these cases. 

Step 4 – Manufacturer Investigation and Discovery: We pursue evidence that manufacturers knew about PFAS risks and failed to warn the public. Scientific evidence is crucial in proving the link between AFFF exposure and health risks.

Step 5 – Settlement Negotiation or Trial: Many MDL cases result in global settlements, but The Ferraro Law Firm is fully prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

Step 6 – Resolution and Compensation: If successful, compensation can help cover medical expenses, loss of income, long-term care, and more.

Common Questions We Hear from Firefighters About AFFF Exposure

Q: How do I know if I was exposed to AFFF?
A: If you worked in fire suppression roles—especially in airport, industrial, or military settings—there’s a high chance AFFF was used during training or emergency response. For example, firefighters may have been exposed to firefighting foam during incidents involving jet fuel fires, where AFFF was commonly used.

Q: What if my department told me the foam was safe?
A: You’re not alone. Many departments used AFFF based on manufacturer assurances. The focus of the lawsuit is on the companies that knew the risks and failed to share them, particularly those involved in producing toxic firefighting foams such as Tyco Fire Products.

Q: What does it cost to file a claim?
A: There are no upfront legal fees. The Ferraro Law Firm handles these cases on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win. If you have questions about your case, consider consulting a firefighting foam lawyer for guidance.

Q: Will this affect my retirement or pension?
A: No. Filing a legal claim against a foam manufacturer does not impact your benefits or your relationship with your department.

Q: Does The Ferraro Law Firm offer free consultations?
A: Yes. We offer free, confidential consultations to help firefighters and their families understand their legal options after potential AFFF exposure.

Q: Can The Ferraro Law Firm help firefighters outside of Florida?
A: Yes. Although based in Florida, The Ferraro Law Firm represents clients nationwide in toxic exposure cases, including AFFF-related claims. If you or a loved one served as a firefighter anywhere in the U.S., we can evaluate your potential case.

Why The Ferraro Law Firm?

At The Ferraro Law Firm, we’ve handled complex product liability and toxic exposure cases for over four decades. We’ve represented first responders, veterans, and working families harmed by corporate negligence—and we understand how to hold powerful manufacturers accountable. Our firm has extensive experience representing clients harmed by exposure to firefighting foam, toxic substances, and PFAS contamination.

We work with medical experts, exposure analysts, and industry investigators to build strong cases for our clients. Our team is experienced in handling environmental contamination and wrongful death claims related to AFFF exposure. If you’re ready to take the next step, we’re ready to stand with you. Call (833) 497-4225 or fill out our free case review form on our homepage.